Major Gift Officer

Independence Mission Schools; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 87,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Independence Mission Schools (IMS) in Philadelphia seeks a dynamic Major Gifts Officer to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward major donors. You will manage a 100+ donor portfolio, develop strategic outreach, and collaborate with the Advancement team to maximize philanthropic support.

The role requires 5+ years in major gifts, strong relationship skills, and familiarity with PA tax credits. Some travel and weekend availability are expected.

Qualifications

• At least 5+ years of frontline leadership and/or major gift fundraising experience and proven success in soliciting and closing major and leadership gifts, five‑ and six‑figures.
• Ability to build, develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external constituents including school leaders, teachers, board members, donors, and other community stakeholders
• Familiarity with PA Educational Tax Credit and Scholarship Tax Credit programs.
• Excellent interpersonal, and outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to travel; some weekend and evening duties are required

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 100+ donors and prospects; develop strategies and execute outreach, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activity for new and existing donors; schedule and conduct cultivation, briefing, solicitation and stewardship meetings.
• Achieve agreed upon goals, including annual donor face‑to‑face visits, asks, dollars raised, and donor communication.
• Maintain accurate donor records and track all moves and contacts through the Donor Perfect database.
• Compose all correspondence relating to activity, including acknowledgements, donor profiles, strategy briefing documents, funding proposals, letters of intent, and pledge reminders.

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Donor relations

Communication skills

Fundraising strategy

Travel readiness

Tools

Donor Perfect

Raiser's Edge

CRM software

MS Word/Excel

Job description

About IMS

Independence Mission Schools (IMS) is a non‑profit network of schools re‑envisioning Catholic education in and around the City of Philadelphia. Located in neighborhoods that have historically been underserved by other schooling options, IMS schools offer a faith‑centered and academically rigorous alternative for our families. Since our inception in 2012, our enrollment has grown over 20%, and we have received increasing recognition as a network that successfully integrates faith, character, and academics to create warm, energizing schools that are sustainable for students, staff, and community. Ultimately, IMS recognizes that our students are on track to make their own choices in pursuit of college and career opportunities because they are on grade level academically and enrolled in a high‑quality high school. Today, IMS serves nearly 4,000 pre‑K to 8th grade students across 15 schools, our students are outperforming 80% of their neighboring public and charter schools in Reading, and our schools play an important role in transforming our communities.

Major Gifts Officer (MGO)

Independence Mission Schools (IMS) is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated, self‑directed development professional to serve as a member of the Advancement team. The primary responsibilities include the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift donors and prospects. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Major Gifts Officer (MGO) will work as a valued member of the advancement team to maximize philanthropic support.

Responsibilities

The MGO will manage a portfolio of 100+ donors and prospects; develop strategies and execute outreach, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activity for new and existing donors; schedule and conduct cultivation, briefing, solicitation and stewardship meetings; achieve agreed upon goals, including annual donor face‑to‑face visits, asks, dollars raised, and donor communication. The MGO is responsible for maintaining accurate donor records and to track all moves and contacts through the Donor Perfect database. They will compose all correspondence relating to activity, including but not limited to acknowledgements, donor profiles, strategy briefing documents, funding proposals, letters of intent, and pledge reminders.

Qualifications

• At least 5+ years of frontline leadership and/or major gift fundraising experience and proven success in soliciting and closing major and leadership gifts, five‑ and six‑figures.
• Ability to build, develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external constituents including school leaders, teachers, board members, donors, and other community stakeholders
• Quickly develop a strong and thorough understanding of the various mechanisms in which donors can support IMS, particularly the PA Educational Tax Credit and Scholarship Tax Credit programs.
• Excellent interpersonal, and outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• An orientation towards outcomes and the flexibility and willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve them – which includes patience, creativity and perseverance
• Self‑directed with the ability to prioritize among competing responsibilities and use good judgment in an entrepreneurial environment
• Ability to collaborate with a team, supporting others as needed to meet overall goals of the department and organization
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and a CRM software such as Donor Perfect or Raiser’s Edge.
• Conversant in basic gift planning techniques preferred.
• Ability to travel. Some weekend and evening duties are required.
• An individual of Catholic faith (preferred) who is possessed of a growth mindset, mission‑driven, high standard of personal integrity and work ethic, and committed to serving children of all faiths and backgrounds

Salary Range: $87,000 - $97,000. Commensurate with experience.

EOE: IMS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrates staff diversity. We strive to be and build a diverse team that is representative of our students and the communities in which we serve. If you identify as an individual of color, we highly encourage you to apply!

Want to learn more about IMS and our school locations? Please visit: https://independencemissionschools.org/schools/