Strategic Major Gifts Officer

United Food Bank; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

United Food Bank in Mesa, AZ seeks a Philanthropy Officer to advance major giving, cultivate donors, and steward engagement. You will manage a portfolio of 125–150 major gift donors, develop tailored cultivation plans, and meet donors both in person and virtually to deepen relationships and secure gifts of $5,000+.

Knowledge of giving methods and CRM tracking is essential. Ideal candidates bring 3+ years fundraising experience, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and CFRE preferred.

Qualifications

• Passion for alleviating hunger and serving the community.
• Commitment to the organization’s mission and values.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 3+ years of progressive fundraising experience, CFRE preferred.
• Demonstrated success securing gifts of $5,000+.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to engage donors with professionalism and discretion.
• Understanding of common charitable giving methods and comfort discussing them in donor conversations.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working with senior leadership, Board members, and high-capacity donors.
• Experience using a CRM system (e.g., Salesforce) to track outreach and engagement
• Self-motivated, dedicated to accomplishing tasks, able to take initiative and solve problems.
• Availability and willingness to attend evening or weekend events when needed.
• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation and insurability required.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 125–150 major gift donors.
• Develop individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor.
• Conduct regular in-person and virtual meetings to deepen relationships and understand donor interests.
• Grow giving within an existing donor base and identify opportunities for increases.
• Prepare personalized proposals, impact reports, and related materials to support gift requests.
• Coordinate strategies involving organizational leadership when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions and strategy in the CRM.
• Participate in portfolio and pipeline review processes.

Skills

Donor relationship-building

Strategic fundraising

CFRE

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

United Food Bank in Mesa, AZ seeks a Philanthropy Officer to advance major giving, cultivate donors, and steward engagement. You will manage a portfolio of 125–150 major gift donors, develop tailored cultivation plans, and meet donors both in person and virtually to deepen relationships and secure gifts of $5,000+.

Knowledge of giving methods and CRM tracking is essential. Ideal candidates bring 3+ years fundraising experience, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and CFRE preferred.