Major Gifts Officer

Blount Partnership; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Make-A-Wish East Tennessee seeks a Major Gifts Officer to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of giving $10,000+ within its 36-county territory. You will manage a portfolio of 100–150 donors and prospects, developing personalized engagement strategies and coordinating with the CEO and board for major asks.

The role demands a results-driven, relationship-focused fundraising professional who can craft compelling proposals, manage pipelines, and provide timely donor stewardship to

Qualifications

• Experience in major gifts fundraising or nonprofit development.
• Ability to manage a donor portfolio and solicit high-value gifts.
• Strong storytelling and proposal-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management: Build and manage a portfolio of 100-150 donors/prospects capable of large gifts.
• Donor Cultivation & Solicitation: Engage donors through calls, meetings, events, and presentations to secure gifts.
• Relationship Building: Deepen donor relationships to align giving with Make-A-Wish East Tennessee initiatives.
• Proposal Development: Craft compelling proposals, case statements, and impact reports tailored to donors.

Skills

Portfolio management

Donor cultivation

Solicitation

Relationship building

Proposal development

Donor stewardship

Job description

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer plays a critical role in advancing the mission of Make-A-Wish East Tennessee by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors and philanthropic partners capable of making significant financial contributions. This position is responsible for building and managing a portfolio of donors and prospects, developing personalized engagement strategies, and closing large gifts ($10,000+). The role is ideal for a results-driven, relationship focused fundraising professional who thrives in a mission-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management: Build and manage a dynamic portfolio of 100-150 individual donors or prospects with the capacity to make large donations.
• Donor Cultivation & Solicitation: Personally engage with donors and prospects through calls, meetings, events, and presentations to secure one-time and recurring gifts. Set up meetings for and with the CEO and board members, as appropriate, to focus on solicitation and stewardship of donors.
• Relationship Building: Deepen donor relationships by understanding their philanthropic goals and aligning them with Make-A-Wish East Tennessee initiatives.
• Proposal Development: Craft compelling proposals, case statements, and impact reports tailored to each donor’s interests and giving capacity.
• Pipeline Development: Leverage data, research, and personal networks to identify new major gift prospects and expand the donor base.
• Recognition & Stewardship: Ensure timely and meaningful donor acknowledgment, updates, and long-term engagement.

Success Profile

• A persuasive storyteller who connects donor passion to impact.
• A disciplined closer who thrives in a performance-based culture.
• A compassionate advocate for children and families served by Make-A-Wish.
• A thoughtful donor steward who deepens relationships and connections to the mission.
• A professional knowledgeable about various planned giving vehicles and non-cash gifts.
• A natural connector who builds networks and creates opportunities.

General Information

Travel throughout Make-A-Wish East Tennessee's 36-county territory will be required. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to hiring.

To be considered, applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and salary expectations to [e-mail].