Major Gifts Officer

Friends of the Children Montana • Missoula, MT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Friends of the Children – Western Montana is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through relationships with professional mentors. They provide children facing significant obstacles with a long-term, salaried, professional mentor, known as a "Friend," from kindergarten through high school graduation (12+ years). This role is critical in helping Western Montana's most vulnerable children change their life trajectories by engaging in community-centered fundraising that inspires transformational giving. The organization is a five-year-old entity with an established major gifts program, a strong culture of philanthropy, and a $2+ million budget, aiming for further growth to empower more children and families.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required. Equivalent professional experience in fundraising, sales, business development, relationship management, or a related field will be considered.
• 3+ years of professional experience in fundraising, sales, business development, relationship management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success building relationships and securing financial investments, gifts, or partnerships.
• Experience managing a donor portfolio and successfully soliciting charitable gifts.
• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Confidence and comfort making direct fundraising asks and discussing philanthropic investments.
• Ability to inspire support through storytelling and mission-driven communications.
• Strong organizational, project management, and follow-through skills.
• Enthusiasm to be part of a growing nonprofit organization.
• Passion to play a critical role in helping Western Montana's most vulnerable children change the trajectories of their lives.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Maintain an acceptable driving record and access to a reliable vehicle with auto insurance liability minimum of $100,000/$300,000/$100,000.
• Must successfully pass a background check, including criminal and protective services clearances.
• Willingness to attend occasional evening and weekend events.

Nice To Haves

• Cultural competence and prior experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience with donor databases, CRM systems, and fundraising reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 150+ individual donors and prospects with the capacity to make annual gifts of $1,000 or more.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation plans for donors and prospects.
• Conduct 16–20 meaningful donor visits per month, including face-to-face meetings, tours, presentations, and engagement activities.
• Secure $400,000 annually in philanthropic revenue through portfolio management, donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
• Identify, qualify, and cultivate new major gift prospects through research, networking, referrals, and community engagement.
• Prepare compelling gift proposals, letters of inquiry, and funding requests for individual donors and family foundations.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Development Director on major donor cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Support donor stewardship efforts through timely follow-up, relationship management, and meaningful engagement opportunities.
• Ensure donor information and interactions are accurately documented in the donor database.
• Represent Friends of the Children–Western Montana at community events, networking opportunities, speaking engagements, and donor gatherings.
• Serve as a passionate ambassador for the organization, effectively communicating the mission, impact, and funding priorities.
• Support annual fundraising campaigns, special events, and other development initiatives as needed.
• Stay informed about fundraising best practices and philanthropic trends to strengthen donor engagement and fundraising outcomes.

Benefits

• 4 weeks PTO + 10 holidays
• Employer covers 100% of the employee-only premium for comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) with 3% employer match
• Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

What This Job Offers

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