Accountable to: Chief Development Officer
Department: Development and Communications
Employment Status: Exempt
Hours: Full Time
Location: Statewide
Position Purpose
The major gift officer is responsible for the execution and implementation of the fundraising strategies for major and deferred gifts with guidance provided by the organization’s mission, vision, strategic plan, policies, and financial parameters approved by the board of directors. The major gift officer builds relationships with major, deferred, special campaign, and endowment gift donors and prospects; and leverages key contacts statewide to bring awareness to our mission and maximize gift revenue. With our values of passion, service and innovation at the forefront, this position will advance the mission of Great Plains Food Bank to end hunger together and our vision of a hunger-free North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota.
Core Accountabilities and Essential Duties
- Major Gifts
The major gift officer will secure major gifts from prospects and existing donors through identification/qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and recognition activities. Financial and in-kind gifts secured will support annual operations, campaign objectives, and/or the long-term financial stability of the organization.
- Maintains a portfolio of donors and prospects in support of the organization’s programmatic and capital funding needs.
- Participates in goal and priority setting for the development team and the major gifts program.
- Understands and executes moves management strategies and actively solicits major and endowment gifts through in-person visits, tours, and written proposals.
- Works with chief development officer to develop and implement creative and effective strategies to increase all forms of major gifts to meet the organization’s fundraising goals.
- Provides donors with regular stewardship updates and progress reports demonstrating the impact of their support.
- Meets and exceeds assigned goals for donor visits, solicitations, action/touch points, and total funds raised each fiscal year.
- Completes all necessary documentation pertaining to solicitation activities including contact notes in the constituent management system (DonorPerfect).
- Participates in the production of fundraising-related collateral, including but not limited to campaign case statements, major and planned gift promotional materials, and special stewardship pieces.
- Participates in professional development opportunities to sustain and grow knowledge of philanthropic trends, estate planning practices, and the legal aspects of charitable giving.
- Planned Giving
The major gift officer will secure deferred gifts from prospects and existing donors through identification/qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and recognition activities. Deferred gifts secured will support the long-term financial stability of the organization.
- Develops and implements plans for securing deferred gifts from donors through estate planning and other types of giving vehicles.
- Researches, identifies and contacts planned giving prospects.
- Develops printed and/or digital material for purposes of gift lead generation, education, and planned giving program promotion.
- Offers educational opportunities and materials regarding planned giving to staff, board and prospects/donors.
- Provides stewardship of donors who have already announced a commitment to planned giving.
- Organizes, maintains and audits planned gift records (if applicable) to ensure thorough and accurate record-keeping of donor information, future gift expectancies and administration of deferred gifts.
- Community Relations
The major gift officer elevates the understanding of hunger and the Great Plains Food Bank through public education and awareness.
- Serves as a spokesperson for the organization with presentations, group tours at our facilities, and community events, etc.
- Represents the organization in the community through appropriate civic or business philanthropic associations/organizations, and leverages community network for greater organizational visibility and philanthropic reach.
Education, Experience and Requirements
Successful candidates for this position must hold a Bachelor’s degree in related field, preferably communications, marketing, or sales with four years of proven fundraising experience within a nonprofit organization(s). Applicable experience may be considered. Candidate must also have an appreciation for the multiple dimensions of philanthropy. Candidates with experience and knowledge of estate planning, and utilizing a constituent relationship management program to build a diverse base of support is preferred. CFRE certification is preferred. Valid driver’s license, ability to travel statewide, flexibility to attend meetings and events in the evening and/or on weekends is required.
Skills and Competencies
- Thrives while developing relationships that further our mission
- A proven fundraiser with extensive experience in nonprofit development
- Inquisitive, strategic thinker
- Strong communicator that possesses excellent listening, written, oral, and interpersonal skills
- Critical thinking skills to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and donor relationship management applications
- Ability to work in a fast paced environment with multi-faceted demands and deadlines
- Strong organizational skills and detail oriented, yet flexible with an adaptable personal style
- Strong internal and external customer service skills
- Ability to work independently and build collaboration across teams and departments
Download application here
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Submit completed application and resume to hr@greatplainsfoodbank.org