Major Gifts Officer – Gift Planning

Calvin University•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

The Major Gifts Officer plays a vital role in advancing the mission of Calvin University by building meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, and friends who share a passion for Christian higher education and the formation of students as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world. This is more than a fundraising role, it is an opportunity to invite donors into a larger story of impact, transformation, and kingdom work. This position leads the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of significant charitable gifts, managing a dynamic portfolio of major gift prospects across the United States. With a strong emphasis on proactive prospecting, new donor discovery, and relationship-building, the Major Gifts Officer helps expand Calvin’s network of generous partners who believe in the university’s mission and future. The ideal candidate is energized by people, inspired by purpose, and motivated by the excitement of building something - developing a pipeline, opening new doors, and helping donors make joyful, transformational decisions. Gift planning strategies will serve as a valuable tool within donor conversations, along with major gift development and long-term donor engagement. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative fundraiser who enjoys travel, meaningful conversations, and the privilege of connecting generous people with opportunities that shape lives for generations. Through strategic outreach and mission-centered relationship building, the Major Gifts Officer helps ensure Calvin continues equipping students to think deeply, act justly, and live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal.

Requirements

Affirmation of the Christian faith as expressed by the Reformed creeds
Knowledge of Calvin alumni and the Christian Reformed Church
Must have an understanding and appreciation for Calvin University's mission and the capacity to project the unique aims and values of the institution to prospective donors
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills - with a high attention to detail, and accuracy of work product
Able to manage multiple projects / issues concurrently, while still maintaining deadlines
Able to work effectively in a team environment and independently, with considerable latitude for exercising judgment and self-direction
Able to adapt to and support all new and rapidly changing technologies
Able and willing to travel as needed
Displays a high level of personal integrity
A bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in Business Administration or related area
Three to five years of experience and a working knowledge of gift planning and charitable giving strategies or equivalent combination of education and experience
Solid knowledge of computers, MS Office applications
Ability to travel and work nights and weekends as needed
Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.
A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.
Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.

Responsibilities

Manage and grow a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, moving relationships through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Actively identify, research, and engage new prospective donors to expand Calvin’s major gift pipeline and increase charitable gifts.
Develop and execute creative, strategic engagement plans that inspire deeper donor involvement and increased giving.
Conduct regular outreach, travel, and in-person visits to build authentic relationships and uncover new opportunities for partnership.
Collaborate with advancement leadership and campus partners to connect donor passions with projects and priorities.
Build trusted, long-term relationships with donors by understanding their passions, values, and charitable and legacy giving goals.
Create compelling proposals, personalized communications, and tailored giving opportunities that invite donors into meaningful partnership through both current and future gifts.
Serve as a consultative partner to donors, thoughtfully incorporating planned giving strategies when they support donor goals and maximize impact.
Work collaboratively with internal colleagues to ensure an excellent donor experience marked by responsiveness, care, and strong stewardship.
Introduce planned giving opportunities as part of broader major gift strategies when aligned with donor interests and long-term planning.
Partner with the Director of Gift Planning on more complex gift conversations and technical planning needs.
Maintain a working knowledge of estate planning, tax-wise giving, and non-cash asset strategies to support holistic donor discussions.
Support engagement and stewardship opportunities related to legacy giving societies, including the William Spoelhof Society, as part of overall donor relationship strategy.
Collaborate on outreach and marketing initiatives that help identify and engage new major gift prospects.
Bring energy, creativity, and strategic insight to a collaborative advancement team committed to growth, mission impact, and donor-centered fundraising.