Here are sample job advertisements for major gift officer roles…
Major Gifts Officer
The Major Gifts Officer serves as a leader in philanthropic giving at the Diabetes Research Institute and Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, advancing three strategic objectives: (1) growing sustainable, predictable revenue for the mission to cure diabetes, (2) increasing the number of $10,000 philanthropic donors who invest in that mission, and (3) cultivating a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
The Major Gifts Officer develops and implements strategies to secure critical mission funding from a targeted portfolio of individuals, foundations, and/or companies with the capacity for $10,000+ philanthropic giving year. Through personalized relationship management, the Major Gifts Officer grows the revenue potential from the portfolio annually.
The Major Gifts Officer provides each portfolio donor a meaningful, fulfilling giving experience, proactively learning about personal philanthropic passions and soliciting support for mission areas of interest. The Officer engages each prospective donor in the mission through personalized conversations, leadership/research engagement, and other experiences.
The Major Gifts Officer leads the cultivation of a culture of philanthropy among supporters, volunteers, and staff through strategic communication and collaboration.
Responsibilities and Functions:
This position will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
- Manage a portfolio of 120-160 prospective donors with the capacity to make 5-7-figure outright gifts annually, producing philanthropic dollars of at least $400,000 annually, with increasing revenue goals upon portfolio maturity
- Achieve activity metrics that serve as a roadmap to the revenue goal: number of meaningful touchpoints, number of solicitations, and number of gifts
- Engage each portfolio donor personally to qualify capacity, build rapport, and identify philanthropic passions and interests
- Create and execute quarterly and annual individual engagement and solicitation plans for each qualified philanthropist in the portfolio
- Participate in regular portfolio reviews, which will include progress versus moves management plan and financial projections
- Collaborate with leadership, volunteers, philanthropy team, events team, and researchers to engage portfolio donors in a personally meaningful way—serving as the “quarterback” who ensures a seamless donor experience and maximizes every opportunity
- Articulate the case for support for the DRI, as well as the scientific research strategy and the various initiatives
- Demonstrate to each portfolio donor the impact of their philanthropy on a year-round basis
- Draw on all available resources and support staff to secure prospect research, proposals, and stewardship assets at minimal to maintain focus on donor-facing activity
- Track all plans, interactions, and solicitations in Raiser’s Edge within 24 hours and review monthly reporting to ensure accurate portfolio data
- Participate in meetings with donors in colleagues’ portfolios
- Participate in team strategy sessions
- Attend DRIF local signature and cultivation events and proactively leverage opportunity to deepen relationships and secure follow-up meetings
- Serve as a subject-matter expert on philanthropy and industry best practices
Qualifications:
This position will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
- At least five years’ experience in relationship-based fundraising
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Track record of achieving growing revenue goals
- Experience soliciting $10,000+ outright donations
- Experience building a portfolio and increasing value over time through donor-centric relationships management approaches
- Ability to distill complex information into coherent, compelling stories that build a case for support
- Ability to communicate and interact effectively with internal and external constituencies
- Expertise in philanthropic trends and best practices
- Ability to establish priorities, handle overlapping timelines, and meet deadlines effectively and efficiently
- Flexible, resourceful, and able to learn quickly
- Professional and positive attitude
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and web browsers
- High attention to detail and ability to interpret qualitative and quantitative data
- Experience with Raiser’s Edge preferred
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment
- Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours, as needed
Compensation:
Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a midsize not-for-profit. Competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, employer contributions to retirement account, and substantial vacation.
Application:
This position is open until filled. Please send a resume and cover letter in PDF format to the email on file and include the words “Major Gifts Officer – NY” in the subject line of your email.
About the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF):
Founded in 1971 by a group of parents of children with diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) is the organization of choice for those who are serious, passionate, and committed to curing diabetes. Its mission—to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now—is a testament to the belief that tomorrow is not soon enough to cure those living with diabetes.
The Diabetes Research Institute is one of the largest and most comprehensive research center dedicated to developing a biological cure for type 1 diabetes by restoring natural insulin production and normalizing blood sugar levels without imposing other risks. The Institute has become the world leader it is today through the substantial funding provided by the DRI Foundation. Since 1971, the Foundation has provided nearly $250M in philanthropic resources to support the critical research of the DRI and is recognized as one of the world’s most respected diabetes organizations. Garnering the attention of influential people who are personally affected by diabetes, the Foundation has grown into an international coalition of business leaders, celebrities, scientists, clinicians, families and other concerned individuals who have elevated the importance of cure-focused research and provided meaningful support for the DRI’s multidisciplinary research program. This funding is provided through individual and corporate donations, special events, sponsorships, cause marketing relationships, and planned giving.
A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the DRI Foundation has thousands of supporters in the United States and worldwide, and, in addition to its headquarters in Florida, operates a regional development office in New York. The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation was created for one reason – to cure diabetes – which is and will continue to be its singular focus until that goal is reached. For the millions of individuals and families affected by diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is the best hope for a cure.
