Major Gifts Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of philanthropy, the role of Major Gifts Officer has never been more pivotal.

Fundraising landscapes evolve, and with each shift, the need for astute professionals who can identify, cultivate, and secure large-scale donations becomes more pressing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Major Gifts Officer?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to comprehend the core of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
Or simply captivated by the realm of major gift fundraising,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Major Gifts Officer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Contents show

Major Gifts Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Major Gifts Officers play a crucial role in non-profit organizations, colleges, and other institutions.

They are primarily responsible for soliciting funds from donors capable of making large contributions, as well as fostering relationships with these key individuals.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

Identifying and cultivating potential major gift donors
Designing and implementing a major gifts strategy
Working closely with the development team to align effort and set goals
Soliciting funds from donors and securing major gift commitments
Maintaining strong relationships with current and potential donors, keeping them informed about how their gifts are being used
Organizing and attending fundraising events
Preparing and presenting proposals for potential donors
Creating detailed reports on major gift program progress
Coordinating with other team members to ensure all donor communication is consistent and coordinated

Major Gifts Officer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and results-driven Major Gifts Officer to manage our major gift donor program.

Your responsibilities will include developing strategies for solicitation, building relationships with potential donors, and securing major gifts for our organization.

Our ideal candidate has a strong background in fundraising, excellent communication skills, and a passion for our mission.

Ultimately, the role of the Major Gifts Officer is to ensure our organization’s financial goals are met by cultivating meaningful relationships with major donors.

Responsibilities

Identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors for major gifts
Develop personalized strategies to secure major gifts
Manage relationships with current and potential major donors
Work with other fundraising staff to coordinate efforts and set goals
Create and present proposals for potential donors
Communicate with donors regularly, providing updates and expressing appreciation
Track and report on progress towards financial goals

Qualifications

Proven experience as a Major Gifts Officer or similar role in fundraising
Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Strong understanding of donor recognition and stewardship
Ability to build and maintain relationships with key donors
Knowledge of fundraising best practices and legal guidelines
BSc degree in Marketing, Business Administration or relevant field

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Opportunity to impact the organization’s success

Additional Information

Job Title: Major Gifts Officer
Work Environment: Office setting with potential travel for donor meetings and events. Some remote work may be possible.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Development or Chief Development Officer.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Major Gifts Officer Do?

Major Gifts Officers are essential members of the fundraising team for non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and other entities that rely on charitable donations.

They manage relationships with potential and existing donors, with a primary focus on individuals or organizations capable of making high-level donations.

Their role involves identifying potential donors, cultivating relationships, and soliciting significant monetary gifts.

Major Gifts Officers work closely with other members of the fundraising team to strategize and implement fundraising initiatives.

They also collaborate with senior leadership, board members, and volunteers to engage in prospect research, donor stewardship, and gift acknowledgment processes.

Their job often involves planning and organizing events, arranging meetings between donors and organization’s representatives, and maintaining accurate records of all interactions and donations.

Major Gifts Officers are also responsible for ensuring that donors feel appreciated and informed about how their contributions are making an impact.

This often includes providing reports on the progress of projects funded by major gifts and facilitating communication between donors and beneficiaries.

Overall, the role of a Major Gifts Officer is about building lasting relationships that enable their organization to secure the significant funding needed to achieve its mission and goals.

Major Gifts Officer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Major Gifts Officer should possess the following skills and qualifications:

Fundraising expertise, with a track record of identifying and securing major gifts from donors.
Excellent interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with donors, stakeholders, and team members.
Strong communication skills to articulate the organization’s mission and projects effectively to potential donors.
Strategic thinking to plan and implement fundraising strategies that align with the goals of the organization.
Research skills to identify potential donors and understand their philanthropic interests.
Negotiation skills to secure major gifts and reach agreements that benefit both the donor and the organization.
Understanding of tax laws, financial principles and charitable giving regulations.
Ability to use donor database software for tracking donor information and gift records.

Major Gifts Officer Experience Requirements

Major Gifts Officers typically require a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or a related field.

This experience often comes from roles such as Development Associate, Fundraising Coordinator, or Donor Relations Officer.

