Bachelor's degree required; experience in fundraising, sales, or business development essential.
Proven track record of successfully securing major gifts.
Commitment to Woodberry Forest School's mission and values is crucial.
Exceptional interpersonal, writing, and verbal communication skills are a must.
Highly organized with ability to juggle multiple ongoing projects.
Self-starter; works well independently and collaboratively.
Experience in strategy development for operational goals.
Responsibilities
Manage a dynamic portfolio of about 175 prospects, building strong relationships.
Execute 180 in-person visits annually, and ensure timely follow-ups.
Collaborate on innovative cultivation and solicitation strategies based on research and fieldwork.
Work closely with the Director of Donor Relations to enhance donor stewardship.
Foster strong relationships with faculty and staff to promote the school's current and future priorities.
Engage in key campus events, requiring occasional weekend availability.
Perform other assigned duties as needed.
Benefits
Opportunity to work at a prestigious institution with a rich history.
Engagement with dedicated alumni and supportive community.
Participation in meaningful fundraising that impacts the school’s strategic goals.
Collaborative work environment within a senior team structure.
Travel opportunities enhance networking with prominent stakeholders.
Full Job Description
Overview
Woodberry Forest School seeks an experienced and energetic advancement professional to identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts supporting the school's strategic imperatives. The Principal Gifts Officer is a senior member of the Alumni & Development Team and reports to the Assistant Headmaster for Institutional Advancement.
Key Responsibilities
Manage a fluid portfolio of approximately 175 prospects by qualifying new prospects, cultivating donor interest and building relationships that support the school's mission.
Plan and execute a total of 180 face-to-face visits per year. Complete contact reports and deliver timely and effective follow-ups to prospects and donors.
Work collaboratively to determine creative cultivation and solicitation strategies; and maintain active efforts to evaluate prospects identified through fieldwork, screening, and research.
Work collaboratively with the Director of Donor Relations to maintain a strong stewardship strategy for portfolio donors.
Maintain strong relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators to fully understand and articulate to prospects Woodberry today and its priorities for the future.
Participate in major events on campus, i.e. Board meetings, Reunions, and other special events. This will entail occasional weekend work.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree and direct front-line fundraising, sales, business development, or related experience.
Proven success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts.
Appreciation for, understanding of, and a strong commitment to the mission and value of Woodberry Forest School.
Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Highly organized and able to manage and prioritize multiple and competing projects on an ongoing basis.
Self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as with a team.
Experience in developing and implementing strategies for achieving operating goals.
Ability to listen carefully and understand constituents' needs while proactively responding to those needs in a consistent and timely manner.
Strong problem-solving skills combined with a collaborative approach.
Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
Able to exercise confidentiality and discretion.
Ability and willingness to travel extensively including overnight travel.
