Annual Gifts Manager

Rancho Cielo•Salinas, CA

4d•$80,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Annual Gifts Manager develops and implements strategies to secure major gifts supporting Rancho Cielo’s mission of helping at-risk youth. The role works closely with the Director of Philanthropy, executive team, board of directors, and other stakeholders to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors. The manager also builds and maintains relationships with individual and institutional donors and oversees all aspects of the Major Gifts plan. This position is classified as exempt and full-time, with a salary range of $80,000–$100,000. Starting pay is determined by relevant experience and qualifications. The position reports to the Director of Philanthropy. Rancho Cielo is a nonprofit organization that provides education, vocational training, counseling, and life skills development to underserved and at-risk youth. In partnership with John Muir Charter School, it supports students in earning a high school diploma while preparing for careers and life.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with at least 3–5 years of fundraising experience focused on major gifts, or the equivalent of 3–5 years of experience.
Proven track record of securing major gifts from individual and institutional donors.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Knowledge of fundraising databases and Microsoft Office applications.
Passion for the organization’s mission and understanding of issues related to at-risk youth.
Ability to work as part of a tightly knit team and get along with a wide range of personalities.
Ability to switch contexts amid frequent interruptions and respond flexibly to short-term requests.
Ability to make cold calls and sound independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
Valid California driver’s license and a safe driving record.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive major-gift fundraising plan with the executive team and Director of Philanthropy.
Collaborate continuously with the Development Team and CEO.
Identify and prioritize major-gift prospects and create individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for donors.
Conduct personal visits and solicitations, and close gifts with major donors and prospects.
Work with the development and finance teams to ensure donor information is accurately recorded and tracked in the donor database.
Collaborate across teams to ensure major donors are appropriately recognized and stewardship activities are implemented effectively.
Develop regular reports on major-gift activities, progress, and outcomes for the executive team and board of directors as needed.
Stay informed about current best practices in major-gifts fundraising and philanthropy.
Work with the Events Manager to secure sponsorships for major events.
Represent Rancho Cielo at public events.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with people contacted while performing required duties.