Major Gifts Officer, Donor Relations

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

Job summary

Chicago Public Media is seeking a Philanthropy Officer to join WBEZ’s externally facing philanthropy team. You will manage a portfolio of major donors, solicit gifts, and deepen engagement to grow annual revenue.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Major Gifts, you will cultivate donors, identify prospects, and collaborate with colleagues across CPM to advance fundraising goals. The role requires five or more years in nonprofit development and a proven track record of closing gifts.

Qualifications

• 5+ years nonprofit development experience, frontline fundraising preferred.
• Proven ability to close gifts from individuals and families.
• Goal- and results-driven with strong time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, tact and discretion.
• Strong collaboration, influence, and relationship-building abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 125–150 major donors with $5,000+ gifts, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop personalized plans to retain and upgrade donors.
• Identify and qualify prospective major donors for discovery portfolios.
• Track solicitation activity in the Development database and provide timely follow-up.
• Meet annual visit targets and fundraising goals.

Skills

Nonprofit fundraising

Donor relationship management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Emotional intelligence

Job description

Chicago Public Media is seeking a Philanthropy Officer to join WBEZ’s externally facing philanthropy team. You will manage a portfolio of major donors, solicit gifts, and deepen engagement to grow annual revenue.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Major Gifts, you will cultivate donors, identify prospects, and collaborate with colleagues across CPM to advance fundraising goals. The role requires five or more years in nonprofit development and a proven track record of closing gifts.