Career Opportunities at UDC >> Principal Gifts Officer
Principal Gifts Officer
Summary
Title: Principal Gifts Officer
ID:8931
Department:Office of Advancement
Location:UDC- Main Campus Van Ness Campus – NW
Description

Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open to the Public

Position Status: Full-Time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0058/2A

Salary Range:  Up to $145,615.61

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Brief Description of Duties

The Principal Gifts Officer provides senior-level leadership and execution for the University of the District of Columbia’s (UDC) major and principal gifts program. This role is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity donors capable of making gifts at the $25,000 level and above, with a focus on securing six- and seven-figure commitments.

Reporting directly to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Principal Gifts Officer serves as a key strategic partner in advancing UDC’s philanthropic priorities. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy and judgment and works closely with the President, Cabinet, academic leadership, and external stakeholders to drive transformational giving aligned with institutional goals.

This position plays a critical role in building a robust pipeline of major and principal gift prospects, strengthening long-term donor relationships, and elevating the University’s overall fundraising capacity and visibility.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Portfolio Management & Fundraising (40%)
• Manages a portfolio of approximately 75–100 high-capacity prospects and donors. 
• Develops and executes comprehensive strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. 
• Personally solicits and closes major and principal gifts through high-touch engagement strategies. 
• Leads the development of tailored proposals, naming opportunities, and investment cases aligned with donor interests and University priorities. 

Principal & Major Gifts Strategy (20%)
• Designs and implements a comprehensive major and principal gifts strategy aligned with UDC’s strategic plan and campaign priorities. 
• Partners directly with the Chief Advancement Officer and President on principal gift strategy and top-tier donor engagement. 
• Serves as a strategic advisor on pipeline development, prospect movement, and fundraising performance. 
• Collaborates with deans, faculty, and leadership to translate institutional priorities into compelling funding opportunities. 

Revenue Responsibility (15%)
• Carries significant revenue responsibility, with annual expectations typically ranging from $2 million to $5 million+, including major and principal gifts. 
• Tracks progress toward goals and adjusts strategy in collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer. 

Operations, Data & Reporting (10%)
• Ensures accurate and timely documentation of donor activity and pipeline progress in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge). 
• Leverages data analytics tools (e.g., Evertrue, ResearchPoint) to inform strategy and forecast revenue. 
• Prepares high-level reports, dashboards, and briefing materials for senior leadership. 

Stewardship & Donor Engagement (10%)
• Leads high-level stewardship strategies for principal and major donors, ensuring consistent engagement and impact reporting. 
• Collaborates across advancement, communications, and alumni relations to deliver coordinated donor experiences. 
• Supports long-term donor retention and progression to higher levels of giving. 

Institutional Leadership & Collaboration (5%)
• Contributes to a high-performing, collaborative advancement culture. 
• Represents the University with professionalism in external engagements. 
• Supports campaign planning, institutional initiatives, and executive engagement strategies. 
 

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required 
• Eight (8) or more years of progressive experience in major and/or principal gifts fundraising or related field 
• Demonstrated success securing gifts in the $25,000 to six- and seven-figure range 
• Proven ability to engage high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations 
• Strong strategic thinking, relationship management, and communication skills 
• Proficiency with fundraising CRM systems (Salesforce or Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge preferred) 
• Experience working with senior leadership and boards 


Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.  

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business,  or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act.  In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act.  Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Residency Preference: A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.  The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia.  The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources only.

Contact Information:  All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/ .

This opening is closed and is no longer accepting applications
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