Major Gift Officer, The Lawrence Herbert School of Communications

Position Details

Position Information

About Hofstra Hofstra University is nationally ranked and recognized as Long Islands largest private university located in Hempstead, N.Y. When you work at Hofstra, you join a team of talented professionals committed to preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow in an environment that cultivates learning through the free and open exchange of ideas for the betterment of humankind. The work we do at Hofstra supports the education and well-being of our students and the workforce of the future. While working towards this mission, employees can take advantage of many enriching experiences on campus. Whether its a lunchtime lecture, a Division I NCAA athletics game, a musical concert, a theatre performance, or a visit to one of our two accredited museums, there is always something exciting to do at Hofstra. Enjoy the ease of going to the fitness center, taking a swim, or grabbing a bite to eat without having to leave our beautiful campus.

Hofstra University is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diverse academic community of students, faculty, staff, and administrators, respectful of the contributions and dignity of each of its members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community.

Position Title: Major Gift Officer School: The Lawrence Herbert School of Communications Position Number: 896300 Position Category: Administration School/Division: Office of Vice Pres. of Development Division: Office of Development & Alumni Affairs Full-Time or Part-Time: Full-Time

Description Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Development, the Major Gift Officer (MGO) for The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication (LHSC) serves as a key member of the Development and Alumni Affairs team. The MGO is a seasoned major gift fundraising professional responsible for managing a portfolio of donors and prospects of approximately 80-100 constituents and meeting established annual fundraising and visit goals. The MGO supports University priorities by aligning donor interests with institutional funding needs and works closely with the Dean of LHSC and other University leadership. In partnership with colleagues in Events, Stewardship, and Alumni Affairs, the MGO helps plan and execute fundraising and engagement strategies for the College. The role also includes managing volunteers serving on a Deans advisory board.

The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication offers award-winning programs in film, sports media, journalism, television, public relations & strategic communication, podcasting & audio storytelling, and media studies. The school emphasizes experiential learning and deep connections across the media industry with well-developed internship programs and an array of student-led media endeavors on many platforms.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Maintains and actively cultivates a portfolio of approximately 80-100 constituents capable of making a major annual gift of $10,000 or more.
• Serves as a frontline fundraiser representing Hofstra University through donor meetings, events, and engagement activities, and manages relationships to increase major annual restricted and campaign gifts.
• Develops and implements tailored fundraising strategies and solicitations, nurturing donor relationships through stewardship activities, events, one-on-one meetings, and donor communications (email, phone, and written correspondence).
• Partners with the Dean of The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication (LHSC) in support of the Deans fundraising and donor engagement efforts.
• Prepares major gift proposals, briefing materials, and solicitation strategies as needed.
• Drafts donor outreach communications and appeals related to major gift fundraising.
• Attends cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship events, including evening and occasional weekend events, to engage prospects and represent the University.
• Accurately tracks donor communications, interactions, and stewardship activities in Raisers Edge NXT, maintaining complete and up-to-date donor records.
• Works both independently and collaboratively with Prospect Management, Special Events, Alumni Affairs, and Stewardship colleagues.
• Conducts a defined number of annual face-to-face visits with donors and prospective donors.
• Completes a defined number of annual solicitation requests with increasing gift levels.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in development or constituent relations, preferably in a university or nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Raisers Edge NXT or a similar CRM system.
• Ability to travel and work early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Special interest in media in all its forms and fundamental knowledge of the rapidly changing media landscape.

Deadline Date Posted: 01/28/2026

EEO Statement Hofstra University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to extending equal opportunity in employment to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary Salary Range: $100,000 - $110,000

Additional Information Hofstra University provides the above salary as a good faith estimate of the starting pay range, which considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidates work experience, and education. In addition to the salary offered, we offer a collegial and inclusive culture and a benefits program which includes generous paid time off, paid holidays, tuition remission for employees and eligible dependents, and a retirement plan with University contributions. Salary ranges indicated for positions covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement are in accordance with the CBA.

Documents needed to apply

• Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter (Including Salary Requirement)
• Optional Documents: Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).