Major Gifts Officer

About Understood

Understood is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference. We raise awareness of the challenges and strengths of people who learn and think differently. Our resources help people navigate challenges, gain confidence, and find support and community so they can thrive. 

Having a shared commitment to our values is a key factor in any hire we make. We have five core values: 

1. Continuously learn.


2. Act with intention.


3. Champion difference.


4. Inspire change.


5. Grow together. 

Come be part of an organization with an entrepreneurial spirit that’s helping to shape the world for difference. Together, we can build a world where everyone can reach their full potential. 

To learn more about Understood, please visit: www.understood.org.

Who you are 

Reporting to the Head of Individual Giving, the Major Gifts Officer will identify, assess, and build relationships with new prospective donors who have the capacity to make significant contributions. This role will support the development and lead the execution of strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors. Successful candidates will have experience engaging and activating boards as relationship drivers, building strong networks, and building donor pipelines from the ground up. Strong cross-functional collaboration and the ability to self-direct are crucial skills for this role.

This is a hybrid role that requires a minimum of three (3) days a week in our NYC office, with a focus on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

What you’ll do

• Conduct major gift prospect research to identify individuals whose values and philanthropy are aligned to organizational focus areas and funding needs


• Develop and execute strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, including through events, board involvement, and donor meetings 


• Partner closely  with the Associate Director, Direct Response Fundraising to screen existing donors and develop a seamless moves management process


• Track and share donor updates with internal partners and identify key industry trends around learning and thinking differences that could influence donor relationships


• Work with cross-functional teams to understand fundraising priorities and organizational needs and turn them into meaningful opportunities for donor support


• Maintain accurate donor records and moves management tracking in Virtuous and HubSpot to support timely and strategic donor engagement


• Track and assess major gift fundraising metrics and develop recommendations for improvement

Must-haves 

• Minimum 7 years of experience with prospecting and solicitation of high-net-worth individuals


• Experience leveraging intimate, high-touch events as part of a major gifts cultivation and stewardship strategy for high-net-worth individuals


• Comfortable operating in a build phase, where systems, processes, and portfolios are evolving


• Demonstrated success in building new pipelines and achieving fundraising goals


• Ability to work independently and focus on highest-value work in a dynamic environment


• Comfortable navigating and collaborating across a matrixed organization


• Excellent oral and written communication skills


• Committed to embodying and being a steward of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging 

Nice-to-haves

• Ability to collect and analyze data


• Highly proficient in Google Suite (Docs, Cal, Sheets, Slides)


• Working knowledge of CRM platforms and project management tools such as Hubspot, Virtuous and Jira

The base salary range for this role is minimum $120,000 - $140,000 maximum, depending on years of experience and qualifications. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports wellness for our team members and their families. You can learn more about our benefits and offerings.

Understood.org does not sponsor applicants for work visas or legal permanent residence, including providing assistance with OPT extensions.

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Understood encourages individuals of all learning styles and ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those whose life experiences may include the challenge of access due to a disability, to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to supporting this work.

Understood is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability (where the applicant or employee is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation), any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, stalking, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law or that of persons with whom that individual associates, or any other legally protected characteristics.

For additional information on learning and thinking differences, including ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, executive function challenges, nonverbal learning disabilities, processing issues, and more, please visit www.understood.org.

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