Major Gifts Officer, Columbia College and Arts & Sciences

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Major Gifts, Columbia College and Arts & Sciences, the Major Gifts Officer serves as a key member of a dynamic fundraising team and is responsible for moving a portfolio of 150 prospects through the complete giving cycle: validation, engagement, cultivation, solicitation, gift negotiation, and stewardship.

The Major Gifts team plays a vital role in the fundraising success of Columbia’s undergraduate, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences ecosystem. This position will collaborate with University officials, faculty, the Deputy Vice President for Development, campaign volunteers, and colleagues throughout the Alumni Relations and Development community.

• Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards alumni, parents, and friends of Columbia College and Arts & Sciences, with a focus on securing major gifts and building the philanthropic pipeline.
• Conducts a minimum of 150 substantive prospect meetings annually to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors.
• Completes a minimum of 15 major gift solicitations, 25 leadership annual fund solicitations, and 10 planned giving conversations annually.
• Conducts regular qualification and discovery meetings with prospects and alumni who have not previously been engaged to assess philanthropic interests, giving potential, and opportunities for involvement.
• Builds and manages relationships with prospects and donors to encourage continued and increased support and participates in events and other engagement opportunities that facilitate meaningful prospect interaction.
• Collaborates closely with Major Gifts colleagues and partners across the University, including faculty, academic leaders, volunteers, and other development professionals, to develop and execute effective fundraising strategies.
• Manages a portfolio that may include both New York-based and regional prospects and requires regular travel for prospect meetings, events, and other development activities.
• Maintains accurate and timely records of prospect activity, strategies, contacts, and outcomes in the University's advancement database.
• Prepares compelling and customized fundraising materials, including proposals, solicitation materials, briefings, and executive summaries.
• Partners actively with colleagues across the Office of Alumni Relations and Development and the University to advance fundraising priorities, strengthen collaborative relationships, and increase major gift production.
• Performs other related duties and participates in special projects as assigned.

• A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of fundraising or related development experience required.
• Demonstrated success in achieving fundraising goals and managing high-level donor relationships.
• Proven ability to present complex information in a clear and compelling manner is essential.
• Ability to clearly comprehend and communicate the University’s mission and ongoing initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated excellence in a variety of competencies including: project management, teamwork, analytical thinking, and client/customer awareness.
• Ability to manage changing priorities and multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including a high level of attention to detail and strong active listening skills.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
• Some evening work is required.

• An advanced degree is preferred.
• Prior experience in a not for profit, or similarly complex organization, preferred.

• Subject to business needs, the Office of Alumni Relations and Development supports a hybrid work arrangement for this position. Options will be discussed during the interview process.