This role provides strategic leadership and direction for fundraising in the Colleges of Communication, Health Sciences, Dental School, and Nursing. Reporting to the AVP for College Advancement, this role serves as both a lead fundraiser—maintaining a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects—and a manager of a team of four major gift officers. Partners closely with deans and faculty across the assigned colleges to establish fundraising priorities, cultivates relationships with top donors and volunteers, and ensures alignment with Marquette’s strategic plan. This position has the opportunity to work in a hybrid work arrangement with time worked both on campus as well as remotely.

1. Maintain a personal portfolio of major and principal gift donors, setting a strong example in qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

2. Responsible for the supervision of staff which includes but is not limited to hiring, terming, disciplinary actions, performance management, staff development, mentoring, etc.

3. Oversee development and implementation of college fundraising plans, driving a comprehensive major gift strategy that advances current-use, endowment, planned, leadership, and annual giving goals in alignment with university priorities.

4. Support Directors of Development in their work with the deans, including assisting with pipeline development, strategic briefings, and coordinated follow-up. Align fundraising plans and activities with academic priorities and institutional goals in coordination with University Advancement leadership and the University strategic plan.

5. Support and staff university academic leaders in donor engagement and Advancement initiatives. Coordinate fundraising plans and activities with University Advancement leadership to ensure alignment with academic priorities and institutional goals.

6. Support Directors of Development in their work with volunteer boards of senior executives, including the campaign committee, leadership council, and department/center advisory boards, engaging members as advocates, connectors, and donors.

7. Partner with Prospect Management and Advancement Services to leverage data, performance metrics, and analytics to inform strategy, track progress, and drive continuous improvement.

Bachelor’s degree

A minimum of 7 years of related previous years of experience in nonprofit is required, with a focus on major gift level fundraising.

Supervisory experience

Excellent written and oral communication skills, along with strong budget oversight and management experience, are essential

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and manage competing work expectations

The ability to work with colleagues across the University and establish and foster relationships that encourage a collaborative work environment

MU representation at events and the ability to travel as needed

Experience working within higher education with a college/school focus and/or within healthcare with unit support is ideal.

It is the policy of Marquette University to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification.