The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland seeks a dynamic and creative Major Gifts Officer to cultivate and solicit individual donors for the Clark School’s initiatives and priorities.  Reporting to the Clark School’s Director of Development, the candidate will apply knowledge and understanding of the University of Maryland and the Clark School of Engineering, its traditions, programs, campus issues, needs and priorities to the development process.  They must be able to persuasively discuss academic programs, needs and priorities with prospective donors and volunteers.  

The candidate will be assigned to support the major gift activities of several departments and/or programs and geographic areas outside of the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia areas.  The Major Gifts Officer will work collaboratively with volunteers and other development colleagues, alumni relations staff, department chairs, and faculty to meet department and school fundraising objectives.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Manage a portfolio of 100-125 prospects, cultivate and solicit individual donors at the $50,000 level and above.
• Make a minimum of 10-12 prospect visits each month, both locally and nationally. Additional metrics including number of solicitations per year and gifts closed per year will be determined annually.

The Major Gifts Officer will monitor all prospect contacts in their assigned departments to ensure positive and purposeful prospect and donor relations. They will organize, assist with, and attend programming and event activities for the Clark School, and the university as appropriate. The Major Gifts Officer may take on special fundraising projects within their assigned academic departments and units, as approved by the Director of Development.

Working closely with their assigned departments’ chairs, the Major Gifts Officer will provide strategic support for the departments’ boards.

The Major Gifts Officer may be required to work evening and weekends as necessary. Local and national travel will be required.

Education (include licenses, certifications, etc.):
Bachelor’s degree required.
 
Experience:
• Minimum of three to five years of successful development/fundraising experience, including two years of soliciting individual major or leadership gifts.
• A proven track record of qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding prospects and donors in the five to six figure range.
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of best practices in the advancement field. 
• Demonstrate an interest in higher education advancement and be able to represent the University of Maryland in a highly professional and effective manner. 
• Ability to learn and promote the mission of the Clark School. 
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and work independently, while also serving as a prominent and enthusiastic member of the college’s development team. 
• Strong interpersonal skills that will enable him/her to work well with diverse groups of constituents and colleagues. 
• Strong writing, communication, and listening skills.