Major Gifts Officer
A Major Gifts Officer is responsible for cultivating relationships with potential donors and securing large financial gifts for an organization.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Major Gifts Officer
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Junior Major Gifts Officer, you will initiate and develop relationships with prospective donors, guiding them towards high-impact contributions that align with our organization's goals and programs. You will be instrumental in expanding our funding base and ensuring the sustainability of our initiatives.
Required Skills
- Fundraising skills
- Relationship building
- Communication
- Research and analysis
- Organizational
- Data management
- Proposal writing
- Event planning
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in non-profit management, communications, public relations, business administration, or a related field.
- Experience or strong interest in fundraising, philanthropy, or non-profit work.
- Ability to conduct research and analyze data.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Basic understanding of donor cultivation and stewardship principles.
- Proficiency with donor databases and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Willingness to serve as a passionate advocate for the organization's mission.
Responsibilities
- Identify and research potential donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Assist in developing and executing strategies for solicitation of major gifts.
- Support senior fundraising staff with the management of donor relationships.
- Facilitate communication with donors and prospects via face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and written correspondence.
- Participate in the planning and hosting of donor events and engagements.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of all interactions with donors and prospects in the donor database.
- Work collaboratively with other departments to gain a comprehensive understanding of the organization's programs and needs.
- Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and reports as needed.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to secure significant financial contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations. They are tasked with managing a portfolio of prospective donors, cultivating relationships, and stewarding donors to achieve fundraising goals.
Required Skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, board members, external partners, and donors.
- Excellent communication (verbal and written), presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with a high degree of organization.
- Understanding of the philanthropic landscape and fundraising techniques.
- Analytical skills to forecast and identify trends and challenges.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, communication, non-profit management, or a related field.
- A minimum of two years of experience in major gift fundraising, donor relations, or in a similar role.
- Proven track record of securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals.
- Knowledge of donor databases and non-profit fundraising software.
Responsibilities
- Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward current and prospective donors of major gifts.
- Develop and maintain relationships with donors and key stakeholders to assure ongoing engagement and increased giving.
- Create and execute major gift fundraising plans that utilize best practices in major gift cultivation and stewardship.
- Collaborate with development team members to align efforts and set realistic goals.
- Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and reports to donors and prospects.
- Ensure timely and accurate report deliveries to funders.
- Work closely with the CEO and board members to identify fundraising opportunities and nurture donor relationships.
- Track and report progress against fundraising goals.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Major Gifts Officer, you will be responsible for developing strategies to identify, cultivate, and solicit potential donors for high-impact contributions. You will build and maintain relationships with philanthropists, foundations, and corporations to secure significant financial support for the organization.
Required Skills
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Ability to create and manage budgets and financial reports
- Strategic thinking and planning abilities
- Proficiency in donor database software and CRM systems
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field
- Proven track record of securing major gifts ($10,000 and above)
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and networking skills
- Strong understanding of donor research and wealth screening techniques
Responsibilities
- Develop a major gifts strategy in alignment with the organization's goals and objectives
- Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects and donors
- Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects to build and maintain strong relationships
- Work closely with the development team to create tailored proposals and engagement opportunities
- Track and report progress towards major gifts revenue targets
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure donor engagement and satisfaction
- Stay informed on current trends and practices in philanthropy and major gifts
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