Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer will add specialized strength and capabilities to a strong team committed to building upon the unique qualities and heritage of the U.S. Naval Academy. This position is responsible for soliciting major gifts in support of the United States Naval Academy’s strategic priorities, the Brigade of Midshipmen, and the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation and Alumni Association. With a strong prospect pool, the major gifts program at the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation is focused on securing new major gift commitments of $100,000 or more. 

The U.S. Naval Academy Foundation is currently in the quiet phase of a $400 million comprehensive campaign that is scheduled to conclude in 2020. This position will support the current strategic priorities as well as additional priorities that extend beyond the duration of the current campaign. Examples of strategic campaign priorities include: the Naval Academy Annual Fund (unrestricted support), Athletic Excellence, Center for Cyber Security Studies, Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership, Experiential Leadership Development, and Faculty Development and Recruitment.  
 
Specific Duties:

• Manage a regional territory and meet key performance indicators by completing 10-12 meetings per month (100-120 annually); conducting 15 major gift solicitations per year; securing gift commitments of $500K in the first year and $1.5M per year within three years, and identifying 10 – 15 new major gift prospects annually.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of 150 prospective and active major gift donors capable of making six and seven figure gifts. This portfolio will consist of approximately 50% in active cultivation/stewardship and 50% in discovery.
• Conduct strategic outreach (phone calls, letters, personal visits, visits from volunteers) with major gift prospects to develop their interests in the Academy.
• Identify appropriate giving opportunities matching their interest(s) and giving capability.
• Prepare solicitations and gift agreements that make a compelling case for donors to meet Naval Academy and/or Alumni Association needs.
• Ensure that prospect data discovered in the cultivation process is accurately entered and maintained in the Foundation/Alumni Association's database.
• Develop strategies for gift cultivation and solicitation of those prospects determined to be qualified major gift prospects.
• Develop and implement regional campaign activity in key markets.
• Work closely with key internal stakeholders to develop major gift strategies; staff Academy and Foundation leadership as appropriate.
• Appropriate stewardship of donors who have made major gifts, acknowledging their contributions and encouraging future support.
• Assist with the development and implementation of events focused on cultivating and stewarding major gift prospects and donors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a clearly demonstrated path of professional performance showing increasing responsibility and achievement.  
• Experience in higher education, service academy, and/or military experience strongly preferred.  
• 3+ years of successful professional experience in fund-raising, business development, marketing, sales or related position interacting with high net worth individuals.
• Preferred: 3+ years experience in a centralized frontline fundraising position with a record of success closing 6 -and 7-figure gifts.
• Preferred:  3+ years experience in a highly structured, metrics driven university development setting; experience in a regionally-based campaign is highly valued.
• Maturity, confidence and experience in developing and executing personalized development strategies for major gift prospects.
• Basic familiarity with planned giving vehicles.
• Strong commitment to and a broad understanding of the principles related to donor centered philanthropy.
• Ability to write and speak articulately and passionately about the values and opportunities related to philanthropic giving.
• Experience using complex fundraising or sales database systems, preferably experience in Blackbaud CRM or similar systems.
• Experience working in a collaborative work environment.
• A strategic thinker and planner.
• A sincere and enthusiastic belief in the mission of the U.S. Naval Academy.
• Energy, work ethic, stamina, enthusiasm, and humility. 

TRAVEL & WEEKEND REQUIREMENTS:  Must be able to travel 60-70 days per year. Participation at a significant number of weekend events is required for Major Gift Officers.  

About Us

The U.S. Naval Academy Foundation helps to advance the Naval Academy and the Naval Academy Alumni Association by providing private resources to achieve and maintain a broad range of mission-enhancing activities that support the nation's premier leadership institution and its graduates. The Foundation's responsibilities in support of the Naval Academy include:

• Developing, promoting, and enhancing the programs and facilities of the Naval Academy and its Alumni;
• Soliciting and providing private gifts and grants in support of the Academy's highest priorities within the Centers of Excellence – Leadership & Character, Academic, Athletic, and Admissions;
• Receiving, managing, distributing and investing private contributions exclusively for the benefit of the Brigade of Midshipmen, the Naval Academy and its alumni; and
• Advancing the admission of highly qualified candidates to the Naval Academy by providing scholarship opportunities to enable aspiring young men and women to attend private preparatory schools.

Our mission is to support the achievement of a "margin of excellence" that allows the Naval Academy to compete with the most prestigious universities in the country for students, faculty and resources.