Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number:20254402SPosition Title:Major Gift Officer, West RegionPosition Type:StaffLocation:San Francisco, CARecruitment Type:Work Schedule:full-time/12-monthsAvg Hours WeekDepartment:604 - University AdvancementPosition Summary:
Villanova University has embarked on a 10-year strategic plan, Rooted. Restless., with the goal of enhancing the Augustinian Catholic living and learning experience for all members of our community. University Advancement is seeking exceptional talent to join our mission-driven team working together toward our shared vision for Villanova, fueled by the generosity of the University’s philanthropic supporters as we “keep moving” in the spirit of St. Augustine in the public phase of Villanova’s comprehensive capital campaign: Espiritus Nova.
This position is based in Northern California. Reporting to the Director of Major Giving for the West Region, the Major Gift Officer serves as a front-line fundraiser and member of the University’s Regional Development Team. Primary duties include establishing and managing effective relationships with major donor prospects and existing major donors; and assisting in building a successful regional fundraising program for Villanova University in the West Region.
The Major Gift Officer (MGO), under the supervision of the Director of Major Giving, West Region will identify and qualify potential major donors. The MGO is expected to conduct a minimum of 10-12 prospect visits per month and manage a portfolio of 125 prospects with a gift capacity of $100,000+. The MGO is responsible for moving prospects through the complete giving cycle by designing and implementing strategies for qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The MGO must be able to represent Villanova University enthusiastically and accurately to a variety of constituents including key volunteers, alumni, parents and friends of the University.
In addition to the MGO’s role as a frontline fundraiser, they will assist the Director in identifying and managing senior volunteers as it relates to Villanova’s current comprehensive campaign, Espiritus Nova. The incumbent will assist in designing and conducting prospect cultivation events; and maintain an awareness of relevant Alumni Relations activity in the region within the context of Villanova University’s overall fundraising efforts.
Ignite Your Career at Villanova University! Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our University and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change!
Why work at Villanova?
- Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
- Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
- Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Identify and manage a portfolio of 125 major gift prospects within the West region.
- Establish and manage effective relationships with significant prospects and major donors. Will plan and implement major gifts strategies using work plans and stewardship plans; identify and evaluate potential donors; design and implement prospect cultivation and solicitation strategies.
- Conduct 10-12 prospect visits per month and assume stewardship responsibilities for assigned prospects.
- Support prospect engagement and involvement efforts for University-wide events and programs taking place in the West region, which may include staffing University leaders.
- Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- 2-4 years’ experience in fundraising or sales/business development
- Ability and willingness to travel required within the West region and regular trips to campus in Villanova, PA.
- Proven successful experience in individual fund raising or related sales/business development experience required.
- Experience in dealing with major gift prospects required.
- Commitment to higher education and a strong desire to associate with Villanova University and champion its mission required.
- Understanding of the University culture and the process for decision making and program development required.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
- Comfort level working in a team oriented environment required, but also must be disciplined and result-oriented.
- Knowledge of general office equipment, including use of laptop computers, required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree preferred
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends required.
Special Message to Applicants:Posting Date:06/12/2025Closing Date (11:59pm ET):Salary Posting Information:
Commensurate with experience.
Salary Band:17Job Classification:exempt
