Major Gifts Officer (Hybrid)

Houston Food Bank•Houston, TX

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY: The Major Gifts Officer works closely with the Principal Gifts Officer and Campaign Director to increase the number and revenue of major/planned gifts and assists in the formulation of strategies to solicit operating and programming gifts. The Major Gifts Officer is a frontline fundraiser who is responsible for managing a portfolio of major individual donors/planned gifts and prospects. Adhere to PACT values. (Purpose: Using our strengths passionately to contribute to our mission. Accountability: Choosing to rise above one’s circumstances and demonstrating ownership to achieve results. See It. Own It. Solve It. Do It. Courage: Standing up for what’s right and acting. Transparency: Doing things openly and honestly).

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Business, Public Administration, Liberal Arts, or a closely related field
A minimum of 5 – 10 years of demonstrated successful experience and effectiveness in individual and corporate major gifts and planned giving fundraising with a focus on prospect identification, relationship building, and solicitation
Ability and willingness to cultivate high wealth individuals
Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and insurance.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Ability to work with a diverse population, including the public
Knowledge of basic budget procedures
Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work well with people at all levels
Excellent writing and oral skills; the ability to understand and translate information intended for audiences with clarity, crispness, and elegance
Must have excellent listening skills
Strong time-management skills, organizational skills, self-motivated, proactive
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision
Able to work cooperatively and coordinate well with coworkers and other departments
Strong problem-solving abilities
Ability to work on and adapt to multiple projects with attention to detail and accuracy while adhering to deadlines in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
Ability to effectively convey information about Houston Food Bank and respond to questions from staff, partner agencies/schools, donors, community organizations, and the general public
Ability to reflect an optimistic attitude and convey sensitivity to the needs of donors
Demonstrate flexibility and perseverance
Is legally able to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience securing six-figure gifts preferred
Experience building donor relationships
Raiser’s Edge experience preferred
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) preferred.

Responsibilities

Develops, grows, and manages a list of current and prospective donors with Major/Planned Gifts, Programs, and Special Projects.
Develops and implements strategies to build Major Gifts’ donor pipeline.
Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards identified donors and ensures positive and purposeful donor relations with prospective donors.
Participates in all aspects of the gift cycle.
Creates appropriate stewardship strategies to maintain ongoing relationships with donors who have made commitments.
Initiates and completes donor strategy documents, briefing memos, stewardship/cultivation reports, and other correspondence as necessary.
Assures that all donor interactions in the portfolio are recorded in the Houston Food Bank database.
Moves potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure.
Makes solicitations when appropriate and at the most strategic level of ask.
Maintains stewardship contacts with donors.
Contributes to annual fundraising goals by managing an increasingly productive portfolio of individual donors and religious organizations.
Responsible for managing a portfolio of individual, corporate, foundation, and religious organization donors.
Responsible for raising five-figure gifts and above.
Develops an annual plan for the donor portfolio and monitors the annual plan, results, and expenses and modify as necessary.
Responsible for developing strategies to re-engage lapsed donors.
Responsible for developing cultivation activities and events along with donor communications to assigned donors.
Thoroughly understands the Houston Food Bank, its mission and policies, culture, values, history, key stakeholders, programs, and finances.
Complies with and meets departmental goals and objectives.