Leadership Gifts Officer

$25,000 - $250,000/Yr

Lawrence University - Appleton, WI

Full-time - Mid Level

Appleton, WI

Educational Services

About the position

The Leadership Gifts Officer (LGO) plays a crucial role in the Advancement team at Lawrence University, focusing on the success of the Leadership Gifts program and overall fundraising efforts. This position involves managing a portfolio of individual Leadership Giving prospects and donors, executing strategies for qualification, cultivation, and solicitation, and contributing to the Legacy Circle for planned giving. The LGO is expected to collaborate with colleagues, engage with university volunteers, and ensure effective stewardship of gifts received.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with Advancement colleagues on qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for Leadership Gifts.
• Participates in regular team portfolio and gift strategy check-ins led by the AVP for Advancement Services.
• Qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards prospects and donors at the major/leadership gift level ($25K-$250K and higher).
• Secures Planned Gifts and Lawrence Fund contributions where appropriate.
• Meets with 120 prospects annually.
• Supports the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts of key university volunteers.
• Ensures efficient and accurate recording, accounting, acknowledgement, and execution of gifts received by the university.
• Supports the fundraising of Reunion and Class volunteer teams as assigned.
• Participates in professional forums, conferences, and associations, sharing relevant information with colleagues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• At least five years of senior-level fundraising experience with demonstrated results securing leadership gifts.
• Demonstrated expertise in planned giving preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of significant issues in higher education, particularly in a liberal arts college and conservatory of music setting, preferred.
• Significant knowledge of philanthropic strategies, tactics, and technologies.
• Demonstrated success with portfolio and relationship management.
• Expertise in planned giving theories, practices, and vehicles, with the ability to communicate effectively to various constituencies.
• Familiarity with prospect research tools and practices.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive workplace practices.
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Demonstrated success with qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of leadership and planned gifts.
• Ability to work some evening and weekend hours and to travel extensively as needed.

Benefits

• 3 weeks paid vacation plus additional holidays
• 2 weeks of sick leave
• Generous employer match for 403B retirement fund
• Tuition benefits for employees and their immediate family
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer sponsored life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Free access to wellness center and library for employees and their immediate family