Major Gifts Officer (Baltimore Region and Greater Maryland)

The Banner•Baltimore, MD

4d•$110,000 - $125,000

About The Position

The Baltimore Banner is a nonprofit newsroom founded to bring high-quality local journalism to the Baltimore metro area. We are creating a vibrant, strong, trustworthy, and sustainable news organization, seeking to re-imagine the future of local news. Using a multi-platform news operation, covering a broad range of topics from local government to culture and the arts. We tell stories that reflect the community, connecting neighbors, holding government institutions accountable, and making sense of the world. All this work is grounded in truth. We believe we can contribute to a more vibrant, informed, and whole Baltimore, surrounding counties, and the state of Maryland. About the Role The Director of Major Gifts will lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals capable of contributing $10,000 or more annually, helping to build a strong pipeline of leadership-level support for The Banner. In addition to managing a dynamic portfolio of major donors and prospects, this individual will create and launch The Baltimore Banner’s first Legacy Giving Program, establishing a new channel of long-term philanthropic support. This is a pivotal position within the development team and ideal for someone with deep relationship-building skills, a strong strategic mindset, and enthusiasm for building new fundraising programs from the ground up.

Requirements

5+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with a strong focus on individual giving and relationship management.
Demonstrated success soliciting and closing $10,000+ gifts, including multiple solicitations at the major gift level.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills—comfortable building relationships with senior leaders, community stakeholders, and philanthropic partners.
Strong writing and presentation skills; able to craft persuasive proposals and donor communications.
Strategic, organized, and self-directed—able to manage priorities, track progress, and consistently follow through.
Deep alignment with The Banner’s mission, values, and commitment to community-centered journalism.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the philanthropic landscape across Baltimore and Greater Maryland as this role is key to expanding support in the region.
Experience working with Raiser’s Edge NXT (or comparable fundraising CRM) and best practices in moves management.
Comfort representing an organization publicly and building networks across diverse communities.

Responsibilities

Manage and grow a portfolio of approximately 150 individual donors and prospects with the capacity to give $10,000+ annually, using disciplined moves management and personalized engagement.
Create and execute tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure new and increased support.
Personally solicit and close major gifts through thoughtful outreach, compelling proposals, and clear alignment to donor passions and The Banner’s impact.
Partner closely with the Director of Major Gifts and Chief Philanthropy Officer to strategically engage high-priority donors and prospects.
Develop high-quality donor materials including proposals, briefings, impact updates, and stewardship reports that reflect The Banner’s voice and values.
Maintain timely and accurate records, contact reports, and next steps in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
Collaborate with the Director of Major Gifts to identify and pursue planned giving opportunities, as appropriate.
Build and sustain a visible, credible philanthropic network across Baltimore and Greater Maryland (including county-based communities and civic leaders).
Actively engage in civic, cultural, and community spaces to identify prospects, deepen trust, and strengthen The Banner’s presence.
Represent The Baltimore Banner at regional events and gatherings; serve as a relationship-builder and ambassador for our mission.
Stay current on local issues and philanthropic trends to connect donors to the journalism and community impact they care about most.
Collaborate with the Senior Manager of Institutional Giving to surface institutional prospects and share research and community insights.
Contribute to annual fundraising planning and campaign strategy, with a focus on growing a culture of philanthropy among Banner readers and subscribers.
Work cross-functionally with colleagues to align fundraising priorities with organizational goals and newsroom impact.
Support donor events and cultivation opportunities in the region as needed.

Benefits

Flexible Paid Time Off
Retirement savings - 401K plan offered through Human Interest, with a company match
Student Loan Debt Repayment Assistance for qualified employees
Full health benefits - medical, dental, vision, prescription, FSA/HSA., and coverage for family/dependents
Sick Leave eligible for rollover
Commuter Benefits
11 Paid National Holidays
Employee Assistance Program
Generous Parental Leave
Company paid access to a wellness platform to support mental, financial and physical wellbeing