Major Gifts Officer - School of Law

Philanthropic support from individuals is vital to Howard University and to the mission of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Major Gift Officer for Howard University School of Law (HUSL) will expand the School’s individual donor base by securing restricted and unrestricted gifts and grants from prospects with the capacity and inclination to give $25,000 or more annually.

The Major Gift Officer serves as primary relationship manager for a personal portfolio of alumni, friends of the University, and business representatives, engaging them through frequent, values-driven, and customized communications. The role meets a monthly meeting requirement, conducts prospect research, keeps accurate records of all interactions and fundraising activity, and prepares proposals, solicitation letters, gift agreements, and other development materials. The Major Gift Officer also helps design funding opportunities that showcase Howard’s unique value proposition.

The role depends on close collaboration across DAR, the School of Law, and the broader University, including partnering with the Planned Giving team as needed. As a key strategic partner on the Individual Giving team, the Major Gift Officer is accountable for meeting annual fundraising targets and for executing a comprehensive plan to grow and scale major gifts, with clear short- and long-term objectives, strategies, financial targets, and KPIs. Central to this work is building the major gifts pipeline and increasing visibility into it.

Ideal Candidate

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Proven success planning and executing solicitation strategies and meeting financial targets;
• Familiarity with moves management;
• Willingness to seek and participate in opportunities to raise the profile of the School of Law;
• Willingness to conduct a minimum number of prospect qualification visits per month;
• Ability to navigate internal processes and structures to problem-solve and contribute to a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence;
• Ability to leverage technology to enhance fundraising and use data to inform decision-making;
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently with purpose and accuracy in a fast-paced environment; and
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and a high degree of discretion.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three (3) years of related experience, with at least one in a fundraising environment.
• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Excel) and database management skills; familiarity with Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

See position details for a comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities of and qualifications for the role.

Apply: https://driwaterstonehc.com/position/mgo-school-of-law-hu/

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)

DRiWaterstone Human Capital is proud to lead this search on behalf of Howard University, School of Law.