Bachelor's degree required; direct fundraising, sales, or business development experience preferred.
Demonstrated success in cultivating and closing major gifts.
Commitment to the mission and values of Woodberry Forest School.
Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral.
Highly organized with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Self-motivated, capable of independent work and teamwork.
Experience in developing strategies for operational goals.
Responsibilities
Manage a portfolio of about 175 prospects, qualifying and cultivating interests.
Plan and conduct 180 face-to-face visits yearly, following up effectively afterward.
Collaborate to create creative strategies for donor cultivation and solicitation.
Partner with the Director of Donor Relations on stewardship strategies.
Build relationships with faculty and staff to communicate school priorities.
Engage in major campus events; some weekend work required.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Benefits
Opportunity to work in a vibrant educational environment.
Engagement with a committed team of advancement professionals.
Professional development opportunities within the role.
Ability to make a significant impact on the school's future.
Flexibility in managing diverse projects and donor interactions.
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.
