Major Gifts Officer

SPCA of Greater Cincinnati • Symmes Township, OH

1d • $75,000 - $85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

SPCA Cincinnati delivers lifesaving compassionate care and community-based services for animals and the people who love them. Through adoption, humane education, sheltering, cruelty investigations, emergency field response, veterinary care, and outreach programs, SPCA serves as a trusted leader in animal welfare across the region.
Our fundraising program has been built on a strong foundation of special events, legacy giving, and a longstanding national direct response program. Today, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth by evolving from a primarily mail-driven fundraising model to a proactive, relationship-based philanthropy program focused on deepening donor engagement and expanding major and transformational giving.
With more than 80,000 donor records in Raiser’s Edge and a dedicated three-person development team, the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with current and prospective supporters is substantial. This position works in close partnership with senior leadership to align philanthropy, storytelling, community engagement, and donor stewardship strategies that advance SPCA Cincinnati's mission and visibility throughout the region.
Recent investments, including the development of the new Over-the-Rhine Adoption Center and the expansion of the Peter G. Courlas & Nicholas Tsimaras Medical & Foster Center, are transforming how SPCA Cincinnati delivers care. These initiatives represent just a portion of a broader vision that is positioning the organization for increased impact, expanded services, and long-term growth.
This role offers the opportunity to help shape the future of philanthropy at a pivotal moment in the organization's history while building lasting relationships that fuel lifesaving work for animals and the people who care for them.
SPCA Cincinnati is creating a Major Gifts Officer position to help build the future of philanthropy for one of the country's oldest animal welfare organizations. This is a frontline, relationship-driven fundraising role responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity individual donors while growing a sustainable culture of philanthropy.
The Major Gifts Officer will play a critical role in expanding SPCA Cincinnati's major gifts program by establishing disciplined portfolio management practices, deepening donor engagement, expanding leadership-level giving, and securing philanthropic investments that advance the organization's mission and long-term sustainability.
Success in this role requires a highly relational fundraiser who combines strong donor engagement skills with creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving ability. The ideal candidate is energized by uncovering opportunities, developing innovative strategies to connect donor passions with organizational priorities, and building meaningful partnerships that inspire transformational giving. This individual values collaboration and actively seeks diverse perspectives while demonstrating sound judgment, independent thinking, and the ability to discern and pursue strategies that best advance donor relationships and organizational goals.
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Major Gifts Officer partners closely with executive leadership, members of the Board of Directors, and cross-functional colleagues to develop and execute donor engagement strategies, advance major gift solicitations, and strengthen SPCA Cincinnati's philanthropic impact throughout the community.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Three to five years of successful fundraising, sales, business development, or relationship management experience.
• Demonstrated success securing gifts, sales, or investments through relationship-based strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and working independently.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

• Major gifts experience.
• Experience using Raiser’s Edge or a comparable CRM.
• CFRE credential.
• Experience working with volunteers or boards.
• Passion for animal welfare and community impact.

Responsibilities

• Build, qualify, and actively manage a portfolio of approximately 100-125 major gift prospects and donors.
• Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Maintain accurate donor records, strategy notes, and moves management activity within Raiser’s Edge.
• Utilize research, analytics, wealth screening, direct response engagement, and community connections to identify new prospects.
• Conduct meaningful donor visits and engagement activities designed to advance relationships and philanthropic investment.
• Develop compelling proposals aligned with organizational priorities.
• Secure five-figure gifts independently and participate in leadership and six-figure solicitations.
• Partner with the Chief Development Officer, CEO, and Board members on strategic donor engagement and solicitation efforts.
• Design and implement individualized stewardship plans that reinforce impact and encourage increased giving.
• Identify planned giving, blended giving, and multi-year commitment opportunities.
• Ensure donors receive timely, meaningful, and mission-focused reporting.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and Board members to prepare for and execute strategic donor engagement opportunities.
• Represent SPCA Cincinnati professionally and effectively in community and donor-facing settings.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with SPCA Cincinnati covering 90% of employee premium costs.
• Flexible Savings Account (FSA).
• Employer paid Long Term & Short Term Disability and Group Term Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Three weeks of paid time off plus paid holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 5% employer match.
• Professional development support, including conferences, continuing education, certifications, and professional memberships.

What This Job Offers

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