Major Gifts Officer

Community Action Lehigh Valley; Nazareth (Northampton County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Action Lehigh Valley seeks a passionate Major Gifts Officer dedicated to fighting hunger and creating impactful change in the Lehigh Valley. This role combines strategic relationship management with fundraising initiatives, requiring a blend of communication skills and nonprofit experience. Join this meaningful mission to nourish families and strengthen the community!

Benefits

Community Action covers the majority of health care costs

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision plans

Free telemedicine access

401(K) retirement plan with matching contribution

Generous paid leave time including vacation and personal days

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience in development or fundraising capacity.
• Experience managing donor relationships.
• Ability to present confidently to various audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead major and planned giving initiatives.
• Build and deepen relationships with donors.
• Mentor development staff and coordinate donor engagement events.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Relationship management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in communication-related field

Tools

Donor Perfect

Job description

JOIN OUR COMMUNTY ACTION TEAM: Major Gifts Officer

Are you passionate about creating meaningful change in your community? Join a mission-driven team working every day to build a Lehigh Valley where everyone has access to opportunity, stability, and a voice in shaping their future. Community Action Lehigh Valley, through Second Harvest Food Bank, combats food insecurity and strengthens our region's food systems. As a Major Gifts Officer, you'll play a pivotal role in mobilizing philanthropic support to sustain and expand this critical work.

YOUR IMPACT AS OUR NEW MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER:

As the Major Gifts Officer, you'll lead the strategy and execution of our major and planned giving initiatives. Managing a portfolio of more than 350 donors and prospects, you'll be responsible for building and deepening relationships with individuals who have the capacity and desire to make a transformational impact on hunger in our region.

You'll design cultivation strategies, coordinate meaningful recognition efforts, and spearhead appeals tailored to encourage donor giving. You'll work closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer and leadership team to align fundraising with agency priorities and support capital campaigns and special initiatives. This role will also help build a new planned giving program, providing donors with long-term, legacy-building opportunities to support our mission.

Beyond fundraising, your leadership will extend to mentoring development staff, coordinating donor engagement events, writing persuasive communications, and serving as a key liaison to our Development Committee and Advisory Board members. You'll represent Second Harvest at community meetings and events, strengthening our visibility and deepening our community ties. Your ability to connect people to purpose will directly fuel programs that put food on tables and hope into hearts.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

We're looking for a passionate, strategic, and relationship-focused fundraising professional who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. A bachelor's degree in a communication-related field is strongly preferred; however, candidates with at least four years of relevant professional experience will also be considered. To be successful in this role, candidates must have a minimum of two years of experience in a development or fundraising capacity, with demonstrated success managing donor relationships and understanding best practices in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, as is the ability to present confidently to donors, community groups, and partners. We value professionals who are skilled in managing multiple priorities and events, who bring an eye for detail to donor recordkeeping and reporting, and who are comfortable using donor databases-experience with Donor Perfect is a plus. Experience in the food industry or hunger-relief work is helpful but not required. A valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and appropriate background clearances are required for this role.

READY TO MAKE A DIFFERECNE?

If you're someone who believes in the power of generosity to change lives and are excited to use your skills to build lasting community impact, we encourage you to apply. Join us in our mission to nourish families, strengthen neighborhoods, and fight hunger with heart.

WHY JOIN US: WHY JOIN US: WE OFFER COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS

• Community Action Covers the Majority of our Employee's Health Care Costs!
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, And Prescription Plans!
• Free Telemedicine Access to Board-Certified Doctors, Mental Health Professionals And MORE!
• No Cost Concierge Services to Support You in Navigating the Healthcare System
• Agency Paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability Insurance options
• 401 (K) Retirement Plan with Matching Annual Agency Contribution of up to 7%
• Additional perks and benefits including financial wellness and employee discounts!

• We Offer Generous Paid Leave Time:
  • Vacation - 15 Days: Earn More Time After 2- And 5-Year Anniversaries
  • 1 Personal Day Annually to Use at Your Leisure
  • Sick - 9 Days Annually
  • 10 Observed Holidays - Including a floating cultural holiday of your choice!

JOIN OUR TEAM TODAY! See below for the full job description. If you are excited about using your skills to make a positive impact on our community, we look forward to meeting YOU!

Completion of a background investigation including; PA State Police criminal record check, Child Abuse History Clearance, and FBI Criminal History background check will be required for this position.

The information we collect helps Community Action Lehigh Valley promote a safe and secure environment for our current and future employees, and the clients and communities we serve. Background information will only be used as part of the employment process and is kept strictly confidential.