Senior Major Gifts Officer

The Water Project

3d • Remote

About The Position

The Water Project unlocks human potential by building and connecting global networks of local leaders, communities of generous supporters, and an informed public to provide sustainable water and sanitation programs to needlessly suffering communities in developing countries. We are committed to bringing people together to solve the problem of finding clean water. Whether it’s our local teams in the field, our international staff, our donors and fundraisers, or the communities we serve, we believe that people are the greatest solution to the water crisis.

Major gifts fuel lasting impact.

As Senior Major Gifts Officer, you will personally own and deliver significant philanthropic revenue goals for The Water Project. You will be personally accountable for an annual major gifts revenue goal in the $1–$2 million range.

This is a senior frontline role for an experienced major gifts fundraiser who knows how to build trust, move relationships forward, and close meaningful gifts.

Reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer, you will manage and grow a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, expand a strong pipeline of five- and six-figure opportunities, and serve as a trusted philanthropic partner to individuals and families capable of transformational giving.

This role exists to ensure that donor relationships translate into sustained, mission-aligned investment—so communities gain access to clean, safe water today and for generations to come.

This is a full-time position and may be located anywhere in the United States, with travel required.

Requirements

• 8+ years of fundraising experience, including 5+ years managing high-capacity major gift portfolios.
• Demonstrated success closing $15,000–$100,000+ gifts, including multi-year commitments.
• Proven year-over-year revenue growth with clear personal accountability for outcomes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Salesforce or comparable CRM systems.
• High emotional intelligence and cross-cultural competence.
• Willingness and ability to travel.

Responsibilities

• Secure $10,000+ gifts and six-figure multi-year commitments from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners, including philanthropic and sponsorship gifts, contributing to a personal annual revenue goal of $1–$2 million.
• Maintain a qualified major gifts pipeline valued at a minimum of 3–4x annual revenue target.
• Consistently meet or exceed annual and quarterly revenue goals.
• Build, manage, and actively move a healthy, well-qualified major gifts pipeline.
• Personally manage a strategic portfolio of 150–200 high-capacity donors and prospects, with clear revenue, upgrade, and retention targets for the portfolio.
• Design and manage multi-year donor strategies that support predictable, sustained revenue growth.
• Maintain disciplined, intentional contact and clear next steps for every donor.
• Design and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies aligned with donor interests and organizational priorities.
• Identify, qualify, and engage new major donors.
• Work closely with Marketing to qualify new mass and mid donors with major giving potential
• Maintain and work to convert a pipeline of prospects
• Move individuals and families from initial interest into deeper, long-term investment.
• Expand The Water Project’s major donor presence in key metropolitan markets.
• Own qualification standards and ensure new prospects meet defined capacity, inclination, and readiness criteria.
• Partner closely with the Chief Revenue Officer on revenue forecasting, pipeline development, and multi-year growth strategy.
• Partner with Marketing and Programs to align donor interests with organizational funding priorities and campaign needs.
• Identify risks and opportunities within the major gifts program and adjust strategy accordingly.
• Shape and deliver a consistent volume of compelling, donor-aligned proposals and solicitations that advance revenue goals.
• Maintain accurate, current donor plans, activity tracking, and records in Salesforce.
• Use data and insights to guide decisions, prioritize effort, and evaluate performance.
• Regularly assess portfolio performance and reallocate time and strategy to address underperformance or stalled revenue.
• Travel domestically and internationally with donors and prospects as appropriate.
• Provides peer coaching and informal mentorship to strengthen major gift strategy, skills, and confidence across the team.
• Serves as a senior resource for consultation, feedback, and best-practice sharing
• Supports peers in setting, refining, and tracking major gift goals, offering guidance and accountability

Benefits

• We provide competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including fully covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) match, and a generous vacation policy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed