Job Details

Fundraising Officer

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Fundraising Officer to lead efforts in major donor and planned giving initiatives for our organization. This long-term contract role offers an exciting opportunity to cultivate relationships and secure significant contributions that will drive impactful outcomes. The ideal candidate will possess strong strategic thinking and communication skills, as well as a proven track record of successfully managing donor portfolios.

Responsibilities:

• Identify and research potential major gift donors, building a comprehensive pipeline of prospects.
• Manage a portfolio of 75-125 donors, guiding them through discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship phases.
• Develop and implement tailored strategies to secure donations ranging from mid-level to 7-figure contributions.
• Plan and execute donor engagement events, such as receptions, tours, and volunteer experiences.
• Collaborate with the Development team to create compelling donor materials, including proposals and briefing memos.
• Cultivate planned giving opportunities with both new and existing donors, integrating legacy giving into broader fundraising strategies.
• Stay informed on tax laws and investment strategies relevant to planned giving, utilizing this knowledge to enhance donor engagement.
• Work closely with leadership, board members, and volunteers to identify and connect with new donor prospects.
• Monitor and report on fundraising progress, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and performance metrics.
• Maintain accurate donor records using Salesforce and provide regular updates on activities and outcomes.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of proven success in major donor or planned gift fundraising, preferably in higher education or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to secure 5- to 7-figure contributions and meet financial targets.
• Experience in cold calling and developing effective donor cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Proficiency in crafting persuasive and concise funding proposals.
• Strong strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills to develop impactful fundraising strategies.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and familiarity with fundraising software, particularly Salesforce.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain donor relationships effectively.