About Clark University: Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to challenge convention and change our world and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996. Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city on the rise . The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub.
Job Description: The Major Gifts Officer is a hybrid position responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of prospective donors with the capacity to make gifts of $50,000 to $1,000,000 in support of Clark University's strategic priorities. The role emphasizes building and sustaining strong relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the university, aligning their philanthropic interests with Clark's mission and campaign objectives. This position contributes directly to the university's advancement goals and plays a vital role in growing a culture of philanthropy at Clark. Donor Portfolio Management
- Manage a portfolio of 100-125 prospective major gift donors with the capacity to give at the $50,000 and $1,000,000 level.
- Develop tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies to advance donor relationships to secure major gift and annual fund commitments
- Conduct 120-150 substantive donor visits annually.
Fundraising & Solicitation
- Work in collaboration with university leadership, faculty, and Advancement colleagues to craft compelling proposals and presentations.
- Solicit major gifts in support of Clark's highest priorities, including scholarships, faculty support, research, and capital projects.
- Partner with colleagues on planned giving, annual fund, and alumni relations to maximize donor engagement.
Stewardship & Engagement
- Ensure high-quality stewardship through acknowledgment, impact reporting, and donor recognition activities.
- Collaborate with Advancement Communications to share stories of impact and strengthen donor loyalty.
- Coordinate donor participation in campus visits, events, and volunteer opportunities.
Collaboration & Strategy
- Partner with Advancement colleagues to align major gift strategies with campaign priorities and departmental goals.
- Provide input on prospect strategy during regular pipeline and portfolio reviews.
- Leverage data and research to identify and qualify new major gift and annual fund prospects.
Requirements: - Education: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of fundraising experience, preferably in higher education or a nonprofit setting, with a demonstrated record of securing five- and six-figure gifts.
- Experience managing donor portfolios and conducting face-to-face solicitations.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with donor databases (e.g., Raiser's Edge or similar CRM) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Commitment to Clark University's values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social responsibility.
- Willingness to travel
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
Additional Information: At Clark University we believe that diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a more innovative and productive work environment. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to join our team and contribute their unique ideas to help us achieve our goals. Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here . To review the Clark University Police Department Annual Security and Fire Safety Report visit here .
Application Instructions: To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:
See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website. Already have a Clark University Careers Account? Login to your account to add documents or update your account. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. A successful background check is required upon acceptance.