Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the Director of Major Gifts, the Major Gifts Officer participates in the planning and implementation of a U.S. major gifts strategy to seek support from individuals, corporations and foundations. The position has responsibility for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of emerging major gift donors and prospects with an annual expectation of personal visits.

Position Description
The Major Gifts Officer joins a dynamic, team-oriented development effort for the American University in Cairo, based in the New York office. S/he will assume an important role in the university's fundraising program and increase major gift contributions in North America through personal outreach. The Major Gifts Officer will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gift prospects and meet with approximately 150-175 potential donors per year.

The successful candidate will travel extensively, in North America, in accordance with strategies for increased contact with prospects on behalf the university; prepare and submit proposals, reports and other communications to assist in building and strengthening relationships with major gifts prospects; and collaborate with the office in Cairo, the other members of the major gifts team and the Annual Giving team to ensure continuing and increased effectiveness in the outreach program for major gifts. S/he will participate in a broad range of donor recognition activities and regional alumni events having a strategic impact on the success of the major gifts program and eventually on a comprehensive campaign.

Essential Functions
· Meet regularly with major gift prospects to assess ability, cultivate relationships, solicit major gifts, and provide excellent stewardship, traveling as necessary;
· Solicit and close gifts of $25,000+, with an emphasis on gifts of $100,000+;
· Obtain a basic knowledge of planned giving and discuss these opportunities with prospective donors;
· Maintain knowledge of current tax laws, investments and financial instruments; use knowledge in prospect cultivation and solicitation as appropriate;
· Cultivate and present proposals to corporate and foundation prospects as requested;
· Research and cultivate 25 new donors at the $100,000+ level including bequest prospects;
· Work with the Director of Major Gifts, Associate Vice President for Advancement, the Associate Director of Annual Giving, and the Advancement Information Services team to establish a regular program of prospect identification;
· Direct research requests and provide information on university alumni, parents, and friends to qualify interest and giving potential;
· Work with the Director of Major Gifts to prepare and execute an aggressive major gift fundraising strategy and plan, including recommending and implementing cultivation and solicitation strategies of individual prospects, working with administration, faculty and volunteers as appropriate;
· Work in partnership with the President and other university administrators to arrange appointments, prepare proposals, etc.;
· Ensure that acknowledgements to high-level donors are personal and timely;
· Write or assist in drafting proposals, newsletters, brochures, pamphlets and other materials as necessary; assist with publicity arrangements on important gifts, programs, accomplishments or events;
· Develop, evaluate and refine plans and timetables for regional, departmental or theme assignments; assist with planning and/or directing cultivation events or programs;
· Keep abreast of institutional and departmental priorities, university programs, personalities and events;
· Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Qualifications/Expertise
· Bachelor's degree.
·Five to seven years successful experience in major or planned gift fundraising preferably in higher education; demonstrated record of closing gifts of $100,000+;
· Sophisticated fundraiser with strong interpersonal skills able to communicate with passion the mission of the American University in Cairo both verbally and in writing.
· Strategic thinker and a good listener who has demonstrated resourcefulness in working collaboratively with many constituencies.
· Successful experience in making cold calls as well as developing cultivation and solicitation strategies.
· Experience in living or working in an international setting preferred;
· Willing to travel.

Knowledge/Skills
· Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint required. Experience on sophisticated fundraising database.
· An entrepreneurial and self-motivated individual with a good sense of humor.
· Ability to understand the needs and interests of leadership and major gift donors in order to develop relationships between them and the university. High level of energy, ambition, and orientation toward discussing contributions with donors.
· Interest in all aspects of education and a dedication to promoting the university's fundraising priorities through developing excellent relationships with faculty, senior academic leaders, trustees, volunteers and the advancement office team.
· Ability to produce high-quality work on deadline while maintaining good relations with colleagues. Comfortable managing multiple projects, priorities and deadlines.
· Understanding of basic finance concepts and money management.
· Excellent listening, diplomacy and negotiation skills.
· Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
· Demonstrated leadership skills, including a strong work ethic.
· Knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of cultural differences and diversity. Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people.
· Demonstrated professional manner with all internal and external university constituencies.
· Proven ability to perform well in stressful situations.
· Commitment to the highest standards of customer service and professionalism.

Responses
Please submit a cover letter and a resume with salary history to:
kprecht@aucegypt.edu or mail to:
The American University in Cairo
attn: Major Gifts Officer
420 Fifth Avenue, Third Floor
New York, NY 10018
Fax 212.730.1600
www.aucegypt.edu

Contact Information: