Reporting to the Senior Director, Principal Gifts and Estate Planning, the Advancement Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding current and potential donors to secure gifts in support of Meharry Medical College’s strategic priorities and fundraising initiatives. The Advancement Officer will manage a portfolio of approximately 100-125 active donors and prospects with special emphasis on securing major gifts for the College, including support for Campaign 150, the College’s $350 million capital campaign, which is scheduled to close in 2026, the 150th anniversary of Meharry.

Daily Operations

• Manages a portfolio of approximately 100-125 active donors and prospects with specific goals and benchmarks intended to secure annual, major, planned, and estate gifts; along with determining their level of support and engagement.  
• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major gifts on behalf of the College. 
• Organizes prospect visits efficiently and strategically. Includes key Meharry faculty, staff, leadership, and/or trustees as appropriate in order to build relationships and secure gifts. Communicates with all parties via briefings, cultivation and solicitation plans/updates, and donor correspondence. 
• Records fundraising progress via contact reports, cultivation and solicitation updates, correspondence, and other documentation; recording this information in Raiser’s Edge in a timely and effective manner.   
• Regularly meets with the Senior Director, Principal Gifts and Estate Planning regarding prospect assignments, portfolio reviews, cultivation and solicitation strategies, and general fundraising progress. 
• Requests and makes effective use of prospect research as appropriate. 
• Communicates with Advancement Operations staff regarding information updates to donor or prospect records. 
• Strives to meet and exceed goals for quality monthly visits and yearly proposals, and effectively manages a large group of donors and prospects, including those in qualification.   
• Travels regionally and nationally to meet current and potential donors. 
• Monitors travel budget and expenses.   
• Represents Institutional Advancement via internal education/outreach opportunities for Meharry faculty and staff.   
• Builds and maintains an in-depth knowledge of Meharry, its funding priorities, and giving opportunities in order to articulate a compelling case for support to all constituents. 
• Collaborates with Alumni Relations and other College departments/divisions to engage alumni and friends in meaningful ways, and encourage increased levels of involvement and philanthropic support. 
• Attends special events representing Institutional Advancement as a means of engaging donors and prospects.     
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills

•  Minimum of five to seven years of experience in fundraising or equivalent; experience in higher education preferred.
• Demonstrated experience as a successful fundraiser in a complex and dynamic environment such as a higher education institution, healthcare and hospital system, or voluntary health association.
• Previous capital campaign experience and/or experience cultivating, soliciting, and securing six-figure gifts and above.
• Solid computer skills with experience using Microsoft Office applications, the internet, and social media; experience using Raiser’s Edge (or similar database) preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Values a team environment and collaboration. 
• Ability to plan, implement, and manage multiple projects.
• Action oriented and full of energy; not fearful of acting with a minimum of planning; seizes opportunities when they arise.
• Invites open dialogue and candid discussions focused on bringing out the best in people; creates a feeling of belonging to the team.
• Authentic appreciation for the role that Meharry Medical College plays as a premier medical college and a Historically Black College and University institution.
• Upholds the Code of Ethical Standards and the Donors Bill of Rights as outlined by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  
• Frequent travel, and some evening/weekend work required. 
• Must hold a valid driver’s license. 

Required Education and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience would be an advantage.