Major Gifts Officer

Inside Philanthropy; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Major Gifts Officer at VHW will manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and prospects, driving identified annual fundraising goals through targeted cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Working closely with development leadership and Kigutu-based program directors, you will craft compelling funding opportunities, engage high-net-worth individuals, and ensure effective cross-country communication to support strategic campaigns and annual giving cycles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts.
• Experience with CRM platforms, including Bloomerang.
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom, Teams, etc.
• An enthusiastic, entrepreneurial approach to fundraising.
• International experience(s) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and prospects.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors with clear annual goals.
• Assist with crafting compelling funding opportunities and proposals for high-net-worth individuals.
• Work closely with development leadership and Kigutu program directors to implement a comprehensive development strategy.

Skills

Donor cultivation

Fundraising

Communication skills

CRM experience

International travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Bloomerang

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

The Major Gifts Officer reports to the Chief Executive Officer or his designee and will manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and prospects and will be responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors, with clear annual fundraising and activity goals.

This role requires general knowledge of development operations. The successful candidate will be comfortable speaking regularly with donors, as well as participating in extensive outreach during annual drives and campaigns. The Officer will possess excellent written and spoken communication skills and assist with crafting compelling funding opportunities and proposals for high-net-worth individuals.

This role requires comfort with technology such as Google Suite, Excel, and data management platforms. Hands-on experience with CRM systems and a willingness to learn is essential. The Major Gifts Officer will work closely with development leadership and the development team to implement a comprehensive development strategy and increase VHW’s major gifts donor base through research, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation. The Major Gifts Officer will steward donors through annual giving cycles. An essential part of this role will be working closely with managers and program directors based in Kigutu on the VHW campus including liaising with the communications team to craft messaging. In addition, ensuring effectiveVHW-wide communication between NY and Kigutu to contribute to successful fundraising activities.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Demonstrated experience cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts.
• Experience with CRM platforms, including Bloomerang.
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom, Teams, etc.
• An enthusiastic, entrepreneurial approach to fundraising.
• International experience(s) a plus.
• Deep connection to the mission and vision of VHW and the ability to authentically engage and inspire others as representative of the organization.
• A professional demeanor and personal style that elicits trust from donors, prospects, and staff.
• Impeccable integrity, judgment and discretion needed to handle confidential matters.
• Abilityto work both independently and as a team player in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to take on additional assignments that are criticalto the operations of VHW.
• Ability to travel internationally and within the U.S.