Major Gifts Officer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Major Gifts Officer roles at universities, hospitals, and large nonprofits regularly sponsor H-1B visas for candidates with fundraising expertise. Because these positions require a bachelor's degree in a directly related field, they qualify as specialty occupations, and employers file a Labor Condition Application before your visa is approved.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Philanthropy Officer Senior-Major Gifts
Requisition Number: RE56450
Working Title: Director of Philanthropy - Departments Centers & Institutes
Department Name: 14000:Office Of Philanthropy
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 48
Salary Range: $64,210-105,914/year
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education:
BA
Required Related Experience:
7 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification:
None
Physical Requirements:
Extended periods of sitting and standing; repetitive motion tasks; standing and/or walking with up to 10 lbs. This position may require traveling around the city and region for donor meetings.
Shift:
Primarily Monday through Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends per departmental needs.
Job Summary:
The University of Kentucky’s Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) is seeking a Director of Philanthropy – Departments, Centers and Institutes, a frontline fundraiser who will play a pivotal role in advancing one of the nation’s leading academic health systems. This position offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact on patient care, medical research, and education by securing major philanthropic investments. The Director of Philanthropy will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, cultivating long-term relationships that lead to significant philanthropic support. Working in close collaboration with faculty leaders, department chairs, and colleagues across UK HealthCare and PAE, the Director will translate complex medical and research priorities into compelling cases for support.
This individual will:
- Develop and execute strategic fundraising plans to achieve annual and long-term goals.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects (typically $25,000+).
- Conduct high-impact donor visits and prepare customized proposals.
- Partner with medical faculty, leadership, and administrative colleagues to align philanthropic priorities with institutional needs.
- Represent the University of Kentucky as an ambassador for innovation, compassion, and discovery in health care.
We’re seeking a mission-driven relationship builder who brings: A proven record of success in major gift fundraising, preferably in healthcare, higher education, or complex nonprofit environments. Exceptional communication and storytelling skills with the ability to inspire donors around life-changing programs and research. Strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, and professional integrity. A collaborative approach that thrives within a values-based culture.
The culture within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) is built on our shared core values CoMMIT– Collaboration, Communication, Mission Driven, Mutual Respect, Innovation and Transparency.
By applying for a position within UK PAE, you are indicating your commitment and expressing your agreement to our six values. It is important you share these values in order to be part of our committed team!
Why UK? UK HealthCare is home to cutting-edge medical innovation, world-class faculty, and nationally recognized clinical programs. As part of our philanthropy team, you’ll help advance the work of experts —ensuring that Kentucky families have access to leading-edge care close to home.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities:
The ability to work within a complex healthcare environment, navigating a matrix of relationships to engage donors in the mission of UK and our various programs; outstanding written and oral communication skills; superior interpersonal skills with the demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively with volunteers, administration, physicians, staff, and donors; self-motivation with enormous energy and a capacity for hard work in a goal-oriented environment; demonstrated ability to leverage effectively the time of physicians and others in contact with donors. This includes strong preparation and good judgement; maturity and unquestioned integrity, particularly as it relates to patient medical information; must comply with HIPPA privacy law; the ability to travel to meet with current and prospective donors; a commitment to the values and mission of the University of Kentucky.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree and at least 7 years of philanthropic experience preferred.
Deadline to Apply:
11/29/2026
Our University Community:
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Job Title: Philanthropy Officer Senior-Major Gifts
Requisition Number: RE56450
Working Title: Director of Philanthropy - Departments Centers & Institutes
Department Name: 14000:Office Of Philanthropy
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 48
Salary Range: $64,210-105,914/year
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education:
BA
Required Related Experience:
7 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification:
None
Physical Requirements:
Extended periods of sitting and standing; repetitive motion tasks; standing and/or walking with up to 10 lbs. This position may require traveling around the city and region for donor meetings.
Shift:
Primarily Monday through Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends per departmental needs.
Job Summary:
The University of Kentucky’s Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) is seeking a Director of Philanthropy – Departments, Centers and Institutes, a frontline fundraiser who will play a pivotal role in advancing one of the nation’s leading academic health systems. This position offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact on patient care, medical research, and education by securing major philanthropic investments. The Director of Philanthropy will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, cultivating long-term relationships that lead to significant philanthropic support. Working in close collaboration with faculty leaders, department chairs, and colleagues across UK HealthCare and PAE, the Director will translate complex medical and research priorities into compelling cases for support.
This individual will:
- Develop and execute strategic fundraising plans to achieve annual and long-term goals.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects (typically $25,000+).
- Conduct high-impact donor visits and prepare customized proposals.
- Partner with medical faculty, leadership, and administrative colleagues to align philanthropic priorities with institutional needs.
- Represent the University of Kentucky as an ambassador for innovation, compassion, and discovery in health care.
