Major Gifts Officer (West Coast)

Major Gift Officers (MGO) at the Foundation Fighting Blindness play a pivotal role in driving our mission forward. As a frontline fundraiser, the MGO manages a portfolio of 125–150 qualified prospects, each with the capacity to give between $10,000 to $1 million+. You’ll be responsible for raising a minimum of $750,000 annually through strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts. 

This is more than just a metrics-driven role—it’s about deepening donor engagement, advancing long-term giving, and making a measurable impact. Success in this role means not only meeting fundraising goals but also strengthening our donor pipeline and ensuring high donor retention.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A strategic thinker who can align donor interests with organizational priorities.
• A natural relationship-builder who thrives on connecting people to purpose.
• A seasoned development professional, with a strong track record of securing significant gifts and consistently exceeding ambitious goals.

Core Responsibilities Include:

• Establishing positive effective relationships internally and externally with a broad assortment of individuals, boards, volunteers, donors, external partners, and the communities at large.
• Developing, growing, and managing a portfolio of 125-150 high-potential donors with a focus on growing current funder relationships and building new donor relationships.
• Commitment to proactive personalized fundraising, including regular donor meetings, and building outstanding one-on-one relationships, Assuring the team maintains a donor retention rate of at least 80% and has minimum 120 visits per year.
• Drive for Results – steadfastly pushing self and others for results with a focus on bottom-line results.
• Using key metrics to achieve higher retention rates and donor satisfaction. Monitoring and managing opportunities and new trends with technology and data analysis to determine which efforts have the greatest business impact; Using wealth screening and other research information to develop strategies and build the portfolio.
• Accountable for managing budgets, forecasts, and projects, ensuring accurate and timely plans that align with the strategic plan.
• Collaborating with peers across the organization to acquire and coordinate resources.
• Learning the science to present proposals to donors, and following research updates

Essential Qualifications Include:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in major gifts fundraising with proven track record in securing major gifts ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 or more.
• A  track record of accomplishment in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing major gifts, and providing stewardship to donors
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff, board members, volunteers, major donors, and regional teams to develop and grow giving opportunities. Equally effective working independently or as part of a team
• Excels at initiating and building long-term relationships with prospective individual donors
• Skilled in clear, adaptive communication — including verbal description and alternative formats — to effectively engage individuals who are blind or have low vision.
• Experienced in managing sensitive donor information in compliance with data protection and ethical fundraising standards.
• Motivated by purpose-driven work in health and science; dedicated to supporting organizational excellence and innovation. 
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with CRM databases and fully proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Initiative-taking, enthusiastic and with strong follow-up skills
• Ability to work flexible week