Senior Philanthropy Advisor - Berea - Baldwin Wallace University

Description

Baldwin Wallace University seeks a motivated, relationship-driven Philanthropy Advisor to join the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team. Reporting to the Executive Director of Engagement, the Philanthropy Advisor plays a key role in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects to advance the University's priorities. This is a non-exempt, full-time position.
The ideal candidate is an emerging fundraising professional with at least 5-7years of experience, a talent for building authentic relationships, and the confidence to help close meaningful philanthropic commitments. A friendly, positive demeanor and a healthy sense of humor are essential for connecting with donors, collaborating with colleagues, and contributing to a warm and high-performing advancement team culture.
Position Summary
The Philanthropy Advisor manages a portfolio of major gift prospects, typically capable of making gifts of $25,000 and above. This individual uses a donor-centered, strategic approach to moves management to identify interests, deepen engagement, and secure philanthropic support for Baldwin Wallace's mission, programs, and initiatives.
The Philanthropy Advisor partners closely with colleagues, faculty, and University leaders to match donor passions with institutional needs and to ensure an exceptional donor experience.
Key Responsibilities
The following outlines the essential functions of the position and is not to be considered a detailed description of all duties inherent in the position.
Major Gift Fundraising

• Manage an active portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, conducting meaningful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
• Develop customized donor strategies to advance relationships and secure major gifts.
• Participate in solicitations and assist in closing major gift commitments, demonstrating increasing skill and confidence in securing philanthropic support.
• Prepare compelling proposals, briefings, and follow-up materials.
• Occasional travel for events and donor meetings required.

Moves Management & Portfolio Strategy

• Use a disciplined moves management approach to move prospects through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship stages.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions in Raiser's Edge.
• Analyze portfolio needs, identify gaps, and partner with Prospect Research to build a strong and diverse pipeline.

Collaboration & Donor Engagement

• Work closely with the Executive Director of Engagement and colleagues across major gifts, alumni engagement, planned giving, and philanthropy operations.
• Engage faculty, program directors, and University leaders to help articulate funding needs.
• Represent Baldwin Wallace at donor events, programs, and volunteer gatherings with authenticity, warmth, and professionalism.

Relationship Building & Team Culture

• Foster positive, trust-based relationships with donors, alumni, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Contribute to a supportive team environment that values collaboration, humor, flexibility, and shared success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of fundraising, advancement, sales, or relationship-management experience, preferably including direct solicitation of major gifts.
• Familiarity with moves management principles and successful donor cultivation practices.
• Experience using Raiser's Edge or a comparable CRM system.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to build rapport quickly and authentically.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• A friendly, positive attitude and sense of humor-essential to success in donor relationships and in a collaborative Advancement environment.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Demonstrated ability to secure philanthropic commitments and participate in major gift solicitations.
• Knowledge of higher education or nonprofit fundraising environments. Knowing Raiser's Edge NXT and/or database view is a plus.
• Comfort working with senior leaders, volunteers, and donors from diverse backgrounds.
• Curiosity, initiative, and a growth-oriented mindset.
• Ability to navigate complex organizations with diplomacy and warmth.

Working Conditions
Work is performed in a standard office environment. The position is primarily sedentary and involves regular use of a computer and other office equipment. Minimal physical effort is required. Occasional travel for events and donor meetings required.
How to Apply
Review of completed applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For strongest consideration, please submit before January 30, 2026. Send resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references in one (1) Word document or one (1) PDF and submit via the To Apply link on BW's Employment and Careers' web page.