We’re seeking a mission-driven relationship builder who brings: A proven record of success in major gift fundraising, preferably in healthcare, higher education, or complex nonprofit environments. Exceptional communication and storytelling skills with the ability to inspire donors around life-changing programs and research. Strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, and professional integrity. A collaborative approach that thrives within a values-based culture.
The culture within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) is built on our shared core values CoMMIT– Collaboration, Communication, Mission Driven, Mutual Respect, Innovation and Transparency.
By applying for a position within UK PAE, you are indicating your commitment and expressing your agreement to our six values. It is important you share these values in order to be part of our committed team!
Why UK? UK HealthCare is home to cutting-edge medical innovation, world-class faculty, and nationally recognized clinical programs. As part of our philanthropy team, you’ll help advance the work of experts —ensuring that Kentucky families have access to leading-edge care close to home.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities:
The ability to work within a complex healthcare environment, navigating a matrix of relationships to engage donors in the mission of UK and our various programs; outstanding written and oral communication skills; superior interpersonal skills with the demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively with volunteers, administration, physicians, staff, and donors; self-motivation with enormous energy and a capacity for hard work in a goal-oriented environment; demonstrated ability to leverage effectively the time of physicians and others in contact with donors. This includes strong preparation and good judgement; maturity and unquestioned integrity, particularly as it relates to patient medical information; must comply with HIPPA privacy law; the ability to travel to meet with current and prospective donors; a commitment to the values and mission of the University of Kentucky.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree and at least 7 years of philanthropic experience preferred.
Deadline to Apply:
11/29/2026
Our University Community:
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Major Gifts Officer Jobs
Align your degree to fundraising directly
Nonprofits and universities defending H-1B specialty occupation status need your degree field to connect to major gifts work. A degree in nonprofit management, communications, or public administration strengthens the case; a general business degree may trigger a Request for Evidence from USCIS.
Target nonprofits with PERM filing history
Large universities, hospital foundations, and national nonprofits file PERM labor certifications regularly for development staff. Focus your outreach on organizations with dedicated HR teams, since smaller nonprofits rarely have the infrastructure to manage DOL labor certification requirements for a Major Gifts Officer hire.
Find verified sponsors through Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to browse Major Gifts Officer roles at employers with confirmed LCA sponsorship history, so you're not wasting time on organizations that have never filed for a development position. Filter by city to match your target market and donor network.
Verify prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Your employer must pay the OFLC-certified prevailing wage for your location and role level. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the wage tier for Major Gifts Officer before you receive an offer, so you can negotiate from an informed position and avoid an LCA that undercuts your actual market rate.
Document your donor portfolio as specialty evidence
When USCIS reviews whether a Major Gifts Officer role requires a specialized degree, employers often submit evidence of portfolio complexity, gift size thresholds, and relationship management scope. Gather performance reviews and gift documentation from prior roles before your employer files the I-129 petition.
Clarify visa status timing with your employer early
If you're on OPT or STEM OPT when you receive an offer, confirm your employer's H-1B filing timeline before accepting. The H-1B cap-subject lottery runs once a year, and an employer who isn't prepared to file in time can leave you without work authorization before your first day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Major Gifts Officer role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS treats Major Gifts Officer as a specialty occupation when the employer requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as nonprofit management, communications, or fundraising. Roles where any bachelor's degree is accepted regardless of field are harder to defend, so the job description language matters significantly during adjudication.
Which visa types are realistic for Major Gifts Officer candidates?
H-1B is the most common path for Major Gifts Officers employed by for-profit entities or universities. If your role is at a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status, your employer may qualify as cap-exempt, meaning they can file an H-1B petition at any time of year without entering the annual lottery. TN visa is not applicable to this role, as it does not appear on the USMCA occupation list.
How do I find employers who actively sponsor visas for Major Gifts Officer roles?
Migrate Mate lists Major Gifts Officer positions at employers with verified LCA sponsorship history, so you can focus your applications on organizations that have already demonstrated willingness and capacity to sponsor. University development offices, hospital foundations, and large national nonprofits are the most consistent sponsors for this role type.
Does my nonprofit employer need to go through PERM for my green card?
In most cases, yes. EB-2 and EB-3 green card categories require PERM labor certification filed with DOL before your employer can submit an I-140 immigrant petition to USCIS. The process requires the employer to conduct a formal recruitment effort to demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available for the Major Gifts Officer position at the offered wage.
What degree fields best support H-1B eligibility for a Major Gifts Officer?
USCIS looks for a direct connection between the degree field and the job duties. Degrees in nonprofit management, public administration, communications, marketing, or business with a focus on philanthropy generally support the specialty occupation argument. A degree in an unrelated discipline, even a graduate degree, may require additional evidence linking your coursework to major gifts fundraising specifically.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Major Gifts Officer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.