Major Gifts Officer

Job Purpose

The Major Gifts Officer, Western Region is a front‑line fundraising professional responsible for managing a pool of alumni prospects with a giving potential of $100,000 and greater, with a primary address in the western United States. The role involves qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects and donors. It includes development of written annual work plans, achieving performance goals, and preparing reports on activities.

The Officer ensures the integrity of information in the school’s development database relevant to assigned prospects.

• Build and maintain meaningful, long‑term relationships with alumni in the Western region of the U.S., serving as a trusted partner and point of connection to the Taft community.
• Manage a portfolio of prospects, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts from within the alumni community.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Philanthropy to develop strategies for prospect meetings, engagement, and solicitations, including regular travel.
• Prepare proposals and materials for solicitation and stewardship, including documentation for accurate gift recording and use, acknowledgments, and reporting.
• Work with school partners, including the Alumni and Development team, academic leaders, faculty, and senior administrators, to develop meaningful engagement opportunities for major gift prospects.
• Collaborate on regional prospect events and programs that foster philanthropy on and off campus.
• Proactively connect with alumni in the Western region to keep them informed and engaged with the Taft community.
• Demonstrate multicultural awareness and contribute to cultivating an inclusive, diverse, and respectful school community.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all visits and prospect activity.

• Bachelor’s degree and five+ years of directly related fundraising experience in higher education or nonprofits, preferably in a frontline advancement capacity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work and interact respectfully within a diverse and inclusive environment, with a commitment to higher education.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships, including gift solicitation.
• Experience working with volunteers and a proven track record of collaboration in a team environment.
• Ability to speak credibly about independent school education and Taft’s mission and vision.
• Ability to develop relationships with high net worth individuals across a broad range of professions.
• Capacity to travel within the U.S. and attend school functions during and after normal business hours.
• Deep personal integrity and a strong work ethic.

The Taft School is an affirmative action‑equal opportunity employer in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. It is the policy of The Taft School to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to age, gender, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, actual or perceived disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran's status, genetic predisposition or any other class protected by law.