Major Gifts Officer (Montgomery County)

The Banner

3d•$110,000 - $125,000

About The Position

The Baltimore Banner is building a sustainable model for local journalism—powered by readers, community trust, and philanthropic investment. The Major Gift Officer, Montgomery County will play a central role in that work by leading the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals capable of contributing $10,000+ annually, with a dedicated focus on expanding leadership-level support across Montgomery County. This is a relationship-first role for an experienced major gifts fundraiser who thrives on strategic moves management, community presence, and connecting donor values to meaningful impact. You will manage a portfolio of leadership-level donors and prospects, strengthen philanthropic relationships throughout Montgomery County, and help grow long-term support for The Banner’s journalism and community impact.

Requirements

5+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with a strong focus on individual giving and relationship management.
Demonstrated success soliciting and closing $10,000+ gifts, including multiple solicitations at the major gift level.
Deep familiarity with Montgomery County communities and philanthropic networks—or a proven ability to build them quickly and authentically.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills—comfortable building relationships with senior leaders, community stakeholders, and philanthropic partners.
Strong writing and presentation skills; able to craft persuasive proposals and donor communications.
Strategic, organized, and self-directed—able to manage priorities, track progress, and consistently follow through.
Deep alignment with The Banner’s mission, values, and commitment to community-centered journalism.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with Raiser’s Edge NXT (or comparable fundraising CRM) and best practices in moves management.
Comfort representing an organization publicly and building networks across diverse communities.
Planned giving exposure and/or comfort partnering on legacy giving conversations.

Responsibilities

Manage and grow a portfolio of approximately 150 individual donors and prospects with the capacity to give $10,000+ annually, using disciplined moves management and personalized engagement.
Create and execute tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure new and increased support.
Personally solicit and close major gifts through thoughtful outreach, compelling proposals, and clear alignment to donor passions and The Banner’s impact.
Partner closely with the Director of Major Gifts and Chief Philanthropy Officer to strategically engage high-priority donors and prospects.
Develop high-quality donor materials including proposals, briefings, impact updates, and stewardship reports that reflect The Banner’s voice and values.
Maintain timely and accurate records, contact reports, and next steps in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
Collaborate with the Director of Major Gifts to identify and pursue planned giving opportunities, as appropriate.
Build and sustain a strong philanthropic network across Montgomery County, including civic, cultural, and nonprofit communities.
Actively engage in local events and community spaces to identify new prospects, deepen trust, and expand The Banner’s visibility.
Represent The Baltimore Banner at regional gatherings and donor meetings; serve as an ambassador for our mission and values.
Stay current on Montgomery County issues and philanthropic trends to connect donors to the journalism and community impact they care about most.
Collaborate with the Senior Manager of Institutional Giving to surface institutional prospects in Montgomery County and share research and community insights.
Contribute to annual fundraising planning and campaign strategy, with a focus on growing a culture of philanthropy among Banner readers and subscribers in Montgomery County.
Work cross-functionally with colleagues to align fundraising priorities with organizational goals and newsroom impact.
Support donor events and cultivation opportunities in the region as needed.

Benefits

Flexible Paid Time Off
Retirement savings - 401K plan offered through Human Interest, with a company match
Student Loan Debt Repayment Assistance for qualified employees
Full health benefits - medical, dental, vision, prescription, FSA/HSA., and coverage for family/dependents
Sick Leave eligible for rollover
Commuter Benefits
11 Paid National Holidays
Employee Assistance Program
Generous Parental Leave
Company paid access to a wellness platform to support mental, financial and physical wellbeing