Major Gifts Officer

Perkins & Will•Fisher, MN

7d•$91,500 - $129,225

About The Position

Perkins is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to help expand fundraising revenue and prepare for a comprehensive campaign tied to its 2029 bicentennial. The role focuses on securing gifts of $10,000 or more from high-capacity individual donors to support annual, multi-year, endowed, and planned giving priorities, advancing Perkins’ work locally and internationally. The officer manages a portfolio of 150 or more donors and prospects, develops relationships and solicitation strategies, grows the prospect pipeline, and prepares donor-facing materials. The position works closely with program leaders, board members, and development colleagues, maintains accurate records in the organization’s database, and travels as needed for donor visits, cultivation meetings, and events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Five or more years of successful major gift fundraising experience is preferred; candidates with a proven track record in high-level relationship management or luxury sales will also be considered.
Genuine passion for Perkins’ mission and ability to translate complex programs into compelling, high-stakes solicitations.
Proficiency with Salesforce and Google Workspace.
Exceptional writing and presentation skills, including the ability to draft formal proposals and host donors at campus events.
Commitment to handling sensitive donor information with confidentiality and integrity.

Nice To Haves

Experience with international fundraising is a significant plus.

Responsibilities

Actively manage and steward a portfolio of 150+ donors and prospects capable of making five- and six-figure contributions.
Develop and execute targeted donor cultivation and solicitation strategies, including maintaining an active visit schedule and meeting activity metrics for proposals, closed gifts, and prospect meetings.
Identify, research, and qualify new major gift prospects in preparation for the 2029 bicentennial campaign.
Draft customized donor proposals, briefings, contact reports, and stewardship materials.
Collaborate with program leaders, board members, and development colleagues to develop compelling cases for support.
Accurately and promptly record donor interactions, activity logs, and pipeline statuses in the database.
Travel as needed for face-to-face donor visits, cultivation meetings, and organization events.
Secure gifts of $10,000 or more for annual, multi-year, endowed, and planned giving priorities.