Major Gifts Officer

Forest Home•Orange, CA

13d•Remote

About The Position

Forest Home is a Christ-centered nonprofit camp serving children, youth, and families through outdoor adventure, biblical teaching, and community. The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) grows the organization’s mission through meaningful donor relationships and transformational giving. The MGO identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards individuals capable of giving $15,000 or more annually in support of programs, scholarships, and capital needs. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the MGO manages a portfolio of approximately 250 high-capacity donors and prospects and works with the Annual Fund Coordinator to develop a coordinated pipeline from mid-level giving to major and planned gifts. The role also oversees the Charitable Gift Advisor and Annual Fund Coordinator, as described in the job summary. Annual performance targets include $3,750,000 in major gift revenue, 85–90% donor retention, 20–30 multi-year pledge conversations, growth in new $25,000+ partners, and regular donor engagement through face-to-face, virtual, and phone meetings. This is a full-time remote position based in a home office. Regular regional travel is required for donor meetings throughout Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada. Seasonal travel to the Forest Home campus in Forest Falls, California, is required during summer and as needed for donor engagement and events. The MGO is expected to be a committed follower of Jesus Christ, aligned with Forest Home’s Statement of Faith and mission, and to model its Christian values in work with donors, colleagues, and ministry communities.

Requirements

At least 5 years of major gift fundraising experience.
Demonstrated success securing individual gifts of $70,000 or more and growing a donor portfolio year over year.
Committed follower of Jesus Christ with a heart for ministry and alignment with Forest Home’s Statement of Faith.
Strong presentation skills for individuals and groups.
Excellent written communication skills, including proposals, emails, and handwritten notes.
Poise and professionalism with donors, board members, and executive leadership.
Self-motivation and discipline to independently manage a full calendar of donor visits.
Strong attention to detail, discernment, and high emotional intelligence.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel regularly.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Experience with Bloomerang or a similar CRM.
Experience with DonorSearch or other wealth-screening tools.
Experience with capital campaigns, multi-year pledges, and planned giving.
Established network in Southern California, Arizona, or Nevada.
CFRE certification.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of approximately 250 major donors and prospects, developing authentic, long-term relationships through personalized engagement.
Lead all stages of the donor cycle, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, follow-up, stewardship, and recognition.
Create an individual cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plan for each donor in the portfolio.
Conduct weekly face-to-face visits, virtual meetings, and calls with current and prospective donors.
Develop new relationships through targeted prospect lists, referrals, and networking.
Host on-site camp tours for donors and prospects.
Partner with the Chief Development Officer to set annual major gift goals and strategy.
Secure major gifts for the annual fund, capital campaigns, scholarships, and special projects.
Cultivate and secure multi-year pledges of three to five years and grow the 15:1 Partnership program at the $25,000+ level.
Prepare proposals, cases for support, impact reports, and donor presentations.
Use DonorSearch screening and giving data to identify prospects, upgrade donors, and qualify out unresponsive prospects.
Connect donors’ philanthropic passions with Forest Home’s mission through a gospel-centered approach.
Work regularly with the Annual Fund Coordinator to identify and qualify mid-level donors with major gift potential.
Support alignment across the giving pipeline from mid-level to major and planned gifts, contributing to a collaborative development team.
Maintain current donor records, contact reports, and activity in Bloomerang.
Provide regular progress reports to the Chief Development Officer.
Collaborate with the marketing team on donor communications.
Ensure acknowledgments and recognition reflect excellence and Christian values.
Uphold ethical and confidentiality standards in fundraising.
Manage travel expenses responsibly and submit them on time.
Pray for and offer spiritual support to donors and internal staff.
Represent Forest Home at camp events, retreats, and ministry gatherings.
Model Christlike character and uphold Forest Home’s vision, mission, and core values.
Perform other duties as assigned.