Major Gifts Officer

Cleveland Restoration Society; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cleveland Restoration Society seeks a Major Gifts Officer to spearhead a new fundraising initiative aimed at preserving historic Black churches in Cleveland. This full-time role focuses on establishing a major gifts program and launching a $5 million capital campaign targeted at critical infrastructure support. Candidates should have significant fundraising experience, a passion for cultural heritage, and strong interpersonal skills to connect with potential donors.

Benefits

Employer-paid health insurance

Employer matching contribution to retirement program

Paid time off

Qualifications

• 5+ years of major gift fundraising experience.
• Track record of securing large gifts.
• Knowledge of Cleveland's philanthropic community.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategy and implement a major gifts program.
• Cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
• Secure donations for the Historic Black Church Fund.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Passion for cultural heritage

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) preservation organization founded in 1972 and dedicated to preserving, protecting, and celebrating historic buildings and places that foster vibrant and inclusive communities. Through its programs and services, CRS advocates for the preservation of historic landmarks in Greater Cleveland; promotes awareness of historic resources through special projects like Cleveland’s Civil Rights Trail; sponsors events for its members; operates a Sacred Landmarks Support Initiative to aid the caretakers of religious landmarks with repair and maintenance issues, with a major focus on historic Black churches; and operates the Heritage Home Program, a unique homeowner assistance program, in nearly 50 communities.

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is a newly created role at CRS. The MGO will report to the Director of Development and provide critical fundraising expertise to establish a major gifts program at CRS. The MGO will help launch a $5 million capital campaign to establish the Historic Black Church Fund, a brick-and-mortar fund dedicated to supporting capital projects at historic Black churches in Cleveland as part of Cleveland’s Historic Black Church Initiative. The central aim is to provide essential funding to African American congregations that are grappling with infrastructure problems related to their aging historic buildings. This initiative is supported by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preserving Black Churches fund.

The MGO will support the preservation and stewardship of historic Black churches in Cleveland by:

• Working with the CRS President, Director of Development, and philanthropy partners and consultants to develop a strategy and implement a major gifts program
• Cultivating and stewarding relationships with high-net-worth individuals with interests that align with Cleveland’s Historic Black Church Initiative
• Securing significant donations to fund the Historic Black Church Fund
• Raising awareness about the historical and cultural importance of Black churches and the need to support their preservation

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a related field
• 5+ years of major gift fundraising experience
• Track record of securing large gifts
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of Cleveland's philanthropic community
• Connections in Cleveland's African American community
• Passion for cultural heritage and historic architecture

The MGO is expected to achieve the following outcomes in the first three years:

• Establish a major gifts program at CRS
• Develop a qualified prospect pipeline of approximately 150 individuals
• Create a donor cultivation and stewardship plan
• Launch a $5 million campaign

The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekends. CRS offers a competitive salary, employer-paid health insurance, employer matching contribution to a retirement program, paid time off, and a congenial work environment.

To be considered for the Major Gifts Officer role, please submit the following materials to [e-mail] :

• Resume
• Fundraising-related writing sample
• College and (if applicable) graduate school transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)

Cleveland Restoration Society is an equal opportunity employer, hiring without discrimination due to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, disability or any other protected characteristic established by law.To learn more about CRS, visit our website at clevelandrestoration.org.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Non-profit Organizations

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Cleveland Restoration Society by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Major Gifts Officer” roles.

Corporate Development & Planning Associate

2025 Accounting & Finance Development Program Associate

Euclid, OH $52,945.00-$71,632.00 3 days ago

Full-time Supervisory/Professional: Assistant Director of Development - Grants

2025 Accounting & Finance Development Program Associate

Euclid, OH $52,945.00-$71,632.00 3 days ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.