Major Gifts Officer

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic Major Gifts Officer to strengthen relationships with current and prospective major donors—defined as individuals giving $1,000 or more annually, or a single gift of $500. This role plays a key part in securing generous support from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The ideal candidate is passionate about our mission and skilled in cultivating relationships, creating personalized fundraising strategies, and stewarding donors to inspire long-term commitment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Design and execute personalized solicitation strategies and moves management plans for each donor within a managed portfolio.


• Oversee leadership portfolios for key staff and board members.


• Develop a thoughtful, year-round major donor engagement calendar and fundraising plan.

• Set, monitor, and analyze donor goals, including giving levels, retention, and engagement.


• Maintain detailed records of donor histories, interests, and preferences to deepen relationships.


• Track progress and share regular updates and insights with leadership and the board.

Fundraising Strategy Execution

• Build and sustain meaningful relationships with major and legacy donors through personal, consistent engagement.


• Using prospect research, proactively identify and qualify new prospects who share MOWNM’s values and capacity to give.


• Lead direct major gift solicitations and support leadership and board in their fundraising efforts.


• Oversee multi-channel campaigns—including email, mail, and events—delivering each element on schedule.


• Create compelling donor-facing content including appeals, reports, newsletters, acknowledgments, and impact summaries for major donors.


• Ensure all donors are thanked and acknowledged for their contributions.

Data & Donor Management

• Oversee gift entry, timely acknowledgments, and maintenance of up-to-date donor records using Bloomerang.


• Track tributes, planned gifts, donor interactions, and ensure accurate follow-up and data clean-up.


• Reconcile donor data with finance on a monthly basis to ensure accurate major gift tracking.

Collaboration & Growth

• Partner with staff, leadership, and board to advance long-term fundraising strategies.  


• Plan and implement fundraising and cultivation events in support of major donor fundraising goals and support work on the Celebrity Waiters Gala.


• Take on additional responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in fundraising/development (5+ preferred).


• Proven track record of successful major gift solicitation.


• Experience in legacy/planned giving and capital campaigns is preferred.


• Ability to schedule local meetings and travel in and out of state.


• Strong interpersonal communication


• Strong alignment with our mission and values.


• Proficiency in donor database management, prospect researching, and financial reporting.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills, relationship-building, and project management skills.


• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet competing deadlines.


• Experience with Bloomerang and DonorSearch is a plus.


• Knowledge of food insecurity, healthcare, or senior services is a bonus.