Employment

Wabash College invites applications for the position of Major Gifts Officer or Senior Major Gifts Officer (Gifts Officer) in the Wabash Advancement Office.  The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, creative, self-starter, and will be central to helping enhance the College’s great tradition and culture of philanthropy. 

The Gifts Officer is part of the Wabash Advancement team and is responsible for long-term relationship building with alumni, parents, and friends and cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts from a portfolio of assigned constituents.  The Gifts Officer conducts a minimum of 125 face-to-face fundraising and a minimum of 25 additional stewardship related meetings with alumni, parents, and friends of the College each year.  In addition, the Gifts Officer is responsible for managing relationships with volunteers. 

Founded in 1832, Wabash College is a selective undergraduate liberal arts College committed to the education of men located in Crawfordsville, Indiana, approximately 45 minutes west of Indianapolis and 30 minutes south of Lafayette, Indiana.  The campus is situated on 60 acres with more than 30 buildings for academic and administrative purposes which fosters a close-knit teaching and learning community. 

On June 30, 2023 Wabash concluded the Giant Steps Campaign.  Giant Steps was the largest and most audacious comprehensive fundraising campaign in Wabash’s 191-year history, raising more than $250 million from over 12,000 donors in support of the College’s enduring mission.  In January 2024 the Advancement team is launching a public fundraising initiative focused on securing support for a new $60 million campus and community engagement center.  In addition, under the leadership of the Wabash’s 17th President, Dr. Scott E. Feller and with the College’s bicentennial approaching in 2032, the Advancement team remains firm in its commitment to strengthening relationships with alumni and friends and securing philanthropic gifts that support the people, programs, and places that are central to Wabash’s unparalleled liberal arts living and learning experience. 

Wabash enjoys a loyal and generous constituent base.  In the most recent fiscal year, Wabash generated $23.2 million in cash fundraising revenue and realized a more than 40% alumni participation rate for the 10th consecutive year.  The Wabash Annual Fund accounts for approximately 7-8% of the College’s operating budget, raising more than $3.7 million annually. 

A Bachelor’s degree is required.  Three-five or more years of previous fundraising experience, preferably in higher education, is preferred.  The Gifts Officer should be familiar with higher education fundraising standards and best practices including annual giving, major gifts, planned gifts, and fundraising campaigns.  The position requires a high energy individual who can work alone as well as with a larger College Advancement team.  An interest in higher education and a dedication to promoting the College’s mission and strategic fundraising priorities are a must.  The position also requires excellent writing and persuasive communications skills; excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills; willingness and ability to travel extensively within an assigned regional geographic territory; and willingness to work within a larger team of development professionals. The position is considered a hybrid position as scheduled remote work is possible.   

The Advancement team includes Alumni & Affinity Group Engagement, Major Gifts, Planned Gifts, Annual Giving, Corporate & Foundation Relations, and Advancement Services.  The Gifts Officer reports to the Senior Associate Dean for College Advancement.

The title of Major Gifts Officer or Senior Major Gifts Officer and salary commensurate with experience.

To apply, please upload a cover letter, resume and contact information of three professional references by choosing Apply Now.  Review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

Wabash College, a liberal arts college for men, seeks faculty and staff who are committed to providing quality engagement with students, high levels of academic challenge and support, and meaningful experiences that prepare students for life and leadership among diverse populations around the globe. Wabash is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from persons of all backgrounds. EOE.