Major Gifts Officer, SITC/SRS

Executive Director•Milwaukee, WI

19d•Onsite

About The Position

Development, management, and oversight of strategic fundraising efforts for SITC and SRS. The Major Gifts Officer for SITC will lead the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of high-capacity individual donors to advance the Society’s mission. The role manages a portfolio of major gift prospects, developing personalized engagement strategies and stewarding long-term philanthropic relationships. It also oversees planned giving efforts, educating donors on legacy opportunities and securing future commitments to sustain SITC’s programs and initiatives.

Requirements

At least 5 years professional experience in fund development.
Skills needed in fundraising, business development, proposal writing, budget planning and management.
Ability to forge positive interpersonal relationships with prospects and colleagues.
Outstanding interpersonal, organizational, and communications skills.
Bachelor’s Degree preferred
Excellent writing and organizational skills, attention to detail and good oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently but as part of a small, strong team.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.

Nice To Haves

Previous association management experience and familiarity with nonprofit boards of directors a plus
Some association background preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify, qualify, and manage a portfolio of individual major gift prospects and donors, in consultation with the Director of Business Development.
Develop and execute tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure major gifts.
Conduct one-on-one donor meetings with SITC leaders and Forward Fund Committee members, virtual or in person, to advance donor relationships and philanthropic commitments.
Collaborate with senior leadership and scientific experts to align donor interests with SITC priorities and initiatives.
Prepare compelling proposals, presentations, and impact reports for major gift prospects.
Lead and expand the organization’s planned giving program, including marketing legacy giving opportunities in collaboration with the SITC communications team.
Provide guidance to donors on planned giving vehicles and work with legal/financial advisors as needed, in collaboration with the SITC Executive Director.
Track outreach, moves management, and gift activity.
Ensure high-quality stewardship and recognition for major donors and planned giving participants, in collaboration with the SITC communications team.
Support development events, cultivation activities, and donor engagement opportunities, in collaboration with other SITC staff.
In concert with the Executive Director and Development Committee, develop and implement components of the strategic plan that pertains to fund development
Develop a comprehensive fundraising plan that is aimed at supporting the Research, Education, and Outreach Fund as well as dedicated funds as towards individual programs as outlined by the Board of Directors. Current directed efforts are aimed at the Lori A. Karol Fund and the SRS Traveling Fellows Fund.
Direct and oversee fund procurement, donor tracking, estate/planned giving donations, grant writing, funding reporting & metrics, funder compliance and benefits administration, donor relations/recognition and awards distribution, fundraising events and annual campaigns.
Support staff with interdepartmental information exchange pertaining to funder and donor needs, expectations, and key deliverables
Effectively collaborate with SRS staff, including education, communications, membership, and meetings teams, to ensure planning timelines and the sharing of relevant information across departments.
Ensure good relationships with existing donors and source new revenue streams and funding sources to underwrite the strategic efforts and initiatives of the society
Identify and develop program expansion/leveraging opportunities aimed at increased funding opportunities
With the Senior Communication Manager, oversee the development of fundraising-related marketing materials, press releases, online information, and other materials as needed.
Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Development Committee as assigned and provide direction for the creation of agendas, background materials, and minutes as well as decision and action item implementation
Oversee the maintenance of all needed files and systems to track solicitation and other fundraising efforts including individual donor relations (i.e. sponsor database, donor database, donor letters, pledge reminders and tax reporting)
Stay updated on new technologies, best practices, and industry trends to identify innovative strategies and solutions that will drive growth in quality lead generation and funder/donor relations
Overtime, develop a solicitation training program for SRS Development Committee members and SRS Board of Directors
Monitor current and potential funder news and regularly report findings to SRS Development Committee and SRS Board of Directors
Develop and monitor budgets in areas of responsibilities as well as provide appropriate tracking and trending reports
Provide support for the volunteer solicitors and executive staff for development efforts as needed
Other duties as assigned.