Major Gifts Officer at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio Inc – Columbus, Ohio

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership gift prospects. This role is responsible for building long-term, relationship-based partnerships with donors to secure transformational support aligned with organizational priorities. The Major Gifts Officer will work closely with the Chief Mission Engagement Officer and the Mission Engagement staff in the development of major and planned gifts strategies.

Position Abilities/Competencies:

Major Gifts Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement major gifts strategy, in collaboration with senior leadership and staff
• Develop an understanding of BBBS’ programs, initiatives, and needs
• Create innovative, effective major gift proposals
• Work with the CMEO and senior leadership to identify major gift prospects
• Manage Donor Engagement Specialist (responsible for the management of donor database)
• Research trends and data to create viable major gift strategies
• Develop and implement tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for each donor, aligning interests with the organization’s needs

Collaboration & Mission Alignment

• Work in collaboration with Leadership, Program, and other Mission Engagement team members
• Articulate BBBS mission and case for charitable support to potential funders, matching donor goals and interests to agency needs

Donor Portfolio Management and Growth

• Annually increase the number of individual donors giving at the leadership level, building a pipeline from current and past donors and volunteers as well as new prospects
• Manage a portfolio of 100+ prospects and donors annually
• Develop and implement individualized strategies for each prospect/donor in portfolio to increase overall giving levels
• Secure leadership gifts, special project support, and planned gifts in accordance with the organizational strategic plan and annual goals
• Make personal calls on prospects to cultivate, solicit and steward major and planned gift donors
• Build meaningful relationships with major donors and prospects by understanding their interests and connecting them to the organization’s mission and priorities.

Fund Development Operations & Donor Stewardship

• Provide prompt, friendly customer service to all donors and stakeholders
• Document call notes promptly in CRM System (Salesforce) and share information with colleagues
• Ensure timely acknowledgement of gifts and provide donors with updates on the impact of their contributions, including progress reports on funded projects
• Work with other staff to develop fundraising strategies for new projects
• Monitor critical success measures in major and planned giving and develop strategies to ensure healthy growth
• Assist with special events and other functions as needed

Required Quali?cations:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business Administration, Philanthropy, Fundraising, or related field required, with seven years of experience in individual giving in a professional fundraising environment preferred.
• Knowledge of the Central Ohio philanthropic community and nonprofit sector.
• CFRE preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience building a portfolio, making asks, and closing major and planned gifts
• Demonstrated success in growing major and planned giving
• Knowledge of ethical, legal, and tax implications involved in estate giving
• Understanding of and commitment to professional fundraising ethical standards
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effectively in varied settings with diverse audiences
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinking, planning, and timely execution
• Ability to work and thrive in a team environment as a leader, participant, and facilitator; provide counsel and strategies to colleagues
• Flexibility and enthusiasm to refine and enhance current systems and operations
• Well-organized and able to meet goals and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• CRM expertise. Salesforce preferred
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook and other Microsoft Office applications.