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University of South Carolina

Major Gift Officer

🇺🇸 Aiken, SC

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $72K

💻 Development & Advancement

🗓️ August 6th, 2025

Blackbaud CRM

Edtech.com's Summary

University of South Carolina is hiring a Major Gift Officer. The role involves managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, cultivating and soliciting major gifts from individuals, alumni, corporations, and other partners, and contributing to the University's fundraising and engagement goals under the guidance of the Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs.

Highlights

  • Manage portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, aiming to meet or exceed fundraising goals.
  • Develop strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors including preparing personalized proposals.
  • Build and maintain relationships with alumni, donors, and partners through visits, calls, and events.
  • Identify and qualify potential major gift donors using data and CRM systems, maintaining accurate records.
  • Ensure timely donor stewardship and recognition, coordinating with development staff for communications and reports.
  • Collaborate with university leadership in planning development strategies and represent the University at community events.
  • Preferred experience: minimum three years in fundraising or development in nonprofit, higher education, or similar sectors.
  • Required education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two or more years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of certification, training, and experience.
  • Strong preference for familiarity with Blackbaud CRM or similar donor management software.
  • Compensation starts at $72,093 annually, salary commensurate with qualifications; full-time position with 37.5 hours per week.

Major Gift Officer Full Description



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Major Gift Officer
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
* This posting's deadline was extended. Applications previously submitted are still being considered. Previous applicants do not need to reapply. 

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 September 4, 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  | Deadline Extended 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: September 4, 2025. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.  USC Aiken is an AA/EOE.  * This posting’s deadline was extended. Applications previously submitted are still being considered. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.
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  | 09/04/2025
Open Until Filled  | No
Special Instructions to Applicant  | * This posting’s deadline was extended. Applications previously submitted are still being considered. Previous applicants do not need to reapply. 

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 September 4, 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 (*).
  1. * 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
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
Optional Documents

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