Major Gifts Officer

Position Summary:

Major Gifts Officer

UT Medical and UTHSC College of Medicine - Knoxville is seeking a dynamic, results-driven Major Gifts Officer to join our growing Philanthropy team. This role is ideal for an experienced fundraiser who thrives in building deep relationships, engages effectively with executive leadership and high-net-worth individuals, and has a proven track record of closing major gifts.

The successful candidate will bring exceptional communication and listening skills, a strong executive presence, and demonstrated success securing five- and six-figure gifts, while independently managing and growing a high-performing donor portfolio.

Position Overview

As a key member of the Major Gifts team, the Major Gifts Officer is responsible for developing and executing strategic fundraising initiatives aligned with institutional priorities. This role requires a proactive, self-directed fundraiser who can build trust with sophisticated donors and partners, translate institutional priorities into compelling cases for support, and drive measurable results.

The Major Gifts Officer will collaborate closely with senior leadership, physician leaders, and philanthropy colleagues to cultivate meaningful relationships that result in significant philanthropic investment in UT Medical and UTHSC College of Medicine - Knoxville.

Key Responsibilities

• Portfolio Development & Management

• Independently build, manage, and grow a portfolio of 125-150 major gift prospects, including individuals capable of giving $10,000 to $500,000+

• Develop and execute tailored engagement strategies for each prospect, with a focus on long-term relationship growth and increased giving

• Partner with senior leadership on principal gift strategy and cultivation

Major Gift Cultivation & Closing

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors with an emphasis on closing 5- and 6-figure gifts

• Demonstrate a strong track record of moving prospects through the pipeline to close, with a focus on securing high-impact gifts

• Apply a disciplined moves management approach, leveraging strong listening skills to align donor interests with institutional priorities

Executive-Level Engagement

Confidently engage and build relationships with C-suite executives, physician leaders, and high-net-worth individuals

• Prepare leadership for strategic donor interactions and participate in high-level prospect meetings
• Serve as a trusted partner to institutional leaders in advancing philanthropic priorities

Strategic Pipeline Growth

• Proactively qualify, cultivate, and add new major gift prospects to ensure a robust and sustainable pipeline

• Leverage networking, community engagement, and internal partnerships to identify new opportunities

Proposal Development & Strategy

Create compelling, customized proposals and presentations that resonate with individuals, families, corporations, and foundations

• Translate complex institutional priorities into meaningful philanthropic opportunities

Performance Metrics & Accountability

• Consistently meet or exceed annual fundraising goals, including production, visits/high value moves, and pipeline growth

• Maintain a high level of activity, including 200+ high value move interactions annually

• Utilize CRM systems to track progress, analyze performance, and drive data-informed strategies

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Build strong partnerships with hospital administrators, physician leaders, and the Philanthropy Advisory Council

• Collaborate with the Grateful Patient Program, Annual Giving, Stewardship and other teams to maximize donor engagement and outcomes

Stewardship & Engagement

• Ensure thoughtful stewardship of donors, delivering meaningful recognition and impact reporting

• Represent the organization at donor and campaign events, supporting engagement and cultivation efforts

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven success securing major gifts at the $25,000-$500,000+ level

• Exceptional communication and listening skills, with the ability to build authentic, trust-based relationships

• Experience working with C-suite leaders, physicians, and high-net-worth individuals

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage and grow a portfolio, including building pipeline from qualification to close

• Strong understanding of metrics, moves management, and performance tracking

• Strategic thinker with a high level of initiative, professionalism, and accountability

Position Qualification:

Minimum of 5 years of direct fundraising experience in healthcare, higher ed, or other non profit.

Bachelors degree required, Masters preferred.

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; written and verbal.

High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information.

Excellent customer service skills.

Experience working with executive leadership.