Major Gift Officer (56138)

YSS • Ames, IA

10d • $29 - $35 • Onsite

About The Position

At YSS, every gift saves lives, restores hope, and creates limitless opportunities for youth who need it most. We aren’t looking for a traditional fundraiser—we are looking for a high-energy, competitive Major Gift Officer (MGO) who wants their drive to mean something truly profound. If you love the high-stakes thrill of closing major deals, but want your success to be measured in transformed young lives rather than corporate profits, this is your arena. As a frontline revenue producer on our Community Engagement Team, you’ll serve as the primary “Account Executive” for our mission. You’ll manage a high-capacity portfolio of individual and corporate donors, leveraging your consultative sales skills to pitch bold ideas, secure major 5- and 6-figure commitments, and turn donor passions into life-changing reality. Depending on your proven closing record and leadership background, you may join us as an Assistant Director of Development, Associate Director, or Director of Development.

Requirements

• 4+ years of deal-closing experience with a proven track record of hitting aggressive targets in high-ticket sales, business development, financial services, or major gift fundraising.
• A "Hunter" mindset with dynamic, high-energy relationship skills—you love meeting new people, reading the room, and turning "no" into "how can we make this work?"
• Unshakeable emotional intelligence, commanding presentation skills, and an authentic passion for saving lives and uplifting youth.
• Tech fluency with CRM databases (preferably Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT, Salesforce, or similar) to manage portfolio health, log activity, and forecast performance.
• Strategic grit and self-motivation, with the ability to run your portfolio like your own business while thriving in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Build & Hunt: Proactively identify, qualify, and cultivate high-net-worth individual and corporate prospects, keeping a high-velocity sales pipeline moving.
• Pitch Hope & Opportunity: Translate YSS’s critical youth programs into compelling, high-impact investment presentations that inspire immediate action.
• Master the "Ask": Lead sophisticated face-to-face solicitations for major gifts, multi-year pledges, and planned giving—confidently closing 5- and 6-figure commitments.
• Drive Pipeline Growth: Use Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT to track your pipeline, execute a disciplined "moves-management" strategy, and smash your annual revenue targets.
• Partner for Impact: Collaborate directly with YSS leadership and community center directors to turn urgent programmatic needs into attractive, fundable opportunities.
• Roll Out the Red Carpet: Design high-touch donor experiences and personalized stewardship that leave our supporters blown away by the impact of their investment.
• Hit the Road: Travel locally and regionally to meet community leaders, deliver pitches, and expand the YSS footprint across Central Iowa.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level