Major Gifts Officer

University of Pittsburgh   Pittsburgh, PA   Full-time     Education
Posted on April 4, 2024
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Major Gifts Officer



The University of Pittsburgh’s Division of Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement (PAE) cultivates relationships with contributors, alumni, and other constituents on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, generating support for teaching, research, and care. See PAE's site for more details: pae.pitt.edu.

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO), in direct collaboration with the Sports Medicine Concussion Program and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, will be responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive fundraising strategies for direct identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual major gift prospects. The Major Gifts Officer will work on special events, annual campaigns, and other development projects as needed, as well as working with doctors to build relationships with grateful patients.

A successful candidate must possess a proven ability to develop a variety of fund-raising methods, plans, and strategies. The incumbent should also have highly developed, strong, and effective interpersonal skills, along with the ability to communicate with a wide and diverse range of constituencies. Lastly, they should have sound judgment, a clear understanding of ethical standards related to development activities, and discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others.


Job Summary

Plans, implements, and manages fundraising programs for assigned area of responsibility; develops proposals and coordinates fundraising efforts within the department; and identifies, cultivates, stewards, and solicits current and potential donors. Collaborates with executive leadership, leadership, and faculty on strategic initiatives and campaign management. Crafts major donor recognition collateral and recruits and leads volunteer solicitors.


Essential Functions
  • Fundraising gifts from individuals, along with associated tasks, such as cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Travel and attending events are requirements of this job.
  • Communicating and reporting their efforts, successfully documenting in and leveraging the database Affinaquest.

Physical Effort

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary, unless traveling.


The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.


The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.



Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Major Gifts Officer III

Job Family: Philanthropy & Engagement

Job Sub Family: Major & Principal Gifts

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 6

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m

Work Arrangement: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m

Hiring Range: $85,000 - $91,500 per year

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume

Optional Documents: Not Applicable





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