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Newton, Massachusetts, United States
Onsite
Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.
Job Description:
Amherst College invites applications for the Senior Major Gift Officer position. The Senior Major Gift Officer is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $120,000 to $130,000 per year.
The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.
The Senior Major Gift Officer (SMGO) is a senior fundraising professional responsible for securing significant philanthropic support for Amherst College. This role manages a dynamic portfolio of approximately 125–175 alumni and parent donors and prospective donors, developing and executing individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that lead to six- and seven-figure commitments in support of the College’s highest priorities.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Development, the SMGO engages actively with donors and prospects through frequent travel, in-person meetings, and virtual conversations. The role serves as a strategic partner in advancing institutional fundraising priorities—translating complex initiatives into compelling philanthropic opportunities and connecting donor interests with meaningful impact. The SMGO also contributes to special projects and priority initiatives, which may include serving as a liaison to an academic department, program, or donor interest area, and supports high-visibility events, committees, and campaigns as needed.
The Senior Major Gift Officer brings strong fundraising expertise, sound judgment, and a relationship-centered approach to frontline development work. They build trust-based partnerships with donors, communicate institutional priorities clearly and persuasively, and navigate complex philanthropic conversations with professionalism and care. Operating in a data-informed, metrics-driven environment, the Senior Major Gift Officer meets ambitious goals while contributing to a collaborative and inclusive Advancement culture, and demonstrates flexibility to support evening, weekend, and travel commitments required for this role.
Advancement staff are expected to promote a positive, solutions-focused workplace culture through professional and constructive engagement in meetings, collaborations, and daily interactions. Advancement work also includes “all-hands-on-deck” events that require occasional evening and weekend participation to support key College events, including—but not limited to—Reunion and Homecoming.
Summary of Responsibilities:
Fundraising and Portfolio Management
Manage a robust portfolio of alumni donors and prospects, ensuring consistent, strategic movement through the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycle.
Secure six- and seven-figure philanthropic commitments that advance Amherst’s highest institutional priorities.
Develop and execute individualized donor strategies, including tailored briefings, targeted outreach, and personalized engagement experiences—both virtually and through significant travel.
Communicate a compelling and nuanced case for support, translating the College’s mission, strategic initiatives, and emerging opportunities into meaningful philanthropic conversations.
Serve as a strategic partner and primary point of contact for assigned academic departments, programs, affinity/identity-based groups, or institutional initiatives, aligning donor interests with College priorities.
Collaborate with Advancement colleagues—including Planned Giving, Donor Relations, Alumni Relations, and Advancement Communications—to ensure coordinated messaging, reporting, and donor engagement.
Participate actively in special fundraising projects and College-wide campaigns, supporting high-visibility events, volunteer committees, and priority initiatives as needed.
Operate within a data-informed, metrics-driven culture, meeting measurable expectations for donor visits, proposals, solicitations, portfolio activity, and philanthropic outcomes.
Prepare clear, concise contact reports, strategy updates, and proposal materials that ensure transparency, alignment, and effective collaboration across the Advancement division.
Use CRM tools, prospect research, and portfolio analytics to track progress, forecast potential revenue, and make data-informed decisions that strengthen portfolio health and fundraising outcomes.
Plan and support cultivation and stewardship activities, including small events and virtual engagements that advance donor strategies and deepen connection to the College.
Qualifications:
Required
Bachelor's Degree.
Minimum of seven years of experience and success as a frontline fundraiser, including experience soliciting, closing, and stewarding major gifts.
Strong relationship- and trust-building skills, with the ability to engage donors thoughtfully and align philanthropic interests with institutional priorities.
Sound judgment and professionalism, with the ability to navigate complex situations and represent the institution effectively.
Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, to diverse audiences.
Proven ability to thrive in a data-informed, metrics-driven environment, meeting measurable fundraising and engagement goals.
Demonstrated commitment to contributing to a collaborative, inclusive Advancement culture, working effectively with colleagues across teams.
Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends and to travel as required to support frontline fundraising responsibilities.
Successful completion of required reference and background checks.
An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check.
Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen.) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
