Leadership Gifts and Special Events Officer

About Saint Peter’s University

Saint Peter’s is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Established in 1872, the University blends a unique learning experience shaped by rigorous academics, internships that provide real-world experience, community service, and a genuine, caring community that supports alumni long after graduation. Saint Peter’s offers more than 50 undergraduate majors as well as master’s level and doctorate programs.

Job Summary:
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Leadership and Planned Giving, the Leadership Gifts Officer is a front-line gift officer responsible for securing leadership gifts and working closely managing the annual fundraising Gala event. This involves working in partnership with Advancement colleagues to both assist in the production of the Gala but also develop and implement qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies for a portfolio of 50-100 alumni, parent, friends and other stakeholders to achieve annual fundraising goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, focusing on individuals capable of making gifts typically ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 .

• Develop and execute tailored strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects and donors.

• Conduct regular meetings, personalized outreach, and relationship-building activities with assigned prospects.

• Prepare compelling proposals, gift agreements, and meaningful recognition plans.

• Partner with University leadership, faculty, and volunteers to engage donors and expand cultivation opportunities.

Strategic Planning and Reporting

• Collaborate with the advancement team to establish fundraising goals and strategies aligned with the University’s priorities.

• Maintain accurate and current records in the donor database (Raiser’s Edge) including contact reports, activity plans, and gift projections.

• Provide regular progress reports, pipeline updates, and metrics to the Assistant Vice President of Leadership and Planned Giving and other senior leadership.

Event Participation and Production

• Key point person for the planning and execution of the annual Hearts and Minds Gala, Presidential Dinner Series, other donor and recognition programs, and fundraising campaigns.

• Represent the University at cultivation events, alumni gatherings, and community functions.

Stewardship

• Will work in collaboration with Donor Engagement to craft timely and thoughtful stewardship.

• Work with Donor Engagement to monitor gift processing and compliance with donor intent.

Salary Range: $65,000- $75,000

Benefits: 

Along with a competitive salary, we provide a robust benefits package to support your health and future goals.

Key Benefits Include:

• Paid Time Off: Paid holidays, personal days, vacation, and sick leave

• Health Coverage: Health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance

• Life Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance

• Life & Disability Insurance: Voluntary life and voluntary disability coverage

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with Roth and Traditional options

• Tuition Remission: An attractive tuition remission policy for employees and their dependents

• Additional Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Voluntary Legal plan, FSA and more

The well-being of our employees is a priority for our University, and we are committed to promoting your success and well-being.

Qualification Standards:

• Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills.  

• Ability to work independently and to multi-task yet maintain close connection with colleagues.

• Strong organizational and administrative skills.

• Outcomes-oriented work style with the ability to develop strategies to achieve fundraising goals, analyze results and adjust strategies based on those results.

• Optimistic and empowered attitude.

• Unparalleled personal integrity.

• Ability to handle highly confidential information with discretion.

• Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge NXT software and capital campaign experience is a plus.  

• A willingness to travel and work outside of normal business hours. 

• Ability to inspire a passion for Saint Peter’s and the Jesuit mission. 

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree is required.  

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of development experience of a comparable nature is required, preferably with a background in fundraising, direct marketing or sales.  

• Proven success in cultivation and solicitation of gifts within a higher education setting.

Licenses (if necessary):

• Driver’s license and personal vehicle preferred.

Work Schedule:
Full-time, with four days in the office in Jersey City, NJ. In addition to regular business hours, the person in this position must be able to be flexible around the needs of the University, which includes occasional evening and/or weekend hours and travel.

Other Considerations:  
The successful candidate must demonstrate skills and expertise in planning, decision making and implementation of fundraising strategies, communication (oral and written), computer literacy, human relations, persistence and patience. A high degree of initiative is expected along with strong organizational skills and the ability to identify and construct solutions.  Also, the candidate should possess a commitment to the ideals of a Jesuit education and exhibit personal integrity and respect for confidentiality, prudence and discretion.

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000