Major Gifts Officer - Military veterans preferred

Major Gifts Officer

The Division of Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement (PAE) at the University of Pittsburgh is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, and stakeholders, supporting the University's mission in education, research, and healthcare. We invite you to become a pivotal part of our team as the Major Gift Officer.

In this role, you will serve as the integral part within PAE's Office of the MHSF, reporting to the Executive Director of Development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute comprehensive plans for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects. Strategies should align with UPMC Hillman’s priorities and reflect best practices in philanthropy.
• Manage a portfolio of 100+ prospects capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more, including individuals with seven-figure capacity. Begin with an annual fundraising goal of $1 million, with expectations for growth over time.
• Work closely with senior leadership, including the Director and Chair of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pitt’s Senior Vice Chancellor for Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement, and UPMC’s Chief Development Officer. Engage faculty, researchers, and clinicians to support donor outreach and proposal development.
• Partner with lead volunteers, including members of the UPMC Hillman Council and Philanthropic Leadership Board, to support cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Demonstrate resilience, discretion, and the ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities. Maintain a high level of professionalism and sound judgment in all interactions.
• Exhibit a strong commitment to the vision and goals of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Contribute to its impact on cancer research, care, and innovation through effective fundraising.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Play a crucial role in supporting the University's mission.
• Collaborative Environment: Work within a supportive, innovative, and dynamic team.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and career advancement.
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Ready to make a difference? Learn more about PAE and apply today.

Join us in shaping the future of education, research, and healthcare at the University of Pittsburgh!

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

• Raise a minimum of $1,000,000 annually through direct cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects within assigned clinical divisions.

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with physicians, researchers, surgeons, and other medical personnel to support divisional fundraising efforts and advance Center priorities.

• Design and implement comprehensive solicitation plans to secure financial support aligned with the Center’s goals. Develop tailored strategies for individual and departmental engagement.

• Conduct face-to-face meetings with prospects and accompany volunteer solicitors during donor visits. Prepare customized proposals and ensure timely follow-through to complete solicitations successfully.

• Create and execute innovative fundraising initiatives that address specific divisional needs and contribute to overall philanthropic success.

• Serve as a primary advisor for identifying and cultivating leadership annual gifts. Engage individuals and groups through meetings, presentations, and targeted outreach materials.

• Regularly use Salesforce Affinaquest to document all donor interactions, proposals, strategies, and outcomes. Ensure accurate and timely data entry to support reporting and analysis.

Physical Effort

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally.

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: $64,876-$108,127 Annually

Relocation_Offered: Yes

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, Cover Letter

Optional Documents: Not Applicable




Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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