Associate Director Of Development - Major Gifts

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000

Reports to: Senior Director of Development

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

The Associate Director of Development- Major Gifts plays a vital role in cultivating and strengthening relationships with a portfolio of mid-level and major donors, with a focus on individuals capable of making gifts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 or more. This field-based position involves frequent travel and direct, in-person engagement with alumni, families, and friends of the university. The primary fundraising priorities include scholarships and other key university initiatives.

We are seeking a passionate, detail-oriented professional who is inspired by the power of philanthropy and dedicated to advancing the university's mission. The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator and relationship-builder who can thoughtfully engage current and prospective donors, encouraging them to make meaningful, transformative gifts.

The Associate Director of Development- Major Gifts will work closely with senior advancement staff to execute strategies that grow the donor base, enhance donor engagement, and increase overall fundraising outcomes

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Portfolio Management: Manage a portfolio of approximately 100-150 mid-level and major gift donors and prospects, with giving capacity of $5,000 to $25,000 or more. Ensure consistent stewardship and personalized communication to cultivate long-term, meaningful relationships.
• Donor Engagement: Cultivate, solicit, and steward mid-level donors through personalized strategies that align their philanthropic interests with university priorities. Engage donors through a combination of phone, email, and in-person meetings, including regular travel to strategically important regions to build and strengthen relationships.
• Solicitation and Stewardship: Develop and implement solicitation strategies to increase donor support and deepen engagement. Collaborate with senior gift officers and advancement staff to prepare proposals, reports, and customized solicitation materials. Ensure timely and thoughtful acknowledgment and stewardship of all gifts.
• Strategic Planning and Reporting: Contribute to the development of annual plans and goals for mid-level giving, emphasizing donor engagement, retention, and revenue growth. Monitor progress toward key metrics, identify growth opportunities, and support efforts to expand the donor pipeline.
• Database Management: Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and engagement in the fundraising database. Ensure data is up-to-date and manage donor records with integrity, ensuring effective tracking of giving history, preferences, and interactions.
• Travel and Donor Visits: Regularly travel-both in-state and out-of-state-to meet with current and prospective donors. Plan and execute visits that are strategically aligned with donor interests and university priorities. This includes managing travel logistics, preparing tailored materials, and fostering long-term relationship development through meaningful in-person engagement.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Collaboration with Team Members: Work closely with other members of the University Advancement team, including development staff, marketing, and alumni relations, to ensure coordinated efforts and a unified approach to donor engagement.
• Event Support: Attend and support university events that involve or target donors. This includes occasional evening, or weekend work to ensure successful execution of engagement and fundraising activities.

JOB SCOPE:

This position is a key member of the Development team and requires consistent collaboration with the supervisor and Advancement colleagues to ensure alignment toward shared fundraising and engagement goals.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

• No Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.