Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, this is a fundraising position responsible for relationship management leading to the identification, engagement, cultivation, and solicitation of individual major gift prospects. Supporting the priorities within Elmhurst 150: The Campaign for Elmhurst University, the primary responsibility of this position is to obtain private major and planned gift support at the highest level. While the highest priority is to generate charitable gift revenue, this position will focus on securing major gifts of $5,000 or more.

Essential Functions: 

• Identifies major gift prospects within the assigned geographic area and works with prospect research staff to evaluate giving potential.
• Develops, designs, and implements engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for specific major gift prospects (donors of $5K and higher on an annual basis).
• Cultivates meaningful relationships with donors on an individual basis via all available channels (phone, email, mail, visits in-person and virtually)
• Collaborates with other Gift Officers and appropriate institutional representatives (including the Vice President for Institutional Advancement).
• Stewards principal gift donors and serves as a donor’s connection to the University.
• Writes and presents proposals for major gifts.
• Work effectively with others by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listening to and objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others; keeping commitments; keeping others informed of work progress, timetables, and issues; addressing problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical solutions; and respecting the diversity of our work force in actions, words, and deeds.
• Demonstrate a willingness to work on behalf of the University outside of traditional working hours.
• Demonstrate a willingness to travel for University business, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s degree.
• A significant number of years of relevant experience in (major) gift fundraising.
• A track record of successful major gift fundraising, gift fundraising.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as well as travel overnight for several days at a time, when required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Belief in and the ability to represent the Elmhurst University mission and core values
• A strong work ethic with an ability to work alone and within a larger team
• Ability to collaborate within and across campus departments
• Goal-oriented, results-focused
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software and familiarity with appropriate fundraising tools.
• Knowledge of computerized systems of donor recordkeeping and data-tracking of prospects and donors, such as Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge.

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

Please be aware that as a continued emphasis on keeping our community safe and healthy, we will require all faculty, staff, and students to submit verification of full vaccination for COVID-19.

Please provide 3 references, including name, phone number and email. This may be included in applicant’s cover letter or optional “other” document.

Elmhurst University is a leading institution of higher education that seamlessly blends liberal learning and professional preparation to help students reach their full potential. Elmhurst University offers more than 70 undergraduate majors, 20 graduate programs, degree-completion programs for busy adults, and the acclaimed Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy for young adults with developmental disabilities. Elmhurst University is one of the Top 10 Colleges in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report; and U.S. News, Money and Forbes magazines consistently rank Elmhurst as one of the Midwest’s best values in higher education.

Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a critical component of the University’s mission, vision and core values. Our commitment stems from the belief that an institution of higher learning is enriched by the presence of diversity. Elmhurst University is an EO Employer. Elmhurst University prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.