Major Gift Officer

Major Gift Officer (or Campaign Gift Officer)

Department:
Office of Advancement
Supervisor:
Keith Potter
Status:
Full-time, benefit eligible

Founded in 1895, Bushnell University provides a holistic Christian education, fostering wisdom, faith, and service in its students. In joining the staff here, you will be part of an academic community that seeks to cultivate your faith while you make a difference in the lives of our students. Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant university district, which also includes the University of Oregon.

Eugene is a college town small enough to know your neighbors and large enough to offer fantastic arts, entertainment, dining, healthcare, and educational opportunities. It is also an ideal place to enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest, being just one hour from the Oregon Coast, one hour from the Cascade Mountains, and less than two hours from Portland and the Columbia River Gorge.

The Major Gift Officer (MGO) advances the mission of the college by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors who are inspired to invest in Christ‑centered education. This role manages a portfolio of major gift prospects and leads the institution’s planned and estate giving efforts. The MGO plays a key role in the college’s comprehensive capital campaign, partnering with campus leadership to secure transformational gifts that strengthen the institution’s long‑term impact and sustainability.

• Manage a portfolio of 100–150 major gift prospects including alumni, parents, friends, churches, and community partners who resonate with the college’s faith‑based mission.
• Develop individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies that integrate donors’ philanthropic goals with the college’s campaign priorities.
• Conduct regular donor visits to advance relationships and secure major gifts at the $10,000+ level.
• Serve as a frontline ambassador for the comprehensive campaign, communicating vision, progress, and opportunities for leadership‑level investment.
• Collaborate with the President, VP for Advancement, and campaign volunteers to support high‑level solicitations and strategic donor engagement.

• Lead the college’s planned giving program, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, beneficiary designations, and other deferred giving vehicles.
• Identify planned giving prospects within the major gift portfolio and broader donor community, including church partners and legacy‑minded supporters.
• Provide donors with clear, mission‑aligned information about planned giving options (without offering legal or financial advice).
• Strengthen and grow the Legacy Society stewardship, events, and targeted communication.
• Coordinate with legal and financial advisors, ensuring planned gifts are structured in alignment with donor intent and institutional policy.

• Engage donors in ways that reflect the college’s Christian identity, including prayerful discernment, mission storytelling, and values‑based relationship building.
• Communicate how gifts advance Christ‑centered education, student formation, and the college’s long‑term ministry impact.
• Support donor events, church‑based engagement opportunities, and mission‑focused gatherings that deepen community connection.

• Ensure timely, meaningful stewardship for all major and planned gifts, including campaign‑specific recognition.
• Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, and projections in partnership with Donor Relations.
• Provide regular updates on portfolio activity, campaign progress, and revenue forecasts.

• Work closely with academic leaders, faculty, and ministry partners to align donor interests with institutional priorities.
• Participate in campaign planning, case development, and volunteer training.
• Contribute to a collaborative, mission‑centered Advancement team culture.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
• 3–5 years of fundraising…