For more information, please visit: https://www.diabetesresearch.org/about-DRI-Foundation
The Major Gifts Officer supports the Director of Development in creating and implementing a successful major gifts strategy. The Major Gifts Officer is charged with managing relationships and securing support from donors who are capable of making major gifts (4, 5, and 6 figures). The Major Gifts Officer will ensure that the major gifts strategy is well integrated into existing annual fund plans.
Children’s Aid is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Qualified candidates from underrepresented populations are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
- Manages portfolio of $5,000+ donors, with additional donors capable of laddering at lower giving levels, through moves management to meet annual fundraising goals
- Develops relationships with prospects/donors through individualized plans:
- Initiates contact with major gift donors
- Strategizes on level of gift and best approaches for making an ask
- Develops appropriate cultivation strategies for major gift donors
- Identifies key staff members to be involved in cultivation and subsequent solicitation
- Completes solicitations and all necessary follow-up and stewardship appropriately and in a timely manner
- Coordinates an effective program for recognition, involvement, and stewardship of major donors
- Solicits support through in-person and written communications
- Prepares all correspondence, reports, and records
- Assists in creation of the annual development plan, including annual revenue projections and realization assessments
- Researches new and existing donors
- Works collaboratively with Director of Development, Chief Development Officer, and Chief Executive Officer on prospect research; identifying new giving opportunities; and developing proposals, briefing and gift reports, budgets, and related correspondence
- Coordinates and hosts site visits across target areas of New York City and Westchester
- Maintains fundraising database records and tracks all donor activity in Raiser’s Edge
- Works in partnership with entire Development team to accomplish department goals
- Develops and maintains relationships with various program staff
- Performs other prospect and donor-related activities as the annual program evolves, as related to role
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Minimum three to five years’ experience in related positions preferred
- Non-profit and development experience preferred
Required Skills and Competencies:
- Ability to motivate and to take initiative as a self-starter
- Must have excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Must have excellent writing, interpersonal communication, and relationship building skills
- Display transparency about research, calls, meetings, activities, and all work with manager and team
- Dependability and good organizational skills
- Motivation, the ability to take initiative and use creative problem solving skills
- Excellent planning skills and attention to detail
- Flexible, curious, and skilled problem-solver
- Strong belief in the mission of Children’s Aid
Preferred Skills and Competencies:
- Experience with fundraising database management, preferably Raiser’s Edge, and major gifts tools
- Experience with donor cultivation preferred
Roles and Responsibilities
- Working with the Director of Development and Corporate Partnerships Manager, assist with managing a portfolio of approximately 50 individual and/or corporate donors
- Solicit and support fundraising for DREAM’s three major events and other campaigns including the launch and operations of a new Capital Campaign
- Prepare donor briefings for meetings and/or events along with conducting prospective donor research
- Collaborate with Senior Coordinator of Advancement Operations to develop new and improve existing systems and processes to accurately maintain records of contributions, contact details and other relevant donor/prospect information
- Support the tracking of donor activity and prospecting efforts in Salesforce
- Collaborate with the Communications team to help create stewardship materials for all donor levels
- Create proposals and presentations for key audiences (i.e. presentations for donors)
- In collaboration with the Major Gifts team and Talent team, assist with planning and execution of individual and group volunteer activities
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree and/or 2-3 years of non-profit or professional experience;
- Strong written, verbal and presentation communication skills;
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders in a fast-paced environment;
- Exceptionally organized with meticulous attention to detail;
- Excellent time-management skills: a self-starter who demonstrates initiative and follow-through;
- Demonstrated success in juggling multiple projects and competing priorities to achieve all deadlines;
- Experience with fundraising software such as Salesforce or comparable program a plus;
- A team player mindset is a must!
Compensation
- Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. All full-time employees receive an excellent benefits package including health and dental insurance, a 403B retirement account, life insurance, twenty days paid vacation per year and access to a full range of social services through our Employee Assistance Program.
Location: Bronx ZooAbout WCS
WCS is the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization with a 125-year history of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. Our bold vision is nothing short of saving the Earth’s natural strongholds: the forests, savannahs, grasslands, reefs, and other vital wilderness on land and at sea that sustain wildlife and humankind.
WCS is THE premiere global conservation organization with 125 years of demonstrated success. Our bold vision is nothing short of saving the Earth’s natural strongholds: the forests, reefs and other vital wilderness on land and at sea that sustain wildlife and humankind. We have a track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale in the planet’s most important, ecologically intact wild places. We run programs spanning the entire ocean and more than 3 million biologically critical square miles in nearly 60 countries.We are also a leading New York City cultural institution. We run the world’s largest network of urban wildlife parks, led by our flagship Bronx Zoo—creating a unique opportunity connect over 4 million visitors a year to impactful messaging on science, nature, and conservation, and offers science learning opportunities to more than 150,000 students annually.
The Major Gifts Officer is part of a team of development professionals responsible for growing significant individual gifts to $40 million annually in the next 3 to 5 years. Reporting to the Director of Major Gifts and working closely with senior executives, the Major Gift Officer is expected to grow gifts at the $100,000 and greater level, including identifying, cultivating and soliciting individuals in support of WCS’s universal agenda.
