At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop strategies to build relationships with key donors and generate significant funding.
- Company: The Rivers School is a vibrant independent school focused on innovation and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment, professional development, and opportunities for diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' experiences while working in a supportive and dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of fundraising experience, preferably in education.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with occasional evening and weekend commitments.
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 88000 £ per year.
The Rivers School — a 6-12 co-ed independent day school in Weston, MA, just outside Boston — seeks professionals who are looking to join a dynamic, innovative, and welcoming school community.
Position Purpose:
The Rivers School is seeking a full-time Major Gift Officer, who will be responsible for developing strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward long-term relationships with key donor prospects. Through face-to-face solicitations, the frontline fundraiser will be responsible for generating revenue in the form of annual, major, and planned gifts. This position will be pivotal in Rivers' upcoming comprehensive capital campaign to support the newly developed strategic plan. These efforts will aim to enhance the overall experience of Rivers' students, parents and caregivers, and the professional community.
Essential Job Functions:
- Manage an assigned portfolio of approximately 80 prospects, who have the capacity to give $100,000 or more through identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting prospects for annual, major, and planned gifts, as well as meet departmental metrics, including 120 annual meetings with prospects.
- Participate in the development of overall fundraising strategies, as well as prepare written and oral presentations and proposals.
- Participate and manage all aspects of building donor relations and solicitation of gifts.
- Assist the Director of Development in managing the planned giving program with annual goals for growing the number of members in The Nonesuch Society.
- Collaborate with the Director of Annual Giving to solicit top annual fund gifts.
- Ensure donors are appropriately thanked and stewarded by the office.
- Establish and build relationships with the professional community to better represent the school.
- Other duties as assigned with night and weekend work on occasion.
Qualifications:
Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree and have at least three to five years of fundraising or transferable experience, preferably in an educational setting. An understanding and appreciation of independent schools is preferred.
Required Skills:
- Must have exceptional writing and communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
- High level of fluency with Raiser’s Edge NXT, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to organize and prioritize work, multi-task, and work with many people on different projects—from administrators, professional community members, volunteers, parents/caregivers, and alumni.
- Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
- Must be a collegial, flexible, and collaborative team player.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Rivers encourages interest from candidates who will enrich the diversity of identity, experience, and perspectives among our professional and school community. Rivers offers BIPOC affinity, LGBTQ+ affinity, and white allyship spaces for professionals, as well as institutional professional development to support and enrich our work around equity and access.
Research shows that people belonging to structurally marginalized groups often only apply to jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. As no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply if you feel that most of the above qualifications reflect your experience and expertise.
Major Gift Officer employer: The Rivers School
Contact Detail:
The Rivers School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Major Gift Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved in fundraising. Attend local events or webinars related to independent schools and major gifts to connect with potential colleagues and mentors.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with The Rivers School's mission and values. Understanding their strategic plan and current initiatives will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for face-to-face solicitations by practising your pitch. Role-play with friends or colleagues to refine your communication skills and ensure you can confidently present your ideas to potential donors.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on trends in fundraising and donor engagement, particularly in the educational sector. This knowledge will not only enhance your discussions but also position you as a knowledgeable candidate who can contribute to the school's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Major Gift Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in fundraising, particularly in educational settings. Emphasise any successful campaigns you've managed or contributed to, and quantify your achievements where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for education and your understanding of the role. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities of a Major Gift Officer and mention specific strategies you would implement to engage donors.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since exceptional writing and communication skills are crucial for this role, ensure that your application is free from errors and clearly articulates your thoughts. Use professional language and maintain a positive tone throughout.
Highlight Team Collaboration: The Rivers School values collaboration, so include examples of how you've successfully worked within a team. Mention any experiences where you’ve partnered with colleagues to achieve fundraising goals or enhance donor relations.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Rivers School
✨Know Your Donors
Before the interview, research The Rivers School and its donor community. Understand their values, past contributions, and how they align with the school's mission. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your ability to cultivate relationships effectively.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past fundraising achievements. Highlight your strategies for identifying and soliciting major gifts, and be ready to explain how you met or exceeded targets in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As a Major Gift Officer, exceptional communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to present a mock proposal or pitch during the interview to showcase your presentation skills.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
The role requires working closely with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams in the past, and express your willingness to work alongside the Director of Development and other colleagues to achieve fundraising goals.