Major Gifts Officer: Donor Growth & Impact

Chicago Sun-Times; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Public Media is seeking a Phila nthropy Officer to manage a portfolio of major donors, cultivate gift upgrades, and steward ongoing support for CPM’s mission. The role reports to the Associate Director of Major Gifts and aims to grow annual revenue by expanding donor engagement.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in nonprofit development, proven ability to close gifts, and strong interpersonal communication; proficiency with fundraising software is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of nonprofit development experience, with two years in frontline fundraising.
• Track record of closing gifts from individuals and families, moving donor relationships forward.
• Goal- and results-driven with ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written; detail-oriented.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to relate to donors, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Understanding of fundraising standards, confidentiality, and gift crediting.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 125–150 major donors with capacity to give $5,000+; cultivate, solicit, and steward each donor.
• Identify and execute personalized cultivation plans to retain and upgrade major donors.
• Identify, research, and qualify discovery prospects for major gifts.
• Track plans and outreach in the Development database; provide timely follow-up and debriefs after meetings.
• Update and track solicitation data; review gift acknowledgments.
• Meet annual performance metrics including visit targets and fundraising goals.
• Participate in donor cultivation and engagement activities; assist with events and related outreach.
• Build knowledge of CPM and collaborate across the organization through events and CPM journalism content.
• Engage in strategy sessions and inform colleagues’ major gifts strategies.
• Demonstrate commitment to CPM and professional growth.

Skills

Donor relationship management

Communication skills

Project/time management

Discretion/confidentiality

Team collaboration

Education

Nonprofit development experience

Tools

Fundraising software/CRM

Job description

Chicago Public Media is seeking a Phila nthropy Officer to manage a portfolio of major donors, cultivate gift upgrades, and steward ongoing support for CPM’s mission. The role reports to the Associate Director of Major Gifts and aims to grow annual revenue by expanding donor engagement.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in nonprofit development, proven ability to close gifts, and strong interpersonal communication; proficiency with fundraising software is required.