A successful candidate will have a passion for our mission and a track record of developing and executing strategies to solicit and close six and seven figure gifts. WCS is looking for a highly motivated fundraising leader who is creative and entrepreneurial. The Major Gifts Officer will personally manage a high-value portfolio of donors with capacity to give at the 5-, 6- and 7-figure levels and work directly with trustees and leadership donors.
- Serve as a critical member of the Global Resources team by creating and executing strategies to successfully cultivate and soliciting individuals to support the WCS mission at their maximum capacity.
- Raise gifts of $100,000 or more and manage a portfolio consisting of approximately 100+ high-level individual donors and prospects capable of giving 6 and 7-figure gifts.
- Identify new prospects for gifts of $100,000 or more, and work with prospect research staff to develop information/materials required for cultivation and solicitation.
- Help develop inspiring proposals, reports, letters and other correspondence, working with our fundraising communications team.
- Meet with donors to provide briefings, facility tours, and make funding requests. Conduct cultivation meetings and collaborating on the development and implementation of cultivation and stewardship events.
- Propose and implement strategies to engage and attract new prospects. Manage cultivation events, including tours, small targeted dinners and presentations as well as lecture type events, while also assisting with WCS flagship events in collaboration with other teams and departments.
Qualification Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- 6+ years of front-line fundraising experience with demonstrable success in closing six and seven figure gifts.
- Passion for WCS’s mission.
- Ability to work independently and interface effectively with the highest level of WCS donors and senior staff members.
- Excellent communication, writing and interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail.
- BS/ BA degree
Preferred Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of global issues and geographies.
- Experience with Salesforce or similar fundraising database.
- Prospect research skills.
Scope and Opportunity:
The ideal candidate for the role of Major Gifts Officer will be a passionate, driven and focused front-line fundraiser who will help increase individual giving to $40 million annually in the next 3 -5 years. Further, this is a chance to pioneer a newly created role, working hand in hand with the Director of Major Gifts to build a portfolio of major donors that will fund the impact and reach of Wildlife Conservation Society around the world. For the right candidate, this role will lead to the largest and most significant gifts ever sought and closed in their career.
Compensation
Compensation for the Major Gift Officer includes a competitive base salary commensurate with experience and an excellent package of employee benefits.
Major Gifts Officer (HQ) – New York Territory
Help develop an individual, major gift and planned giving program by building key relationships with philanthropists, volunteers, advocates and supporters; leveraging Komen’s global mission, programs and initiatives to attract major & planned giving donors and gifts. Develop strategies to grow and expand Komen’s major & planned giving opportunities through special fundraising events and meetings. Work closely with the organization’s leadership team to meet financial goals through recruiting and engaging supporters.
- Accountable for meeting and/or exceeding a yearly income goal focusing on donors who are capable of making gifts of $10,000 and above.
- Develop and staff a fundraising leadership committee of high level volunteers to assist in identifying, soliciting and stewarding donor prospects to meet agreed upon goals
- Provide leadership and direct the execution of major gift fundraising cultivation and stewardship events and activities such as luncheons or fundraising salons working with other team members as necessary
- Develop and execute on the best individual strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and recognition to build and maintain unique donor relationships.
- Identify new opportunities for major gifts and planned gifts through proactive prospecting as well as ongoing cultivation of Komen’s current major funders.
- Work closely with the research, community programs, global initiatives and public policy teams to ensure deep understanding of opportunities for engaging major philanthropists.
- Prepare strategy, briefings, and proposals for face-to-face meetings with donors conducted by senior staff or volunteer leadership.
- Leverage Komen’s Sr. Leadership, Board members and, President/CEO effectively and efficiently in managing relationships and soliciting major donors.
- Work with the VP Collaborative Revenue to support an active planned giving marketing and engagement program.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications or a related field plus 5 or more years of development experience in a professional capacity.
- Experience setting ambitious goals and delivering results in closing gifts.
- Thorough understanding of nonprofit and philanthropic sector.
- Experience in nonprofit health sector or a desire to quickly become knowledgeable about the key issues and players in health reform.
- Proven ability to build strong relationships with a variety of constituents.
- Demonstrated success aligning diverse stakeholders around a common vision or objective.
- Exceptional listener with ability to understand the needs and motivations of others, find common ground and build trust with internal and external stakeholders, and synthesize a wide range of information into compelling narratives.
- Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent writing and communications skills.
- Comfortable working with and interpreting financial statements, budgets, and spreadsheets, as well as power point presentations.
- Strong organizational and project management skills. Adaptable to growing, fast-paced, diverse, results oriented culture.
- Must be available to travel in multiple states on a regular basis.
- Prefer 7+ years directly related experience and working knowledge of Planned Giving a plus.
- Master’s degree in Non-Profit Management Development.
- Must have knowledge of how to manage donors such as moves management and the ability to utilize Salesforce database to manage all donor relationships.
- High level of computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s DegreeRequired Experience:
5+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must include experience in fundraising, events planning, cultivation and stewardship of donors, and staff supervision.
5+ years Experience with fundraising in an academic and/or non-profit environment.Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Excellent writing, public speaking, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to conduct professional presentations via phone and in person. Ability to take initiative and collaborate with others.
Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Knowledge of MS Office Suite.