Major Gift Officer

Job no: 494636

Work type: Administrative (Full Time)

Location: Marion, IN

Categories: Administrative/Professional

Job Title: Major Gift Officer

Reporting Relationship: Director of Development

Unit: Central Administration

Department: University Advancement - Central Administration

Campus Location: Alumni House, Marion, IN

Summary of Position: The Major Gift Officer is at the forefront of advancing the mission to build and steward lifelong relationships that foster transformational and sustainable impact. The Major Gift Officer will discover prospects, cultivate relationships, and invite and secure financial gifts.

NOTE: Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in confidence to Gonser Gerber Search at search@gonsergerber.com. To apply, please submit a cover letter, résumé, and three (3) professional references to search@gonsergerber.com.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Build Relationships
• Engage a portfolio of 70-90 major gift prospects for the purpose of inviting and securing major gifts
• Build meaningful relationships with prospects and donors in the portfolio
• Impact a culture of giving for IWU, encouraging prospects and donors to support the university’s mission and vision while fostering a sense of pride and ownership spotlighting the transformative impact of their gifts
• Orchestrate meaning connection of prospects and donors with IWU presidents, administrators, faculty, coaches, staff, and students
• Strategic Fundraising
• Personally present written proposals for major gifts
• Develop and implement personalized stewardship plans for donors
• Provide accurate information of all prospects and donor activity in Slate including contact reports, gift commitments, strategy statements, and other documentation
• Develop and incorporate estate planning resources to assist in identifying and garnering planned gift commitments
• Collaborative Teamwork and Creative Engagement
• Regularly meet with leadership to collaborate and strategize
• Routinely meet with key IWU administrators, faculty, coaches and staff to build relationships, gain insights, and establish partnerships that help advance University Advancement’s strategies
• Participate regularly and broadly in university and University Advancement events to understand the breadth and depth of an IWU education
• High-Impact Hospitality and Character
• Serve as an IWU ambassador with a high level of integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality
• Maintain a positive image when dealing with constituents and the university community; demonstrate a lifestyle consistent with the values and ethos of IWU
• Exhibit IWU and University Advancement’s values of Christlikeness, commitment, leadership, service, stewardship, innovation and diversity
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive spirit among subordinates, peers, and superiors within University Advancement and across the IWU community
• Complete other tasks as assigned
  

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• Bachelor's degree; an earned master's degree desired
  
  

Experience

• Possess three (3) years’ experience developing and securing five figures and above
  
  

Required Skills

• Demonstrate competence and productivity in developing relationships that yield major gifts
• Demonstrate an understanding of the features of various planned giving methods and their benefit to different types of donors
• Demonstrate exceptional writing, interpersonal and public speaking skills
• The successful candidate is expected to have their primary office based out of the IWU campus in Marion, IN. They must be capable of traveling up to 50% of time, working nights and weekends as needed, to fulfill portfolio and management responsibilities and participate in major and planned gift related events
• Exhibit a vital personal relationship with Jesus Christ, embrace and articulate the mission of IWU and be in harmony with the doctrines and practices of The Wesleyan Church.
• Nominations and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to Gonser Gerber Search at search@gonsergerber.com. To apply, please submit a cover letter, résumé, and three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted until later in the search process
  
  

IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement

IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Advertised: 26 Aug 2025 US Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 23 Nov 2025 US Eastern Standard Time

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