What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Major Gifts position at Marshall University?
The Director of Major Gifts for the Big Green Scholarship Foundation serves as a key member of the development team, responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects in support of the Foundation and Marshall Athletics with preference to scholarships, capital projects, and priority initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s Executive Director and the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Major Gift Fundraising
Collaboration & Internal Partnership
Strategic Initiatives
Metrics / Key Performance Indicators
Salary Range $55,000 - $65,000; Salary is commensurate upon education, experience and internal equity Salary Type Salary Time Type Full-Time Work Location MU - Marshall University
Major Gift Fundraising
- Identify, cultivate, and secure major gift prospects capable of giving at $10,000 annually.
- Secure major gifts in support of athletic scholarships and priority initiatives.
- Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals, including metrics for dollars raised, visits and
- Actively qualify new major gift prospects through research, referrals, and engagement strategies.
- Utilize current systems to track donor interactions, proposals, and progress toward goals.
Collaboration & Internal Partnership
- Work closely with athletics leadership, coaches, and development staff to help fundraise and collaborate with our
- Partner with our external staff to enhance donor experience and engagement opportunities and assist in the sales
- Assist in executing major events, donor hospitality, donor trips and individual sporting events.
- Build strong relationships with alumni, donors, fans, and community stakeholders.
Strategic Initiatives
- Contribute to annual and long-term fundraising strategies for Big Green.
- Support targeted fundraising initiatives.
- Assist in integrating emerging tools (e.g., data analytics, AI prospecting) to enhance donor identification and
Metrics / Key Performance Indicators
- Number of major gift solicitations completed
- Number of donor visits (in-person/virtual)
- New major gift prospects identified and qualified
Qualifications
Must be able to perform all essential job duties as outlined in the job description.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree
Experience
- 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, sales, or relationship management (preferably in collegiate athletics or higher education).
- Demonstrated success in securing major or leadership gifts, or comparable sales achievements. Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to travel and work evenings/weekends
Preferred Qualifications
Education
- Graduate Degree or specific certifications
Experience
- Experience in NCAA Division I athletics fundraising.
- Familiarity with donor databases/CRMs (e.g., Paciolan, Salesforce, or similar systems).
- Proven ability to manage a donor portfolio and close five- and six-figure gifts.
- Understanding of collegiate athletics culture, donor motivations and the ever-changing landscape of athletics and its effects on philanthropic giving
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number MU1276E Open Date 07/27/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions SummarySalary : $55,000 - $65,000