Major Gift Officer

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PRIMARY PURPOSE

Lewis & Clark Law School is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and results-driven Major Gift Officer (MGO) to join its Development & Alumni Office. This is a new position that emerged from Lewis & Clark Law School’s strategic plan and it will play a key role in advancing the Law School’s academic mission through strategic major gift fundraising and meaningful donor engagement.

The Major Gift Officer (MGO) will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents, board members, and friends with the capacity and inclination to make significant philanthropic investments in the Law School. The MGO will manage a portfolio of prospective and current donors, building strategic, long-term relationships and aligning donors’ interests and philanthropic goals with the Law School’s highest priorities.

The MGO will develop and execute individualized strategies to cultivate and secure gifts of $10,000 and above, with a focus on building a strong pipeline of future major-gift donors. The MGO will maximize donor engagement and philanthropic impact through outright, blended, and planned gifts, while providing thoughtful and consistent stewardship that strengthens long-term relationships with the Law School.

The ideal candidate will bring strong relationship-building skills, demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, sound strategic judgment, and the ability to collaborate effectively across an academic institution. The MGO will be a thoughtful and proactive partner committed to securing transformational philanthropic support for the future of Lewis & Clark Law School.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Major Gift Fundraising & Portfolio Management (75%)
• •Manage a portfolio of 120–150 high-capacity prospects, developing tailored engagement strategies to cultivate relationships and secure major gifts of $10,000+.
• •Identify, qualify, and cultivate new individual major gift prospects while renewing and upgrading annual donors.
• •Conduct regular face-to-face meetings with donors and prospects, as well as assigned regional prospects within the portfolio.
• •Travel by car or air as needed to build and strengthen donor relationships across the assigned portfolio.
• •Strategically leverage travel and alumni events to maximize donor visits, strengthen alumni relationships, cultivate prospects, and advance major gift opportunities.
• •Work both independently and in concert with the Law School Development & Alumni team, Dean, faculty, faculty emeriti and volunteers.
• •Develop and advance planned giving prospects through strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• •Build trusted relationships with alumni, parents, and friends by understanding their philanthropic interests and connecting them with meaningful opportunities aligned with Law School priorities.
• •Maintain comprehensive and timely prospect and donor records in Slate (CRM), ensuring accurate documentation of interactions, strategies, and next steps.
• •Maintain an in-depth understanding of Law School priorities and effectively articulate the case for support and potential impact.

• Board Management & Volunteer Engagement (25%)
• •Include Board of Visitors and Board of Alumni members within the fundraising portfolio; design and execute personalized engagement, gift solicitation, and stewardship plans for each member.
• •Serve as the primary Development contact for Board of Visitors and Board and Alumni members throughout the year; serve as a liaison to other Law School advisory boards, councils, or committees as assigned.
• •Partner with board members and alumni leaders to identify, introduce, and cultivate new major gift prospects within their professional and personal networks.

• Other Duties
• •Prepare regular status reports on fundraising progress, active proposals, and board engagement.
• •Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

• •Fundraising Expertise: Proficient knowledge of major gift strategies, gift planning concepts, and moves management methodologies.
• •Board & Volunteer Leadership: Superior board management and volunteer coordination skills, including the ability to guide high-profile alumni and legal professionals.
• •Project Management & Organization: Exceptional organizational skills to manage a complex portfolio alongside event and meeting execution for board operations.
• •Interpersonal & Communication: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; ability to articulate the value of a legal education to diverse constituencies.
• •Technical Proficiency: Experience using donor database systems (such as Slate or similar CRM software) to track prospect pipelines and pull strategic metrics.
• •Strategic Thinking: Ability to match donor passion with institutional priorities, developing tailored giving opportunities that resonate with prospective donors.
• •Travel Planning: Strong time management and travel-planning skills to balance regular regional travel with campus and board responsibilities.
• •Diversity & Inclusion: Commitment to promoting equity and inclusion, with the ability to engage respectfully with individuals from diverse identities and backgrounds.
• •Professional Integrity: High level of discretion, ethical standard adherence (such as AFP guidelines), and ability to handle confidential donor information.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• •Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• •5+ years of successful experience in major gift fundraising, donor relations, or related high-level relationship management (e.g., legal, corporate development, higher education).
• •Demonstrated success in personal solicitation of major gifts and closing multi-year commitments.
• •Experience managing boards, high-level volunteer committees, or advisory councils.
• •Experience utilizing donor database software (e.g., Slate, Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar systems).
• •Ability and willingness to travel regularly and attend occasional evening or weekend events.

PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• •J.D., Master’s degree, or advanced degree in a relevant field.
• •5+ years of major gift fundraising experience, preferably within higher education or legal education.
• •Direct experience managing a fundraising or advisory board.
• •Experience with comprehensive fundraising campaigns and complex planned gift structures.

WORK SCHEDULE & CONDITIONS

• •Work Schedule: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend hours required for events and board meetings.
• •Benefits Eligible: Yes.
• •Travel: Regular travel required (estimated 1–5 day trips monthly, depending on key donor regions).
• •Hybrid/Remote Work: Hybrid schedule available in accordance with department policy (typically 3 days in office / 2 days remote when not traveling).

PAY RATE & FLSA STATUS

• •FLSA Status: Exempt
• •Salary: $85,000 (negotiable based on experience)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• •General office environment.
• •Prolonged