During this time, individuals should have gained extensive experience in identifying potential donors, building and maintaining relationships, and securing significant donations.

This includes understanding the principles of major gift fundraising and the process of cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors.

For more senior roles, employers often look for candidates with at least 5 to 7 years of experience.

In addition to the above skills, these candidates should have a proven track record of securing large donations and successfully managing a portfolio of major donors.

Experience in planning and executing fundraising campaigns is also essential.

Leadership experience is beneficial for Major Gifts Officer roles as they often involve managing a team and working closely with senior management.

Prior experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and reporting is also highly valued in this role.

Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations surrounding charitable donations, as well as experience with fundraising software and databases, can also be a requirement for this role.

Finally, a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Business, Marketing, or Non-Profit Management is often required, with a master’s degree preferred for more senior positions.

Major Gifts Officer Education and Training Requirements

A Major Gifts Officer typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a field such as business, nonprofit management, or a related discipline.

They should have knowledge in fundraising strategies, donor relations, and effective communication.

Some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration or nonprofit management.

Prior experience in a nonprofit setting, particularly in fundraising or development, is typically required.

Most organizations look for Major Gifts Officers who have a demonstrated record of successfully securing major gifts.

Certifications in fundraising management can be advantageous.

These may include the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or the Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE) which are globally recognized credentials for fundraising professionals.

In addition, Major Gifts Officers must have excellent interpersonal, analytical, and persuasive skills.

They also need to be able to manage multiple projects and relationships simultaneously.

Continual professional development is beneficial as it allows Major Gifts Officers to stay updated with fundraising trends and strategies.

This could be through attending workshops, seminars, or courses related to fundraising and donor management.

Major Gifts Officer Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Major Gifts Officer is $72,588 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary significantly depending on the individual’s level of experience, the size of the organization, geographical location, and the extent of the officer’s responsibilities and achievements.

Major Gifts Officer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Major Gifts Officer need?

A Major Gifts Officer should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with donors.

They should be adept at negotiation and persuasion, and have a keen understanding of fundraising strategies.

Analytical abilities are also important to track fundraising metrics and identify potential major donors.

Do Major Gifts Officers need a degree?

While not always a requirement, most Major Gifts Officers hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, or Marketing.

Some organizations may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in these areas.

Extensive experience in fundraising or donor relations could be an alternative to formal education.

What should you look for in a Major Gifts Officer’s resume?

You should look for a proven track record of successful fundraising efforts, including securing major gifts.

Experience in developing and executing fundraising strategies and managing donor relationships is critical.

If the candidate has a degree in a relevant field, that’s a plus.

Skills such as communication, negotiation, and strategic planning should also be highlighted.

What qualities make a good Major Gifts Officer?

A good Major Gifts Officer is persuasive, personable, and passionate about the cause they represent.

They should be strategic thinkers, able to identify potential donors and build strong relationships with them.

Good Major Gifts Officers are also results-oriented, tenacious, and able to handle rejection without becoming disheartened.

What are the daily duties of a Major Gifts Officer?

A typical day for a Major Gifts Officer might include conducting research to identify potential donors, setting up meetings with prospective donors, and presenting proposals for funding.

They may also spend time cultivating relationships with existing donors, planning fundraising campaigns, and working with other team members to develop and implement fundraising strategies.

Moreover, they might also spend time reviewing and updating donor databases, and preparing reports on fundraising efforts.

Is it challenging to hire a Major Gifts Officer?

Finding the right Major Gifts Officer can be challenging due to the specific set of skills and experience required for the role.

The ideal candidate needs to have a strong background in fundraising, be comfortable dealing with high-value donors, and have a passion for the organization’s cause.

As such, the pool of qualified candidates can be relatively small.

Offering competitive compensation and demonstrating a positive organizational culture can help attract quality candidates.

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we have revealed the intricacies and nuances of being a Major Gifts Officer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about fundraising.

It’s about forging relationships, fostering trust, and fueling philanthropic endeavors, one significant donation at a time.

With our definitive Major Gifts Officer job description template and real-world examples, you’re all primed and ready to make a move.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your secret weapon for creating precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each significant donation is a piece of the larger philanthropic puzzle.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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