Senior Gift Planner (also known as: Major Gift Officer, Planned Giving Officer, Director of Major Gi
New Yesterday
Posting Information Position Title Senior Gift Planner (also known as: Major Gift Officer, Planned Giving Officer, Director of Major Gifts, or Senior Philanthropy Officer) Position Type Staff FTE 1 General Employment Period January – December General Work Schedule (days of week) Monday- Friday with occasional weekend hours General shift hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with occasional evening hours
Benefits Eligible? Yes Job Summary/Basic Function Join the team shaping the future of Concordia College!
We’re launching a comprehensive campaign and seeking a mission-driven professional to help lead the way. As part of a high-performing Advancement team—and under the leadership of a visionary, high-energy new president and new vice president for advancement —you’ll play a critical role in building philanthropic relationships that fuel transformational change.
Ideal candidates may come from: Major or planned giving roles in nonprofit or higher ed
Trusts and estate planning (e.g., JD, Trust Officer)
Corporate partnerships or foundation relations
Senior client engagement or external affairs
Higher ed leadership with strong external relationship-building experience
If you’re passionate about building meaningful donor relationships, believe in the power of education, and thrive in a values-driven, collaborative culture—we want to hear from you.
Description of Position:
The Senior Gift Planner brings advanced knowledge of major and planned giving and is energized by the opportunity to advance Concordia’s faith-based, liberal arts mission through philanthropy. This is a frontline fundraiser responsible for securing major and planned gifts of $50,000 focusing on six- to seven-figure commitments and higher from alumni, parents, and friends of the College. With a portfolio of approximately 100 high-capacity households, this experienced professional leads strategic donor engagement, aligning individual passions with institutional priorities. Operating with significant independence, and high level of collaboration, this role develops and implements donor cultivation strategies, mentors junior staff when appropriate, and serves as a thought partner in campaign and division-wide planning.
Reporting to the Director of Development, the Senior Gift Planner works collaboratively with the Vice President for Advancement, College President, Director of Development, Development team, faculty, and staff. This individual is a self-starting, collaborative, mission-driven professional with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to donor engagement. The role involves both independent work and teamwork to support the College’s fundraising goals, particularly through discovery, cultivation, solicitation and relationship-building. Minimum Qualifications Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree
Five years of successful fund raising experience, with demonstrated success securing major and/or planned gifts of $50,000 or more. Or a minimum of five years of experience in transferrable skills:
Experience related to estate planning and/or trusts, financial advising, insurance, wealth management
Corporate relations, particularly sponsorship or strategic partnerships
Foundation relations, including grant development
Senior leadership in client relations with extensive experience in building significant long-term relationships
Senior leadership in higher education with strong external relationship-building experience
Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel
Office Location: Moorhead, MN
Skills/Abilities:
Strong strategic thinking and donor/client engagement skills
Exhibits sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information, donor conversations, and sensitive financial matters
Excellent oral and written communication
Self-motivated, results-oriented professional
Ability to build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders
Commitment to Concordia’s mission and liberal arts education
Preferred Qualifications Qualifications in Fund raising Preferred
Experience in higher education fund raising
Demonstrated success soliciting six- and seven-figure gifts
Strong understanding of complex gift planning vehicles (e.g., bequests, charitable trusts, charitable gift annuities)
Advanced training or certification in fund raising (e.g., CFRE, AFP)
Experience mentoring or supporting other gift officers
Experience in campaign fund raising and institutional advancement strategy
Open Until Filled Yes Screening Begins 09/15/2025 Benefits Concordia College is proud to offer a competitive total compensation package:
. Health Insurance
. Flexible Savings Account
. Vision Insurance
. Dental Insurance
. Preventative Chiropractic Program
. Retirement Plan
. Long-Term Disability Insurance (full-time only)
. Life Insurance (full-time only)
. Planned Time Off (PTO) starting at 18 days/year
. 13 paid holidays including the time off in between Christmas and New Year
. Paid parental leave
. Extended Illness Benefit (EIB)
. Up to 100% tuition for yourself and dependents with discounts and scholarships at Concordia College and Concordia Language Villages.
. Up to 50% tuition discount for dependents with Oak Grove Lutheran Schools
. Up to 100% tuition discounts with participating partners: CIC-TEP, ELCA schools, and Tuition Exchange Inc.
. Perks: access to athletic facilities, library, fitness classes, athletic events, theatre events, purchase dining on campus, free MAT bus rides
Salary – $75,000 -95,000The final salary will be determined based on factors such as education, experience, skills, certifications, and alignment with the position’s requirements. Other considerations may include internal equity and market conditions. EEO/AA Statement Concordia College will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, age, veteran’s status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
- Location:
- Moorhead
- Job Type:
- FullTime