Major Gift Officer

Association of Fundraising Professionals; Branson (MO); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle (business/personal use

Job summary

Kanakuk Ministries seeks a Major Gifts Officer (Director of Development) to manage a 150+ donor portfolio and secure significant support for ongoing programs. This ministry role emphasizes evangelism, stewardship, and collaboration with executive leadership to advance the mission.

You will develop strategic engagement plans, solicit major gifts, and align donor passions with Kanakuk initiatives while traveling up to 50% of the time within the U.S. region.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of proven fundraising/development experience with major donors.
• Experience engaging high‑capacity donors and managing complex giving strategies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with integrity and discretion.
• Commitment to Christian faith and Kanakuk Ministries’ mission.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 150+ major donors ($5,000+/year or $50,000+ lifetime).
• Develop engagement plans to deepen donor relationships and giving.
• Solicit major gifts; align donor interests with ministry priorities.
• Collaborate with leadership and cross‑functional teams; report progress.

Skills

Major gifts

Donor relationships

Strategic fundraising

Communication skills

Networking

CRM (Virtuous)

Team collaboration

Education

Fundraising experience

Tools

Virtuous CRM

Job description

Job Description

Major Gift Officer (Director of Development)

Institution: Kanakuk Ministres

Location: Branson, MO (remote work option available)

Exemption status: Exempt

Supervisor: Executive Director of Development

Overview of Position

The Major Gifts Officer develops and manages strategic, long‑term relationships with a portfolio of 150+ current and prospective major donors across an assigned U.S. region. This role focuses on communicating the impact of Kanakuk Ministries and Link Academy, aligning donor passions with ministry initiatives, and securing significant financial support to advance current and future programs, with annual fundraising goals exceeding $1 million.

As a ministry role, this position exists to advance the mission of evangelizing and equipping the next generation to reach the world for Christ. The Major Gifts Officer is expected to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through both professional responsibilities and personal witness, integrating faith, strategy, and stewardship while upholding the mission, values, and reputation of Kanakuk Ministries.

Description of Duties

Donor Relationship Management & Development

• Build, manage, and grow a portfolio of 150+ major donor relationships ($5,000+/year or $50,000+ lifetime potential)
• Develop and execute individualized engagement plans to deepen relationships and increase giving
• Identify, research, and connect with prospective donors through networking and database insights
• Maintain consistent, meaningful communication with donors through in‑person visits, calls, events, and correspondence, providing personalized stewardship including acknowledgments and impact reporting

Fundraising & Strategic Engagement

• Cultivate and solicit major gifts through current, new, and planned giving strategies
• Align donor interests with ministry priorities to create meaningful and deeper partnership opportunities
• Engage donors through financial giving as well as opportunities to contribute influence, time, and talent
• Generate innovative ideas to expand the donor base and increase overall giving
• Assist in the development and execution of campaigns, donor communications, and events

Ministry Representation

• Effectively communicate the mission, vision, programs, and impact of Kanakuk Ministries
• Represent the organization with integrity, ensuring clear and consistent communication across the Kanakuk family of ministries
• Promote ministry outcomes as a testimony to God’s provision and work

Collaboration & Leadership

• Partner closely with executive leadership (CEO, President, CBO) and development team members
• Provide updates on portfolio performance and fundraising progress in team meetings
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with departments including Marketing, Accounting, and Operations

Spiritual Engagement

• Maintain a personal, active relationship with Jesus Christ
• Minister to donors through prayer, encouragement, and Biblical stewardship principles as appropriate
• Seek guidance from the Holy Spirit in donor interactions and relationship‑building efforts

Administrative & CRM Management

• Accurately document all donor interactions and giving activity in CRM (Virtuous)
• Ensure data accuracy and completeness of donor records
• Complete required reports and expense submissions in a timely manner
• Utilize available administrative support effectively

Qualifications & Competencies

• 5–10+ years of proven fundraising/development experience (10+ preferred), with a demonstrated track record of cultivating major donor relationships
• Experience engaging high‑capacity donors and managing complex giving strategies (cash, non‑cash, and planned gifts)
• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills with high emotional intelligence
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively
• Self‑motivated with strong initiative, time management, and organizational skills
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment, including the ability to maintain confidentiality
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively across teams and leadership levels
• Demonstrated commitment to the Christian faith and alignment with Kanakuk Ministries’ mission, vision, and values

Expectations

• Achieve $1M+ in annual major gift revenue
• Effectively manage and grow a portfolio of 150+ donor relationships
• Travel up to 50% within assigned region for donor engagement
• Demonstrate strong collaboration with leadership and internal teams
• Protect and promote the integrity and reputation of Kanakuk Ministries
• Uphold and model organizational mission, vision, and values

Supplemental Benefits

Access to a company vehicle for business and approved personal use, in accordance with company policy (in addition to standard full‑time benefits)

About Kanakuk Ministries

• Vision: Evangelizing and equipping the next generation to reach the world for Christ
• Mission: Equip Next Generation Leaders
• Kanakuk is a community of believers committed to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Christian camping and other ministry efforts, working together to advance its mission.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.