Major Gift Officer
Central College
Education-Teaching/Admin, Not for Profit-Charity | Full Time | Onsite | Pella
Posted: 6/30/26
Job Description
The major gifts officer will work closely with the director of development and the major gifts team to execute programs and strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni and friends of the college for significant gifts to fund institutional priorities. The primary objective is to develop long-term relationships built on a firm understanding of donor's interest, passions, and values. While not required, a fundraising professional with planned giving experience is preferred for this position. This position will be a part of a collaborative team helping to drive the overall success of Central’s fundraising goals, mission, and comprehensive campaign, A World of Good.
Deadline to Apply 8/31/26
Address
812 University St.
Essential Job Functions
Responsible for directly soliciting significant gifts for college-wide priorities from a portfolio of donors. Must be a highly energetic professional with the ability to build and cultivate donor relationships that will lead to closing significant gifts for the college.
Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle from initiating contacts, developing cultivation strategies, meeting with assigned donors, soliciting and closing gifts, and maintaining stewardship contact.
Focus on securing support for a set of campus-wide priorities that include but are not limited to student support and student experiences on and off campus by annual, endowed, or planned gifts.
Complete contact reports and other administrative responsibilities in a timely manner. Plan and execute travel in a cost-efficient manner, maximizing visits and outreach efforts.
Maintain general knowledge of current tax laws, investments and planned giving opportunities; use knowledge in prospect cultivation and solicitation as appropriate.
Participate in events such as Homecoming, commencement, and alumni and donor activities.
Become proficient in the college’s CRM tool to manage and track donor work and fundraising progress.
Education
Bachelor’s degree, advanced degree preferred.
Other Formal Training
Experience
Five to seven years of successful experience in fundraising, preferably with major and/or planned gift fundraising in higher education or non-profit settings.
About the Company
Central College of Pella, Iowa, is a private, four-year college known for its academic rigor, engaged citizenship and character formation, experiential learning, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), athletics and service. The Central experience is rooted in exploration and self-discovery and enhanced by life in an academic community of 1,100 students. Founded in 1853, the college participates in NCAA Division III athletics and is a member of the American Rivers Conference. Central is an active part of the Greater Des Moines region and just minutes from Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake.
Travel Required
1-2 weeks a month
Resume Required
Yes
Contact Person
Kathy Thompson