Major Gifts Officer

Join a mission-driven organization where your work will have a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the future of higher education.

The Shippensburg University Foundation is the private fundraising partner of Shippensburg University, a nationally recognized public university serving more than 5,000 students. Through the generosity of alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations, the SU Foundation provides scholarships, supports innovative academic programs, enhances campus facilities, and helps create opportunities that transform lives.  Fiscal Year 2025-2026 was one of the strongest years in the SU Foundation’s history.

Located in the scenic Cumberland Valley of south-central Pennsylvania, Shippensburg offers an exceptional quality of life with easy access to Harrisburg, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. This position offers the opportunity to work with passionate colleagues, engaged volunteers, and generous donors while helping advance one of Pennsylvania's outstanding public universities.

The SU Foundation offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and a TIAA retirement plan.

To Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume to Amanda Schaeffer aschaeffer@sufoundation.org. Applications received by Friday, September 4, 2026 will receive strongest consideration; however, the position will remain open until filled.

Key Responsibilities
The SU Foundation seeks an experienced, relationship-driven Major Gifts Officer to join its development team. Reporting to the Director of Major Gifts, the Major Gifts Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors. Using a donor-centered moves management approach, the successful candidate will develop individualized engagement strategies, conduct regular donor visits, and secure philanthropic support aligned with donors' interests and University priorities.

The Major Gifts Officer works closely with college deans, academic leaders, and Foundation colleagues to develop fundraising strategies and advance priorities across the University. The position also supports the SU Foundation's comprehensive fundraising efforts, including annual giving, planned giving, capital initiatives, and corporate and foundation relations.  The Major Gifts Officer will be expected to manage 100–150 prospects and have annual fundraising goals. The Major Gift Officer is expected to travel approximately 40–60% of the time, primarily throughout the region, with some out-of-state travel, to conduct face-to-face donor visits and to represent the SU Foundation at events. Travel is primarily day trips, with occasional overnight travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three to five years of professional experience in major gifts, fundraising, development, sales, business development, wealth management, or another relationship-focused field with a demonstrated ability to cultivate partnerships and achieve measurable results.
• Previous higher education or nonprofit fundraising experience is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to build lasting relationships with donors, volunteers, and campus partners.

Position Requirements
This is an on-site position requiring regular travel throughout the region and beyond to meet with donors and prospects. Evening and weekend attendance at selected University, alumni, and community events is expected. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.

Salary/Compensation: $60,000 - $85,000 per year