Columbia University
Major Gifts Officer I
Columbia University, New York, New York, us, 10261
Job Type: Officer of Administration
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Hours Per Week: 35
Salary Range: $100,000 - $122,000
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary Reporting to the Associate Dean, Development, the Major Gifts Officer I plays a critical role in advancing the mission of Columbia Business School by cultivating and soliciting gifts of $250,000 and above. This position is responsible for independently managing a portfolio of up to 150 prospects, including alumni, parents, and friends, with a focus on discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. This role requires a strategic and donor-centered approach to secure major gifts that support the School's top priorities, including scholarships, curriculum, research, and operating support. The Major Gifts Officer I fosters meaningful relationships with donors through regular communication, tailored engagement strategies, and participation in bespoke events. This role also collaborates with internal stakeholders to align donor strategies with institutional priorities. Travel, including to domestic and international regions, is required to build and strengthen relationships with donors and prospects. About CBS For over a century, Columbia Business School has helped develop leaders and builders of enterprises who drive value for their stakeholders and society at large through our MBA, MS, PhD, and Executive Education programs. We are equally committed to cultivating new scholars and teachers, and to creating and disseminating pathbreaking knowledge, concepts, and tools which advance the understanding and practice of management through our faculty research and PhD programs. Our vision is simple: to develop ideas and leaders that transform the world—from the very center of business. Our ever-evolving curriculum - featuring pioneering courses, STEM certification, and immersive experiential learning -prepares students to excel in key areas such as digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and innovation, twenty-first century finance, the intersection of business and society, and climate and sustainability. The CBS administration enables CBS’ educational and scholarly mission through strategic and operational guidance and support, optimizing School resources through well-designed, transparent processes with a culture of respect for all. Responsibilities Portfolio Management Independently manage a portfolio of up to 150 donors and prospects, including discovery work. Cultivate and solicit gifts of $250,000 and above, with a focus on building foundational relationships with donors. Develop, execute, and maintain personalized engagement and solicitation strategies for all individuals in the portfolio.
Donor Engagement Conduct a minimum of 120 prospect meetings annually to strengthen relationships and achieve solicitation goals. Travel domestically (primarily in the tri-state area) and internationally to engage donors, attending events occasionally with leadership to enhance connections. Collaborate on bespoke events featuring senior leadership or faculty to advance major gift strategies.
Collaboration and Representation Build strong relationships with campus leaders, faculty, and staff to align donor strategies with institutional priorities. Serve as a high-level representative and advocate for Columbia Business School and its funding needs during donor interactions. Collaborate with team members and leadership on creative cultivation and engagement activities.
Strategic Contributions Work closely with leadership to establish and meet rigorous yet attainable portfolio goals. Assist with special projects and initiatives to advance the School's fundraising objectives.
Advanced Fundraising Conduct regular validation meetings to assess the potential of unvisited prospects and identify opportunities for engagement. Meet agreed-upon fundraising goals and metrics, including successful gift closings. Maintain detailed activity reports and moves management documentation for all prospects in the portfolio.
Special Projects and Team Engagement Assist with strategic projects, donor engagement initiatives, and team-building activities. Actively participate in the life of the team, sharing insights and supporting colleagues to achieve departmental objectives.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree desirable. 4–6 years of related experience, preferably in frontline fundraising, sales, or marketing, with demonstrated success in relationship management and solicitation. Exceptional oral and written communication skills, interpersonal abilities, and strategic thinking. Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. Creativity, persuasiveness, and tact in engaging high-level prospects. Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed. Preferred Qualifications Strong understanding of donor-centered fundraising principles. Ability to build rapport with donors, colleagues, and volunteers through responsive, professional communication. Capability to plan and execute donor engagement events and strategies that reflect the mission and priorities of Columbia Business School. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Columbia Business School’s mission while working with a dedicated and accomplished donor base. Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
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Position Summary Reporting to the Associate Dean, Development, the Major Gifts Officer I plays a critical role in advancing the mission of Columbia Business School by cultivating and soliciting gifts of $250,000 and above. This position is responsible for independently managing a portfolio of up to 150 prospects, including alumni, parents, and friends, with a focus on discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. This role requires a strategic and donor-centered approach to secure major gifts that support the School's top priorities, including scholarships, curriculum, research, and operating support. The Major Gifts Officer I fosters meaningful relationships with donors through regular communication, tailored engagement strategies, and participation in bespoke events. This role also collaborates with internal stakeholders to align donor strategies with institutional priorities. Travel, including to domestic and international regions, is required to build and strengthen relationships with donors and prospects. About CBS For over a century, Columbia Business School has helped develop leaders and builders of enterprises who drive value for their stakeholders and society at large through our MBA, MS, PhD, and Executive Education programs. We are equally committed to cultivating new scholars and teachers, and to creating and disseminating pathbreaking knowledge, concepts, and tools which advance the understanding and practice of management through our faculty research and PhD programs. Our vision is simple: to develop ideas and leaders that transform the world—from the very center of business. Our ever-evolving curriculum - featuring pioneering courses, STEM certification, and immersive experiential learning -prepares students to excel in key areas such as digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and innovation, twenty-first century finance, the intersection of business and society, and climate and sustainability. The CBS administration enables CBS’ educational and scholarly mission through strategic and operational guidance and support, optimizing School resources through well-designed, transparent processes with a culture of respect for all. Responsibilities Portfolio Management Independently manage a portfolio of up to 150 donors and prospects, including discovery work. Cultivate and solicit gifts of $250,000 and above, with a focus on building foundational relationships with donors. Develop, execute, and maintain personalized engagement and solicitation strategies for all individuals in the portfolio.
Donor Engagement Conduct a minimum of 120 prospect meetings annually to strengthen relationships and achieve solicitation goals. Travel domestically (primarily in the tri-state area) and internationally to engage donors, attending events occasionally with leadership to enhance connections. Collaborate on bespoke events featuring senior leadership or faculty to advance major gift strategies.
Collaboration and Representation Build strong relationships with campus leaders, faculty, and staff to align donor strategies with institutional priorities. Serve as a high-level representative and advocate for Columbia Business School and its funding needs during donor interactions. Collaborate with team members and leadership on creative cultivation and engagement activities.
Strategic Contributions Work closely with leadership to establish and meet rigorous yet attainable portfolio goals. Assist with special projects and initiatives to advance the School's fundraising objectives.
Advanced Fundraising Conduct regular validation meetings to assess the potential of unvisited prospects and identify opportunities for engagement. Meet agreed-upon fundraising goals and metrics, including successful gift closings. Maintain detailed activity reports and moves management documentation for all prospects in the portfolio.
Special Projects and Team Engagement Assist with strategic projects, donor engagement initiatives, and team-building activities. Actively participate in the life of the team, sharing insights and supporting colleagues to achieve departmental objectives.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree desirable. 4–6 years of related experience, preferably in frontline fundraising, sales, or marketing, with demonstrated success in relationship management and solicitation. Exceptional oral and written communication skills, interpersonal abilities, and strategic thinking. Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. Creativity, persuasiveness, and tact in engaging high-level prospects. Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed. Preferred Qualifications Strong understanding of donor-centered fundraising principles. Ability to build rapport with donors, colleagues, and volunteers through responsive, professional communication. Capability to plan and execute donor engagement events and strategies that reflect the mission and priorities of Columbia Business School. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Columbia Business School’s mission while working with a dedicated and accomplished donor base. Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
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