University of South Carolina is hiring a Major Gift Officer. The role involves managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts to support the university's mission and strategic priorities. The officer reports to the Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs and plays a central role in achieving fundraising and engagement goals.
Highlights
Manage a personal portfolio of major gift prospects and donors to meet annual fundraising goals.
Develop and execute strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors.
Conduct donor visits and build relationships through various outreach methods.
Identify, research, and qualify major gift prospects using CRM tools, preferably Blackbaud.
Ensure timely donor recognition and stewardship to encourage ongoing engagement.
Collaborate with university leadership and development teams to support fundraising campaigns.
Requires bachelor's degree and 2+ years of related experience or equivalent certification/training.
Preferred minimum of three years fundraising or development experience in nonprofit or higher education.
Proficiency with donor management software and strong communication and budgeting skills.
Approved starting salary is $72,093; full-time position with 37.5 hours per week and 12-month basis.
In addition to completing the online application, please also upload your resume and a separate cover letter.
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by August 5, 2025.
Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo | Posting Number | STA00594PO25 Job Family | Alumni Relations and Development Job Function | Major Gifts USC Market Title | Major Gifts Officer Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132009 Job Level | P2 - Professional Business Title (Internal Title) | Major Gift Officer Campus | Aiken Work County | Aiken College/Division | USC Aiken College/Division Level Department | AIK Development State Pay Band | 8 Approved Starting Salary | $72,093 Advertised Salary Range | Salary commensurate with qualifications. Location of Vacancy | Part/Full Time | Full Time Hours per Week | 37.5 Work Schedule | Basis | 12 months Job Search Category | Other Professional
About USC
About University of South Carolina | From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for FTE Positions The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary | Major Gift Officer (Development Officer II), Minimum Salary: $72,093 per year, USCA Development
The Major Gift Officer is a key frontline fundraiser responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts from individuals, alumni, corporations, and other partners in support of the University’s mission and strategic priorities. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs, the Major Gift Officer will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, build strong relationships, and play a central role in achieving annual fundraising and engagement goals. Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience. Preferred: Minimum of three years of experience in fundraising or development within a nonprofit, higher education, or related environment. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record of successfully securing philanthropic support from both individual donors and institutional or corporate partners. Familiarity with Blackbaud CRM or a similar donor management system is strongly preferred. Application Deadline: August 5, 2025. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. USC Aiken is an AA/EOE. Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience. Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials | Preferred Qualifications | Preferred qualifications include a minimum of three years of experience in fundraising or development within a nonprofit, higher education, or related environment. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record of successfully securing philanthropic support from both individual donors and institutional or corporate partners. Familiarity with Blackbaud CRM or a similar donor management system is strongly preferred. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Ability to establish good working relationships with alumni, students, donors, businesses and the general public; ability to relate fund raising programs to university goals and objectives. Must be available to work flexible hours and travel, and must be proficient using computers and standardized fundraising software. Excellent communication and writing skills. Solid understanding of finances and budgets.
Job Duties
Job Duty | Fundraising: Manage a personal portfolio of major gift prospects and donors with the capacity to give at a significant level Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals, which will be determined by the Vice Chancellor. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 35Job Duty | Gift Solicitation: Develop and execute strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects and donors. Prepare personalized proposals and solicitation materials in collaboration with University leadership and support staff. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 25Job Duty | Donor Engagement and Relationship Management: Conduct a targeted number of monthly donor visits and contacts. Build and sustain meaningful relationships with alumni, friends, and partners of the University through in-person visits, phone calls, events, and other forms of outreach. Collaborate with deans, faculty, and university leadership to connect donors with giving opportunities that align with their interests. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Prospect Identification and Qualification: Proactively identify and research potential major gift donors. Use available tools, data, and reports to qualify and prioritize prospective donors for engagement. Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions in the University’s CRM system. Develop customized engagement plans to convert new prospects into active donors. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Stewardship and Donor Recognition: Ensure timely and meaningful stewardship of donors, including thank-you communications, reports, recognition, and updates on the impact of their giving. Coordinate with Development Services and Donor Relations staff to deliver high-quality stewardship materials and experiences. Maintain strong post-gift relationships to encourage ongoing engagement and future giving. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 5Job Duty | Collaboration and Strategic Support: Participate in the planning and execution of development strategies and campaigns as directed by the Vice Chancellor. Work collaboratively with other members of the Development and Alumni Affairs team to align efforts and share best practices.Represent the University at alumni, donor, and community events, and serve as an ambassador of its mission and values.Other duties as assigned by the Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 5
Position Attributes Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive | No Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1 Desired Start Date | Job Open Date | 07/22/2025 Job Close Date | 08/05/2025 Open Until Filled | No Special Instructions to Applicant | In addition to completing the online application, please also upload your resume and a separate cover letter.
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by August 5, 2025. Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/191529 EEO Statement | The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* Do you have at least a Bachelor's Degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience?
Yes
No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Optional Documents
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