The new Major Gift Officer will join a dynamic and successful fundraising team and will play a critical role in helping the organization reach new heights. Under the general direction of the VP of Resource Development, the Major Gift Officer (MGO) is responsible for qualifying, cultivating and soliciting gifts from individual donors. This is a new position that has been created to grow our Major Gift program by focusing specifically on engaging with and soliciting individual donors.
The MGO will work to build relationships that result in increased funding and longstanding donor relationships with the Habitat organization. The successful candidate will enjoy meeting face-to-face with donors to share this exciting work and to solicit, close and steward their financial support.
- Manage a portfolio of individual donors with a capacity for $2,500+ gift potential.
- Create a comprehensive and individualized cultivation plan for each donor that leads to successfully retaining or upgrading as appropriate.
- Work independently and be self-motivated in initiating contacts with donors. Secure and prepare for donor meetings; conduct donor research, prepare personalized materials and arrange meeting logistics.
- Articulate Habitat’s needs, values, and ambitions through excellent informal and formal communications.
- Demonstrate a keen sense of curiosity– seeking to understand each donor’s motivation by asking the right questions – and be able to steer conversation accordingly.
- Partner with senior staff and/or volunteers on donor engagement opportunities.
- Track donor activity and cultivation plans in Raiser’s Edge database and provide accurate and timely reports.
- Encourage participation in Habitat’s giving clubs including the $5,000+ Cornerstone Society and the planned giving Legacy Society.
- Collaborate with development team colleagues to forecast revenue and strategize donor relationships.
- Assist in other development team activities as assigned.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Minimum 4 years of front-line experience in leadership gift work.
- Proven track record of securing visits with donors, and soliciting, closing, and stewarding major gifts in the $1,000+ range.
- Ability to engage senior staff and board members in donor visits, and to earn and maintain their confidence.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve goals.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write and speak clearly and effectively, to listen actively, and to engage, inspire and persuade.
- Excellent organizational skills, detail-oriented and able to balance priorities.
- Proficiency with office technology and information systems (including MS Word, Excel, Outlook) and donor databases.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Proficient in Raiser’s Edge software.
- MBA and CFRE.
- Experience soliciting special, multi-year campaign commitments and planned gifts.
- Understanding of the Portland Metro philanthropic community.
- Past Habitat for Humanity experience (volunteer or staff) is a plus.
Other:
- Operation of a motor vehicle as part of the position’s duties is required, as is a valid driver’s license.