SUMMARY
Memphis University School (MUS) is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to join its Advancement team. The Major Gifts Officer will play an essential role in growing philanthropy at the school. MUS seeks a proven fundraiser who can both work independently to achieve ambitious goals and collaborate effectively with the Advancement team to ensure success across all areas of development.
MISSION
Memphis University School is a college-preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence, cultivation of service and leadership, and the development of well-rounded young men of strong moral character, consistent with the school’s Christian tradition.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Enthusiastically embrace the MUS mission and serve as an effective and authentic storyteller of the school’s mission, vision, and priorities.
• Manage an assigned portfolio of 100-150 major gift prospects, including parents, alumni, parents of alumni, and grandparents.
• Partner with the Headmaster, Trustees, and Advancement colleagues to align donor strategies with institutional priorities.
• Proactively cultivate, solicit, and steward major and planned gift donors, with an emphasis on commitments of $25,000-$500,000-plus. Solicit a minimum of 30 gifts of $25,000 or more each year.
• Meet annual fundraising goals through outright, planned, and non-cash gifts.
• Develop tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies in partnership with the Advancement team.
• Draft compelling proposals, briefings, reports, and correspondence to support donor engagement and solicitations.
• Implement effective stewardship plans to strengthen long-term donor relationships and encourage ongoing philanthropic support.
• Recruit, train, and guide volunteers to play an active role in major gift fundraising and campaign initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues across annual giving, alumni relations, and advancement services to enhance donor pipeline development and identify leadership-level annual giving prospects.
• Compose and send personalized gift recognition correspondence in a timely manner.
• Make travel arrangements as necessary, working within assigned budgets and submitting documentation for all travel expenses in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of donor strategies, contacts, and progress in the MUS advancement database.
• Represent MUS at key events and school activities, cultivating and engaging prospects while remaining current on institutional initiatives. Be visible in daily school life.
• Monitor and report on fundraising progress, future campaign plans, and stewardship outcomes to ensure accountability and transparency.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and sensitivity in all donor interactions.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of five years of progressive responsibility in development or a related (sales) field.
• A documented record of successful major gift fundraising is preferred.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with prospects and donors.
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting.
• Highly effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiarity with fundraising databases (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and the Microsoft Office Suite.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
• A cover letter explaining interest in Memphis University School and why the applicant is qualified for the position.
• A current resume.
Send to Director of Development Harvey Kay at harvey.kay@musowls.org.
ABOUT MEMPHIS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Founded in 1893, Memphis University School (MUS) is a non-denominational college-preparatory day school for boys in grades 6 through 12. MUS provides an engaging curriculum, a dedicated and supportive faculty, and a full complement of athletic, artistic, and extracurricular activities that create an environment in which boys thrive and become well-rounded young men of strong moral character, exceptionally prepared for college and life.
The student body, encompassing 610 boys, abides by an Honor Code, which is administered by the student-run Honor Council. Approximately one-third of MUS students receive financial aid, and 30% self-identify as students of color. The school is fortunate to be well-resourced and able to offer significant financial aid. MUS is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools and Cognia and holds memberships in ACCIS, NAIS, SAIS, TAIS, ERB, NASSP, TSSAA, CASE, American Library Association, NACAC, SACAC, and College Board.
MUS provides a student-faculty ratio of 7:1, and about 70% of our faculty hold a master’s degree or Ph.D. The success of our students is a testament to an exceptional faculty: About 60% of our students typically score 30 or higher on the ACT (or equivalent SAT score), and 90% score 3 or higher on AP exams.
Remarkably low attrition rates among both families and faculty reflect satisfaction with our culture and programs.
This is an exciting time to be at MUS. We are in the fifth year of our Legacy Forward Strategic Plan. Read more here: Strategic Plan. Phase 1 of our Campus Master Plan, a 105,000-square-foot Arts and Sciences Center with a new Hyde Chapel, is under construction, with expected completion in mid-2027. Two more phases will follow, remaking the eastern half of the campus and adding an indoor turf field. Read more about our ambitious plans here: Bold Vision Bright Future | The Campaign for MUS.
ABOUT MEMPHIS
With about 1.35 million residents, the Memphis metropolitan area boasts a historic music scene, world-famous barbecue, and a small-town feel, despite the presence of the Memphis Grizzlies NBA team and several Fortune 500 companies – including FedEx and AutoZone, both founded by MUS alumni. In addition to several colleges, the University of Memphis, and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, the city is home to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a world-renowned leader in the treatment of catastrophic diseases in children. Memphis continues to develop and expand opportunities throughout the community with investments in projects such as a revitalized downtown, Crosstown Concourse vertical village, and the 4,500-acre Shelby Farms Park – all of which have benefited from the leadership of MUS alumni.
The Mid-South also supports a vibrant arts community, a diverse restaurant scene, and a variety of unique neighborhoods. Plus, the cost of living is very affordable – 14.2% lower than the national average.
Employment at Memphis University School is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, drug-screening, and reference checks.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO EMPLOYMENT
Memphis University School is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment-related decisions based on job-related qualifications, merit, and the school’s operational needs. MUS prohibits unlawful discrimination against employees and applicants for employment on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, training, disciplinary action, and separation from employment.