Advancement Officer (Major Gifts)

Position Overview

Now Hiring! Advancement Officer (Major Gifts)📍 Location: Institutional Advancement

🕒 Schedule: M-F, business hours (37.5 hours per week)

💰 Pay: $75,000 annual salary📄 Position Type: Full-Time

Why Join Canisius University

Canisius University serves approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students.  As a Catholic and Jesuit University, Canisius has its foundation in the fundamental values of academic excellence, leadership, faith and social justice. Canisius is committed to educating and preparing men and women to become leaders in their professions and their communities, and in service to humanity. The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students.

What We Offer:

✅ Salary: $75,000 annual salary*

✅ Comprehensive Insurance Benefits – Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Long-Term Disability available the first of the month after the employee’s date of hire✅ 403(b) with Company Contribution – Plan for your future with confidence – contribution from the university is available after one year of employment✅ Paid Time Off – Includes vacation time, personal time, sick time, and paid holidays✅ Tuition Benefits – Available for full-time employees and their qualified dependents

*Please note that the compensation information is a good faith estimate of the base pay for this position. The selected candidate’s compensation package for this position will be provided during the interview process.

Your Role as Advancement Officer (Major Gifts):

Canisius University is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Advancement Officer to support its fundraising efforts for Answer the Call: The Campaign for Canisius University. This transformative initiative is dedicated to securing critical philanthropic resources to elevate the student experience and strengthen the university's commitment to delivering a world-class Jesuit education.

The Advancement Officer will report to the Vice President for Advancement and collaborate with university leadership and volunteers to secure major gifts ($25,000 ) from individuals and corporations in support of the university’s strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

🔹 Promote Canisius University’s mission, vision, and campaign priorities to potential donors.

🔹 Serve as a member of the Advancement gift officer team responsible for soliciting and securing philanthropic support for Canisius University’s Answer The Call comprehensive campaign, a nine‑figure initiative advancing the University’s strategic priorities.

🔹 Proactively solicit and close major gifts in support of annual, capital, and comprehensive campaign goals.

🔹 Manage a portfolio of prospective individual and corporate donors in Western New York and other assigned regions, including a willingness to travel outside of New York State 3–5 times per year.

🔹 Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies, and create customized proposals to secure significant philanthropic commitments.

🔹 Maintain accurate and timely records of prospect activity, solicitation efforts, and stewardship outcomes in the University’s CRM system.

🔹 Participate in Advancement team meetings and provide regular updates on donor engagement, pipeline progress, and fundraising results.

🔹 Represent Canisius University at events and in the community, serving as an ambassador to strengthen relationships and advance philanthropic outcomes.

What You Need to Succeed:

✔ Qualifications:

Education & CERTIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor’s degree required (advanced degree preferred).

Experience:

• 3–5 years of experience in major gift fundraising or a related field (e.g., sales, marketing, or relationship-building).
• Experience in cold calling, donor cultivation, and solicitation strategy development.

KNOWLEDGE, Skills & Abilities:                

• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and build relationships with high-level donors.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with fundraising CRM systems (Ellucian CRM Advance a plus).
• Proficient in MS Office Suite.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently.
• Collaborative team player with strong organizational skills.
• Commitment to the Catholic and Jesuit mission of the university.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.
• Eligible to work in the United States (this position is not eligible for sponsorship).

📢 Apply Today!

To apply, go to https://www.canisius.edu/about-canisius/employment-canisius. The review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The start date for this position will be no sooner than June 1, 2026. Please include your cover letter, resume and three references with their contact information, with your application.

The Office of Human Resources at Canisius University utilizes an online recruitment management system.

Individuals who need reasonable accommodation under the ADA in order to participate in the search process should contact the office of human resources at (716) 888-2240.

Important Information:

🚨 Canisius University participates in E-Verify to confirm employment authorization. The E-Verify process is completed alongside the Form I-9 on or before your first day of work. For more details, visit www.uscis.gov] and search "E-Verify."

Posted Range

Salary : $25,000 - $75,000