Director of Major Gifts

Project Harmony - Haven for Abuse Response Members•Omaha, NE

About The Position

Project Harmony is seeking an experienced and committed Director of Major Gifts to identify, cultivate, solicit, and secure significant financial contributions supporting its mission of serving children and families. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) within the Development Department, the Director will build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to implement, sustain, and diversify the organization’s funder base and strategy. The role calls for a commitment to Project Harmony’s mission and values in the solicitation of major and endowed gifts. Project Harmony provides immediate, sensitive support to child abuse victims and their non-offending family members, with a vision of ending the cycle of child abuse and neglect. The organization describes itself as one of the largest Child Advocacy Centers in the nation and is committed to diversity, inclusion, strategic innovation, quality service, and collaborative relationships. The position develops and manages major-gift and legacy-giving efforts, stewards donors, works with the CDO on strategy and goals, and collaborates across the organization to connect funding opportunities with program needs. It includes direct donor solicitations, proposals and presentations, donor database and progress tracking, and participation in events. Local, regional, and national donor travel may be required, along with occasional evening and weekend hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.
At least 5 years of professional experience in a development function within a nonprofit organization.
Experience in gift planning, fundraising, sales, and/or business development.
Proven track record of securing major gifts.
Experience with Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud, or other donor database/CRM systems.
Ability to identify, expand, and diversify major-gift resources.
Knowledge of estate and trust principles and vehicles.
Ability to articulate Project Harmony’s work and understand programs related to Response, Prevention, and Early Intervention.
Ability to work with donor audiences of varied ages, backgrounds, cultures, and industries.
Strong organization, preparation, attention to detail, and follow-through.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with donors, staff, and volunteers.
Ability to work collaboratively and independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Proficiency with donor databases and tracking donor transactions and information.
Ability to use research, donor databases, and wealth-screening tools in fundraising.
Excellent written, editing, verbal, active-listening, and public-speaking skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Knowledge of fundraising ethical standards and nonprofit financial-management best practices.
Professionalism, initiative, energy, and confidence.
Proven ability to negotiate complex, high-profile, and/or sensitive situations.
Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
Willingness to work flexible hours.
Must submit to a thorough criminal-history background check.
Must have access to a vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.

Nice To Haves

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification.
Experience in the legal and/or financial industries.

Responsibilities

Develop, initiate, coordinate, and supervise a multi-year legacy-giving program that encourages donors and supporters to make planned gifts funding permanent endowments.
Expand and diversify Project Harmony’s donor base and pipeline, working with the Development team to secure funding for new initiatives.
Help donors accomplish their philanthropic goals through relationships with the organization.
Cultivate and manage relationships with major donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Work with the Chief Development Officer to create major-gift goals and strategy.
Steward existing major donors and potential prospects to support continued giving.
Align major-gift efforts with the Development Department’s calendar, including the Annual Giving Campaign, annual fundraising events, and community charity-focused campaigns.
Collaborate with the Development team to prepare public and private donor acknowledgements.
Make direct, face-to-face solicitations and support the board and other staff with solicitations, portfolio development, strategic counsel, and donor communications.
Track and report progress using specific metrics and maintain accurate records of donor interactions and gifts in the donor database.
Collaborate across the organization to understand programmatic needs and prioritize funding opportunities.
Create and deliver proposals and presentations that connect prospective major donors’ interests with Project Harmony’s mission.
Travel locally, regionally, and nationally as needed to meet donors and prospective donors.
Attend networking and community events, including occasional evening and weekend events.
Ensure culturally competent services for families without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, gender, or sexual orientation.
Perform other duties as assigned.