Job Abstract

 The Major Gifts Officer will secure philanthropic gifts in support of Gettysburg College, managing the ongoing identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of approximately 125 donor prospects in an assigned geographical region who have been identified as having the financial capacity to make a major gift of $100,000 or more. 

Founded at a pivotal time in American history, Gettysburg College has upheld a rigorous commitment to the liberal arts since 1832. Since before the Civil War, the College has stood as a beacon of intellectualism and socially responsible citizenship. Located in the historic town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the College is within two hours of the urban centers of Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Students can choose from 40 majors and 40 minors that go beyond the traditional liberal arts education with a focus on experiential learning. An average class size of 18, and a 10 to 1 student to faculty-ratio, means professors are accessible and available to support student success. Its 2,400 students from across the country, and globe, are provided with a wealth of opportunities to get involved outside the classroom. More than 120 clubs and organizations ensure that there will be something for everyone and provide a multitude of leadership experiences. Gettysburg College fields 24 varsity sports—12 for men and 12 for women—that compete at the NCAA Division III intercollegiate level. It is a founding member of the Centennial Conference, home to some of the nation’s finest liberal arts colleges committed to excellence in both academics and athletics. 

As a residential, undergraduate college of the liberal arts and sciences, Gettysburg College prepares students from across the nation and around the globe to pursue lives of personal and professional fulfillment, and to engage in society through effective leadership and socially responsible citizenship. In March of 2022, the Board of Trustees approved Gettysburg’s new strategic plan, Living Our Promise, with the goal to inspire students to lead lives of meaning, service, and consequence. The plan advances this essential work and marries the excellence of a rigorous liberal arts and sciences education with a student experience that intentionally integrates learning that occurs inside and outside of the classroom. 

Gettysburg College is recognized nationally and ranks among top colleges in the country for value, programs, and liberal arts experience. The College appears several times on the Princeton Review “Best 388 Colleges” list. It is number 15 in ‘Best Campus Food,’ 16th in ‘Students Study the Most,’ as well as being recognized in ‘Best Value Colleges,’ ‘Colleges That Create Futures,’ ‘Green Colleges,’ and ‘Great Intramural Sports.’ Washington Monthly has recognized Gettysburg as 29th in liberal arts and 43rd in “Best Bang for the Buck” colleges in the Northeast. In addition, it is ranked among the Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report—61st in liberal arts, 54th in ‘Best Value Schools,’ and 49th in ‘Best Undergraduate Teaching.

Gettysburg College was also named a Top Producing Institution for the Fulbright Program in 2021. The College has a history of producing prominent graduates across many fields—alumni include a Nobel Prizewinning cancer researcher, a former Texas Congressman and Presidential Candidate, former NAACP President, an Oscar-nominated cinematographer, and a Newbery Medalist, among others. Gettysburg College boasts an impressive 98% rate for alumni employed or attending graduate school or pursuing further education within a year after graduation. This strong network of alumni is spread across all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Canada, and in five continents to offer support to fellow alumni, and the College.

PREFERRED COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS Gettysburg College seeks a Major Gifts Officer with 
• a commitment to the mission of Gettysburg College—to prepare students from across the nation and around the globe to pursue lives of personal and professional fulfillment and to engage the complex questions of our time through effective leadership and socially responsible citizenship; 
• an understanding of fundraising theories including the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gift planning and leadership gift donors and prospects; 
• exceptional oral and written communication skills; 
• a high degree of motivation and an ability to motivate others and work harmoniously with various individuals; 
• an ability to work independently and in a team setting; 
• an ability to foster and develop new relationships; 
• an ability to cultivate and steward donors successfully in-person and virtually in pursuit of philanthropic support; 
• an ability to execute leadership events for major donors and senior administrative staff; and • fluency with Microsoft Office software applications. 

A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required for this position as is at least four years of successful experience in major gifts fundraising or relevant relationship management, sales, recruiting, or fundraising experience. 

Gettysburg College has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Major Gifts Officer. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/1434.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Gettysburg College as well as the responsibilities and qualifications presented in the prospectus. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected. 

Gettysburg College, an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal, state, local laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and admission. The College prohibits discrimination and harassment, and provides equal opportunity without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital/familial status, possession of a General Education Development Certificate (GED) as compared to a high school diploma, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex, age, or genetic information in all aspects of employment, educational programs, activities, and admissions. Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Gettysburg College prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex (i.e., which includes but is not limited to the prohibition of sexual misconduct and relationship violence, including sexual assault and harassment) in all of its educational programs and activities.