This position is responsible for raising awareness, friendships and funds for the Memorial. Under the supervision of the Chief Development Officer, and with a focus on prospect and donor relations, the Gift Officer is responsible for managing a portfolio of assigned prospects and donors as well as qualifying new prospects and donors for major gift assignment (donors of $10,000+ annually). The Gift Officer will lead the cultivation of new and existing prospects and donors in the Midwest region through personal visits, calls and correspondence, solicitations and proposals of support as well as all necessary follow-up and stewardship. In addition to traveling regionally to visit with donors and prospects, the Gift Officer will make 2-3 trips per fiscal year to the Memorial, at the CDO’s request, for teambuilding, annual planning and attending key activities or events. The Gift Officer may have a significant travel schedule, which can range from ten days to two weeks of travel per month, depending on the portfolio assigned. The Gift Officer must collaborate and work well with staff at all levels and be effective as a member of a hybrid work team.
- Cultivate, develop, and deepen relationships between CHMF and its donors in the designated region through in-person visits, video conferencing, telephone contacts, mail, and email correspondence. Meet established monthly and annual expectations for activity completed, making sure all outreach fosters both friend raising and fund raising.
- Enter all relationship-building activity, moves management, prospect outreach and solicitation strategies developed and completed into the designated donor database.
- As part of a hybrid work team, utilize all digital systems and platforms to effectively communicate with supervisor, colleagues, central office and other Memorial staff.
- Qualify prospects and steward current and new Dreamkeepers (Planned Giving Society).
- Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals.
- Host select assigned donors during onsite visits to the Memorial.
- Arrange major donor visits for executive leaders, as needed, including contacting donors, arranging meeting specifics and preparing any materials and/or presentations required for each visit.
- Organize and participate in CHMF special donor events as assigned or appropriate.
- Accurately and effectively utilize established systems and processes to complete work assigned.
- Collaborate and/or coordinate with other staff to produce and share appropriate stewardship materials per established protocols.
- Recommend ideas and content that could be utilized for CHMF’s social media platforms, Progress newsletter and other communications to department lead as well as through the Marketing and Media process. Assist with developing and writing suggested content when necessary.
- Respect the organizational structure and follow the policies and practices of Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation.
- Follow the calendar protocols established for the Foundation.
- Follow business travel policies and submit monthly travel expense reports in a timely manner and by deadline.
- Other responsibilities as assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred and a minimum of five to seven years work experience in nonprofit, higher education or business environment.
- Proven experience in securing five- and six-figure gifts and pledges from individuals.
- Must be able to build relationships on behalf of Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, representing the organization professionally and following development best practices.
- Must maintain a high level of confidentiality and show discretion and sound decision-making skills.
- Must be able to be motivated independently to manage required travel, donor interactions, and required paperwork and follow-up and meet deadlines.
- Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, written and communication skills.
- Must have knowledge of applicable tax laws, the fund-raising process, and the concepts of donor relations and moves management.
The salary range for this position annually is commensurable with experience. Crazy Horse Memorial® has a supportive culture, encourages professional development and is an organization that cares about employee well-being. The comprehensive benefits package includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, AFLAC disability and accident plans, Foundation's retirement plan, with the Foundation matching up to 3% of salary upon meeting eligibility requirements. Generous Paid Personal leave, Bereavement leave, Education leave, Paid Holidays.
All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
It is the established policy of Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation (“Crazy Horse Memorial”) to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons and to administer all aspects and conditions of employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, ethnicity, alienage or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.