Major Gifts Officer

American Public Media Group•Pasadena, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Major Gifts Officer builds relationships with major donors and prospects to secure gifts of more than $10,000 for annual operating and program-specific projects. The officer qualifies and cultivates prospects, makes direct solicitations, conducts prospect research, develops solicitation strategies, and prepares gift proposals and reports. The role manages a portfolio of approximately 150 donors and spends 50% or more of working time outside the office in face-to-face or virtual meetings to cultivate and steward donor relationships. Solicitation activity may also include gala tables and support, as well as planned giving commitments. The position reports to the Director of Major Gifts and works with the Managing Director of Development and Senior Vice President on major solicitations. It is hybrid in Pasadena, California. Compensation is $100,000–$105,000 per year, with the exact rate based on experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure, and internal equity. Applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer; sponsorship of an employment visa is not available. The application deadline is open until filled.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
3–5 years of experience and a strong understanding of prospect management, major donor cultivation, and solicitation.
Proven track record of securing major and planned gifts.
Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and ability to identify strong prospects.
Previous experience working directly with board members, volunteers, and content experts.
Motivated, creative, and organized self-starter.
Enthusiastic and determined fundraiser with a record of meeting or exceeding metrics and revenue targets.
Ability to develop strategic, long-term donor relationships while achieving bottom-line results.
Innovative, flexible, and able to prioritize in a rapidly evolving organization and industry.
Collaborative approach and ability to work within a team and across an organization.
Persuasive and strategic communicator with excellent interpersonal and written and spoken communication skills.
Ability to participate in donor events, including occasional evenings and weekends, and travel to donor meetings throughout Southern California.
Professional appearance and demeanor, and strong computer skills.
Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to travel during the day, with occasional overnight travel.
Personal vehicle available for donor visits; mileage reimbursement is provided.
Valid, current driver’s license and clean driving record, with no DUIs or excessive traffic violations or accidents.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.; the organization is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Salesforce and donor database experience.
Experience soliciting and securing six- and seven-figure gifts.
Strong interest in public media and its case for support.
Willingness to embrace the organization’s priorities and style.

Responsibilities

Manage a dedicated portfolio of donors and prospects within moves management and meet monthly metric goals.
Strategically cultivate and solicit donors and prospects, deepening relationships and connecting donors with the organization and its funding opportunities.
Develop stewardship plans to strengthen donor relationships and identify additional avenues of support.
Develop written plans, proposals, reports, and other donor communications.
Qualify new prospects and research major donor prospects to grow the donor pool.
Contribute to the expansion of the planned giving program and Legacy Society.
Document donor contacts in donor management software according to established protocols.
Provide regular updates and reports on prospect management and fundraising results.
Participate in major donor events locally and throughout Southern California.
Work collaboratively with the Major Gifts team and Development staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.