Job Title: Major Gifts Officer
Department: Fund Development
Location: Central
Reports To: Vice President of Development and Stewardship
Supervises Employees: No
Job Summary:
The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors capable of contributing $25,000 or more. This role is crucial to the organization’s fundraising strategy, focusing on building enduring relationships with donors and aligning their contributions with the organization’s mission and strategic objectives. The Major Gifts Officer collaborates with senior leadership and the development team to achieve fundraising goals and grow the major donor base.
Principal Duties:
Donor Research: Conduct in-depth research to identify prospective donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations with the capacity to give $25,000 or more.
Portfolio Management: Develop and maintain a targeted portfolio of major gift prospects, updating profiles based on giving history, interests, and capacity.
Cultivation Strategies: Create and implement personalized strategies for each prospect, aligning their philanthropic goals with organizational needs.
Donor Engagement: Engage with potential donors through meetings, events, personalized communication, and site visits to programs.
Relationship Building: Foster strong, lasting relationships with donors, keeping them informed about the impact of their contributions.
Network Utilization: Work closely with board members, senior leadership, and influencers to leverage their networks for major gifts.
Proposal Preparation: Develop and present compelling proposals tailored to major gift prospects, aiming to secure donations of $25,000 or more.
Solicitation Meetings: Lead or support solicitation meetings, ensuring a coordinated approach for successful outcomes.
Campaign Support: Develop strategies for campaigns, initiatives, or special projects requiring major gift support.
Fundraising Goals: Collaborate with the Vice President to set and achieve annual and multi-year fundraising goals for major gifts.
Tracking and Adjustments: Monitor and adjust solicitation efforts based on donor feedback.
Stewardship Planning: Develop and execute a stewardship plan to ensure major donors feel valued and appreciated.
Donor Recognition: Coordinate recognition activities such as naming opportunities, public acknowledgments, and thank-you notes.
Event Planning: Plan and execute donor recognition events, collaborating with the events team to design impactful donor engagement experiences.
Team Collaboration: Serve as a key member of the development team, contributing to the overall fundraising strategy. Mentor and support staff in identifying and cultivating prospects.
Communications Collaboration: Work with the communications team to ensure high-quality donor materials, including proposals, reports, and event invitations.
Record Management: Maintain accurate records of donor interactions, proposals, and gifts. Prepare detailed reports on fundraising progress, pipeline activity, and stewardship efforts.
Compliance: Ensure all fundraising activities comply with legal and ethical standards, including donor confidentiality and gift acceptance policies.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, or Marketing.
Three years of experience in fund development, grant writing, or sales/marketing.
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Skills Requirements:
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
Proficiency with donor management software and data analysis tools.
Excellent writing and presentation skills.
Results-oriented with a focus on achieving fundraising goals.
High ethical standards and professionalism.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Working Conditions:
Normal office environment with occasional travel required.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds; some stooping, climbing, and bending required.