Major Gifts Officer

Maine Central Institute (MCI) is embarking on the largest campaign in the school’s history and seeks a dynamic, relationship-driven Major Gifts Officer (MGO) to help advance the mission and long-term sustainability of the school by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors. The MGO will play a key role in building meaningful philanthropic partnerships with alumni, family, and friends of MCI, helping ensure that students continue to thrive in a supportive and innovative learning environment.

Reporting to the Assistant Head of School for Advancement, the Major Gifts Officer will manage a portfolio of 125-150 major gift prospects and donors, with a focus on securing leadership-level gifts in support of MCI’s Campaign including Annual Fund, capital priorities, endowment, planned giving, and special initiatives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Donor Engagement & Relationship Management

• Manage and grow a portfolio of 125-150 major gift prospects and donors.

• Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.

• Build authentic, long-term relationships with alumni, family, and friends of MCI through personal outreach, meetings, events, and campus visits.

• Serve as a key ambassador for MCI, articulating the school’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

Solicitation & Fundraising

• Personally solicit major gifts in support of the Campaign, Annual Fund, capital projects, endowment, planned giving, and other institutional priorities.

• Partner with the Advancement staff, and volunteer leaders to coordinate donor strategies and solicitations.

• Assist in identifying and preparing proposals, gift agreements, and impact reports.

Prospect Development & Strategy

• Identify, qualify, and cultivate new major gift prospects.

• Maintain accurate and timely donor records, contact reports, and pipeline activity in the school’s CRM, Virtuous.

• Analyze giving trends and donor interests to inform strategy and maximize philanthropic impact.

Collaboration & Stewardship

• Work closely with Advancement Office colleagues, faculty, and leadership to connect donors with areas of passion and impact.

• Ensure exceptional stewardship of major donors, including personalized recognition and ongoing communication.

• Support donor events, alumni engagement efforts, and special advancement initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in non-profit fundraising or in sales or marketing in the for-profit sector.

• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect authentically with diverse constituents.

• High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity.

• Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.

• Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as required.

• Passion for education and alignment with MCI’s mission and values.

  
  

MCI offers a competitive benefits program including medical, vision and dental plans, disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts. To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications..

For more information or to apply today, contact:

Tom Bertrand, Assistant Head of School for Advancement
Maine Central Institute
295 Main Street
Pittsfield, Maine 04967
Phone: 207-487-5915
E-mail: tbertrand@mci-school.org