Lamar University - Major Gifts Officer

Review of applications begins May 5, 2025.

Complete information is available on the Search Profile.

Lamar University, a member of The Texas State University System, seeks an experienced fundraising professional to serve as the Major Gifts Officer in the Division of University Advancement. This Advancement Officer plays a key role in enabling the University to achieve its fundraising goals and objectives.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Lamar University is seeking a Major Gifts Officer with proven development and major gifts experience to oversee the major gifts program within the Advancement Division. The Major Gifts Officer will work closely with donors and prospective donors implementing cultivation and solicitation strategies for individual prospects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for building and managing an assigned portfolio of donors and prospective donors. This includes participation in the identification of prospective donors, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities. It includes recommending and implementing cultivation and solicitation strategies of individual prospects and working with administration and faculty where appropriate. Some amount of travel is required.
• Represent the Advancement Division with internal constituencies as assigned. This consists primarily of assisting deans and other university personnel to navigate through the processes involved with development activities. This position will work closely with the Dean of the College of Business and the Athletic Director to secure major gifts to athletics and other areas as assigned.
• Maintain knowledge of current tax laws, investments, and planned giving opportunities and use this knowledge in prospect cultivation and solicitation.
• Write or assist in drafting proposals and other materials; assist with publicity arrangements on significant gifts.
• Attend and participate at University, Alumni, and other appropriate events, both on and off campus, to enhance the friend-raising efforts of the University.
• Actively participate on the Advancement senior leadership team and collaborate with other colleagues in development, alumni relations, Foundation, and advancement services, and prospect research to increase contacts and fund-raising totals.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proven management experience of development professionals and support staff
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and can interact positively and professionally with both the community at large and the internal campus community
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects to a successful completion
• Ability to work in a team environment where priorities may conflict and consensus building is critical
• Demonstrated success in working with volunteer leadership
• Experience planning and executing a comprehensive campaign; fundraising experience in a complex university and prior experience working with a major gift program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university
• Seven years of substantial, progressively responsible, and successful principal and major gifts fundraising experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience as a successful development officer for an educational institution or a non-profit organization

BEAUMONT, TEXAS

Incorporated in 1838, Beaumont is a coastal city in Southeast Texas on the Neches River 90 miles east of Houston and 30 miles west of the Louisiana border. Home to more than 115,000 residents and the seat of Jefferson County, Texas, Beaumont is the energy gateway for the State of Texas and the United States.

A low cost of living and a year-round outdoor climate makes Beaumont an ideal place to live as well. Residents and visitors enjoy exploring the bayous, birding, and unique culinary landscape and see where the world was changed forever in one of America’s original Boomtowns.

Beaumont is convenient for lake, river, and ocean recreation. Located only a few miles from the Gulf Coast, the city is little more than an hour from the Big Thicket National Preserve, large lakes, and piney woods

Museums and historic sites include the McFaddin-Ward House Museum, Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, the Chambers House Museum, Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Fire Museum of Texas, Texas Energy Museum, Clifton Steamboat Museum, Saint Anthony Catholic Basilica, and, of course, the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Memorial Museum. Beaumont is also home to the Wildlife and Alligator Adventure Park and the exquisite Beaumont Botanical Gardens.

The largest employers in Beaumont are Lamar University, Beaumont Independent School District, ExxonMobil Corporation Beaumont Refinery, Christus St. Elizbeth Hospital, and Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas.

Beaumont is served by the Beaumont Independent School District, though there are also several private schools in the city and metropolitan area.