Major Gifts Officer

Position Summary:

The Major Gifts Officer is a frontline fundraiser responsible for building and managing a portfolio of high‑capacity donors and prospects, with a focus on major gifts, donor acquisition, principal gift pipeline development, and integrated giving conversations, including legacy opportunities.

This is a builder role within a collaborative team environment. Federation is actively constructing the systems, structures, and strategies that will define our next decade of philanthropic success. This position will serve as a key partner within a coordinated development team, with specific leadership responsibility for acquisition, qualification, and principal gift pipeline growth—while partnering closely with colleagues who lead major gifts strategy and implementation.

The ideal candidate is a strategic relationship‑builder who thrives in a metrics‑driven environment, understands donor motivation, and is excited to help architect a high‑performing development operation alongside colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Management & Donor Strategy

- Manage a portfolio of ~125 donors and prospects with capacity at the $25,000–$1M+ level.

- Develop individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies using a structured moves‑management approach.

- Partner with colleagues who lead major gifts strategy to ensure alignment, shared learning, and coordinated donor engagement.

- Conduct regular portfolio analysis to ensure movement, balance, and growth.

Infrastructure Building & Strategic Development

- Help further build and implement Federation’s major gifts infrastructure, including systems, processes, donor pathways, and engagement models.

- Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer and major and legacy gifts team to build a principal gifts framework that supports transformational giving.

- Identify gaps in current systems and propose solutions that strengthen Federation’s long‑term fundraising capacity.

- Partner with internal teams to refine donor‑ready materials, impact reporting, and engagement tools.

Donor Acquisition & Pipeline Growth

- Lead proactive prospect identification efforts using research, networks, and community engagement.

- Serve as the team lead for donor acquisition and early‑stage pipeline development.

- Convert mid‑level donors and new prospects into major gift donors through intentional outreach and personalized engagement.

- Work closely with colleagues to ensure smooth handoff of qualified prospects into the broader major gifts portfolio.

Cultivation, Solicitation & Stewardship

- Leverage 120–150 meaningful donor interactions annually, including in‑person visits, small gatherings, and mission‑aligned experiences.

- Partner with senior leadership to prepare and deliver compelling major gift proposals aligned with donor interests and organizational priorities.

- Integrate legacy giving and multi‑vehicle philanthropic conversations (e.g., Endowments, DAFs, bequests, blended gifts) into donor strategies as appropriate.

- Collaborate with senior leadership, colleagues, and lay partners on joint solicitations.

- Ensure thoughtful stewardship that deepens donor commitment and sets up the next gift.

Data, Reporting & Accountability

- Maintain accurate and timely donor records in CRM.

- Track progress toward goals and provide regular pipeline reports.

- Use data to inform strategy, forecast revenue, and identify opportunities for growth.

Skills and Qualifications

Strategic Thinking & Judgment

- Understands how donor strategy aligns with Federation’s mission, priorities, and impact goals.

- Navigates ambiguity effectively and exercises sound judgment, even when information is incomplete or evolving.

Relationship Building & Emotional Intelligence

- Builds trust quickly with donors, colleagues, and lay leaders.

- Listens deeply, reads nuance, and responds with clarity and empathy.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

- Thrives in a building environment; comfortable creating structure where it doesn’t yet exist.

- Takes initiative, identifies opportunities, and drives work forward with minimal oversight.

Collaboration & Influence

- Works effectively across teams and levels; brings others along in strategy and execution.

- Communicates clearly and persuasively in writing and in person.

- Values shared ownership and collective success.

Execution & Accountability

- Manages time and priorities well; meets deadlines and goals consistently.

- Uses data to guide decisions and measure progress.

Mission Alignment

- Demonstrates commitment to Jewish communal life and Federation’s values.

- Understands the role of philanthropy in strengthening community.

Success in This Role Looks Like

- A strong, clearly defined major and principal gifts pipeline. Create new systems and processes that support repeatable, scalable fundraising success.

- Increased number of six‑ and seven‑figure donor conversations.

- Clear movement of prospects through the cultivation cycle.

- Effective partnership with colleagues leading major gifts strategy and stewardship.

- Integrated giving conversations — including legacy — that deepen donor commitment and long‑term investment.

- A measurable contribution to building Federation’s long‑term fundraising infrastructure.

How We Work

- Across roles, our work is grounded in:

- Clear priorities and shared goals

- Accountability for outcomes, not just activity

- Collaboration across teams and stakeholders

- Consistent, aligned execution

- A focus on impact and community need

How We Support You

- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

- Retirement plan with employer contribution

- Generous paid time off, including Jewish holidays

- Up to 6 weeks of paid parental leave (after one year)

- Commuter bonus

- Hybrid work environment

- Ongoing professional development opportunities