The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for implementing a major donor development strategy as part of a comprehensive annual fundraising plan for the JCC. This person will be responsible for the identification, cultivation, personal solicitation, and stewardship of 100-150 active and prospective major donors per year. Reporting to the Development Director, the Major Gifts Officer is responsible for building and managing a portfolio of individuals/families to deepen engagement among existing major donors, increasing giving among donors, identifying, cultivating, and soliciting qualified prospects, ultimately increasing the number of major donors and growing annual revenue. This person will perform a significant share of these solicitations and train and motivate volunteers to perform the remainder. The Major Gifts Officer will work as an integral member of the Development team to provide high customer service and donor stewardship. A particular focus of this role will be the engagement and cultivation of alumni connected to the JCC core programming, including Century Circle donors.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Work closely with the Director of Development and other members of the Development Department to develop annual plan and implement strategies to meet annual fundraising goals.
· Assume responsibility for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of 100-150 individual and prospective major donors annually.
· Perform personal solicitations, either solo or in conjunction with senior staff or volunteer leaders as appropriate.
· Recruit, train, coach, motivate, and manage volunteers and senior staff, to engage in solicitations and other cultivation/stewardship activities.
· Track donor cultivation and solicitation activities using the Salesforce database, and report regularly on progress.
· Attend meetings of, and help provide staff support for, the Development Committee and other relevant committees.
· Engage in stewardship activities to nurture and maintain relationships with major capital campaign donors.
· Initiate and manage Legacy Campaign to promote bequests and other types of planned gifts.
· Manage Century Circle campaigns.
· Identify opportunities to seek and obtain endowment gifts.
· Together with Development team, plan and manage 3 to 4 donor cultivation events per year, including recruiting volunteer hosts, and assist with larger benefit events.
· Other responsibilities as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
· B.A./B.S. degree; Non-Profit Management, Advanced degree, or CFRE designation preferred.
· Minimum 5 years’ experience working in nonprofit development in a major gifts environment is required
· Significant and successful experience performing personal solicitations of gifts in excess of five figures or more, is required.
· High level of skill in training, managing, and motivating volunteers
· Proficient in constituent management and fundraising software. Salesforce preferred.
· Previous success making cold calls and securing face-to-face meetings with donor prospects.
· Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
· A high degree of emotional intelligence and success managing multiple competing priorities is a must.
· Goals and results-driven with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
· Accountable with an attention to detail and organizational skills.
· Ability to take initiative and anticipate the needs of donors, stakeholders, and colleagues.
· Proactively share information and communicate effectively both internally and externally.
· Able to overcome obstacles, and work independently and as part of a team.
· Ability to develop and maintain a strong presence in the philanthropic community, with the social skills to effectively engage community members and leaders, civic and corporate philanthropists, and active and prospective donors.
· Understanding of and commitment to the JCC’s mission and values
· Exceptional skills in leadership and diplomacy.
· Knowledge of the Bay Area’s Jewish donor community is helpful but not required
· Ability to work independently and as part of a team; sense of humor a must.
· Understand fundraising industry ethics and standards, including donor solicitation, confidentiality, gift crediting, stewardship, and financial principles that shape the work of fundraising professionals.
· Ability and willingness to travel to various program and donor meeting locations.
· Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and proof of auto insurance.