Major Gifts Officer

The Client, a leader in addressing food and health equity, seeks an exceptional Major Gifts Officer to join our team. This role is pivotal in securing five- and six figure philanthropic gifts to advance The Client's mission of creating equitable access to nutritious food and resources. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Major Gifts Officer will be responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.Primary Responsibilities• Donor Cultivation and Solicitation:o The Major Gifts Officer will be expected to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects, and must be able to represent The Client enthusiastically and accurately to a variety of constituents, including board members, major donors, prospects, and other friends of the client.o Develop appropriate cultivation and solicitation strategies for donors and prospects, moving potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure.o Develop a high-quality donor experience through regular compelling proposals, presentations, personalized correspondence, and timely acknowledgmentso Collaborate with the leadership team, Board of Directors, and corporate volunteers to support high-level solicitations.o Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle, working independently in initiating contacts with potential donors while maintaining sensitivity to the needs of the donors.o Make decisions about cultivation time committed vs. expected gift; determine who needs to be involved in relationships with prospective donors.• Stewardship:o Maintain personalized stewardship plans for major donors, ensuring meaningful and lasting relationships.o Track donor engagement and interactions using CRM tools and software, providing regular updates and reports.• Program Collaboration:o Work closely with The Client's program staff to understand and articulate funding priorities.o Collaborate with the Communications team to develop donor-facing materials and engagement strategies, including appeals, newsletters, and stewardship events.o Support fundraising events, including their annual gala and other donor centric activities.o Engage community stakeholders in supporting their initiatives through philanthropy.• Fundraising Metrics:o Meet or exceed established fundraising targets set by the CEO and CDO and performance metrics.o Write accurate and compelling donor reports aligned with requirements, incorporating strong narratives.o Track and report on revenue goals, major gifts pipeline, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in partnership with their executive leadership.• Events and Campaign Coordinationo Plan, organize, and manage small to mid-scale donor cultivation events and other engagement activities, showcasing their impact.o Attend donor tours, conferences, and events to promote their mission and strengthen donor relationships.Qualifications• Education and Experience:o Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.o Minimum of five years of experience in major gift fundraising, with a proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts.o Experience in the nonprofit or social services sector is highly preferred.o Have an understanding of the philanthropic landscape in the New York City area.• Skills and Attributes:o Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate donors.o Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders.o Goal-oriented mindset with strong organizational and project management skills.o Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.o Ability to manage donor inquiries with discretion and apply deep institutional knowledge.o A positive, warm and friendly attitude, characterized by integrity, honesty, openness, flexibility, sound judgment, and adherence to high ethical principles,o A work style rooted on respect for differences and a commitment to inclusion and equity-mindednesso Commitment to their mission and values, including equity, inclusion, and respect for diverse perspectives.o Proficiency in donor management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.• Personal Characteristics:o Positive, warm, and professional demeanor.o Independently exercise ethical and sound judgement, and maintain the highest standards of donor privacy and confidence.o Collaborative mindset, with a willingness to work across teams and with external partners.

Created: 2025-02-14