Major Gifts Officer

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Director of Agency Advancement, the Major Gifts Officer will be responsible for creating and managing a comprehensive major gifts program that will allow Villa of Hope to grow and fulfill its mission through the implementation of core agency strategic initiatives. The major gifts strategy will focus on diversifying and strengthening the income portfolio, building the donor base and ensuring donor stewardship. The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for driving revenue and awareness to the organization, continually developing one’s own leadership skills and those of their team and donors. Superior skills in clearly and effectively communicating to all levels in the organization and a demonstrated track record as a competent relationship builder who can partner with others to further the Agency’s mission and vision; ultimately assisting in building a stronger development and marketing team. 

This position, a pivotal part of the organization’s overall strategy, will be responsible for carrying out all responsibilities with fidelity and accountability to the Agency’s Mission, Vision, and Values in conjunction with the Sanctuary Commitments. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Works in conjunction with the Director of Agency Advancement to successfully drive the growth of a portfolio of major gift prospects (defined as those giving a gift of $5,000+ in support) 
• Communicate with prospects through face to face cultivation, solicitation and stewardship meetings, and written strategies
• Develop individual donor solicitation strategies for major gift prospects.
• Work in conjunction with Director of Agency Advancement to ensure that each major donor and prospect has a clear strategy and timeline for cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• In conjunction with development associate, utilize wealth screening information, other research, and networks of existing donors to identify prospective major donors.
• In conjunction with development associate, screen and prepare profiles of current and prospective donors; establish and refine benchmarks for department research processes as needed
• Support the fundraising efforts of the Agency Advancement Team, Board of Directors, and Leadership Teams in securing new and renewed gifts.
• Work with Development Associate to design a personalized plan for donor retention that aligns with donor interests, visits, calls and emails to major gift donors on a regular basis
• Establishes one, three and five year objectives for advancing the organization’s fundraising income in accordance with agency 5-year plan and strategy
• In conjunction with the Director of Agency Advancement, develop a strategy for outreach to and stewardship of planned giving prospects and donors
• Work with the Events and Engagement Associate to strategize and help execute cultivation events for major donors and prospects
• Be a visible presence at Agency Advancement, such as major donor cultivation events and fundraisers (eg: Annual Portraits of Hope)
• Develop all print and web-based supporting materials for planned giving and major gifts program
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Agency Advancement

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, business administration, communications or equivalent combination of education and experience in related field
• A minimum of 3-5 years (direct or equivalent) experience managing high level donor relationships with demonstrated success in closing gifts of $10,000 and above
• Capital campaign experience preferred
• Ability to plan and execute a major gifts program, including: annual giving, special events, and special projects/campaigns
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate professionally with a diverse group of volunteers, staff and donors
• Excellent organizational and project management skills and ability to prioritize workload in a timely manner to complete assignments with many deadlines and competing requirements
• Comprehensive knowledge of fundraising and development practices
• Must have knowledge of Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and Raiser’s Edge
• Must have ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, Villa of Hope’s history, mission, vision, and programs to potential funding sources
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills with strong attention to detail
• Must understand the gift solicitation process and donor stewardship

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The following lists physical demands an employee will perform on a regular basis: standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling and climbing. Must be able to perform a variety of tasks, climb stairs, move throughout the building, work cooperatively in a team environment and quickly respond to emergencies.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully complete TCI trainer certification Training: the ability to drop repeatedly to knees, twist and turn, exert oneself physically at an intense level, and support another adult’s weight.
• Ability to work in an office setting using a computer and work a large percentage of the time externally meeting with donors, prospects and volunteers
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs
• Occasional nights and weekends

Travel: 

• A driver’s license and reliable transportation are required
• Local, daily travel as needed to meet with constituents

COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrate a strong interest in and commitment to the Sanctuary Model
• Leading Self

• Character and Courage (Integrity and Trust)-

• Do the right thing, because it is the right thing, even when no one is looking. Truth to Power.
  • Customer Focus
• Build positive relationships through communication and collaborative problem solving.
  • Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity
• Believe in the dignity and humanity of all people to reach their full potential.