Major Gifts Officer

American Dental Association; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 102,238 - 153,357; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work/Life Balance

Hybrid Work Schedule

Ample Paid time off

401(k)

Flexible Spending Account

Life insurance

Pet Insurance

Student Loan Refinance

2 days off for charity work

Job summary

The American Dental Association (ADA) is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to develop strategies for securing significant donations. This full-time, hybrid position offers a salary ranging from $102,238.50 to $153,357.75 USD.

Successful candidates will drive major donor cultivation and expand legacy giving, contributing to the organization’s long-term sustainability.

ADA provides excellent benefits including a 401(k), ample paid time off, and a focus on work-life balance. Join us and make a meaningful impact!

Qualifications

• 5 years of fundraising and development experience, or 9 years in lieu of a degree.
• Thorough knowledge of major gift programs and philanthropic landscape.
• Proficiency in donor management software systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies to secure major gifts of $10,000 or more from various donors.
• Identify and cultivate major donor prospects to strengthen support.
• Lead efforts to expand legacy and planned giving opportunities.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor management

Communication

Strategic planning

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Salesforce

Job description

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following our Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants page.

Major Gifts Officer

• Posted on June 18, 2026
• Location: Chicago Office, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
• Hybrid
• Salary Range: $102,238.50 USD to $153,357.75 USD
• Foundation
• Full‑Time
• Requisition #: MAJOR001868

Description

Who We Are: It all starts with purpose.

We are a purpose‑driven nonprofit with a dynamic staff culture.

With a meaningful purpose, motivated staff, and excellent benefits, working here will definitely have you smiling! The ADA’s headquarters is located in one of Chicago’s most iconic buildings, designed by a world‑renowned architectural firm, and is close to public transportation. With more than 350 colleagues, the ADA Staff are some of the most talented people in the Chicago, Washington D.C., and Boston area.

We were named a 2024 Best‑in‑Class Employer By Gallagher and Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune in 2019 and 2021! Come join our team!

Job Responsibilities:

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for developing and executing strategies to secure major gifts of $10,000 or more from donors, foundations, and corporations. Key responsibilities include identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donor prospects to strengthen philanthropic support for the organization. In addition to securing annual major gifts, this position will lead efforts to expand legacy and planned giving opportunities, helping donors create a lasting impact while supporting the organization’s long‑term sustainability.

The successful candidate will possess broad knowledge and experience in fund development and advancement operations, providing the insight needed to support effective organizational decision‑making. Success in this role will depend on building relationships with new prospects while deepening engagement with existing donors to maximize charitable giving.

Must Have:

• Bachelor's degree or Experience in lieu of degree
• 5 years of fundraising and development experience, or 9 years in lieu of a degree
• Donor development, fundraising philanthropy, and competency with donor management software systems
• Knowledge of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethics and Standards
• Thorough knowledge of major gift programs, philanthropic landscape, strategic planning, and major gift portfolio management
• Excellent verbal communication, writing, collaboration, negotiation, prioritization, and problem‑solving skills
• Results‑focused, strategic, a self‑starter, influential, flexible, creative thinker, and problem solver
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and CRM Data Management System(s) such as Salesforce
• Travel may be required for donor cultivation/solicitations, for various events and locations
• Possible travel to annual meetings of ADA and regional/district meetings

Nice to Have:

• An advanced degree, designation as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience would be preferred

Just a few of the benefits offered to employees:

• Promotes Work/Life Balance
• Hybrid Work Schedule (2-3 days from home)
• Ample Paid time off
• 401(k)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Student Loan Refinance
• 2 days off to work at a charity event of your choice

The ADA values a variety of backgrounds and experiences and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified job candidates. The ADA is an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in open positions without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status or any other characteristic.

The American Dental Association is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.