To identify and implement innovative strategies to cultivate new leadership level givers and promote United Way of Central Florida engagement through major gifts (Tocqueville and Democratie Societies).
The Major Gifts Director is responsible for planning and executing strategies to drive year-over-year net increase in Tocqueville Society revenue (dollars) and membership (donors), while reducing churn. Recommitting the current donor base is mission critical to success. This position will be proactive in developing personal relationships in his/her assigned portfolio of current Democratie and Tocqueville Society donors as well as with prospects, and strengthening donors’ and prospects’ connectivity with UWCF, particularly among the Benefactors giving level. The Major Gifts Director will increase the number of Democratie ($5k to $9k), Tocqueville Society ($10K to $100K) and Principal level gifts ($100k Plus) by executing individualized plans to identify, cultivate, solicit and secure gifts working independently and in conjunction with Development Officers, Tocqueville and Democratie Society Committee.
- Lead and manage the affairs of major gifts to include budgeting, strategic planning, retainment, recruitment, resource development and donor development
- Develop and implement year-long business plan for major gifts
- Cultivate relationships with current and prospective major givers to maximize donor potential and to develop a mutually beneficial philanthropic relationship
- Coordinate initiatives playing a key role in the development and overall organization of assigned events related to major gifts while maintaining positive relationships with vendors
- Recruit, conduct training and manage Tocqueville and Democratie key volunteers
- Update and maintain the database system with major gift member and prospect information
- Utilize social media outlets to develop connections with various constituents as identified in the Strategic Plan - in conjunction with the marketing department
- Participate in various internal and external committees and professional organizations
- Follow all organization’s policies, practices, and procedures
- Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals
- Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical, financial and legal documents. Ability to respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conforms to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and/or boards of directors.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals particularly for the handling of cash. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
- Proficient personal computer skills including electronic mail, recordkeeping, routine database activity, word processing, spreadsheets and graphics
- Ability to attend early morning, evening, and/or weekend meetings on a periodic basis, and should be able to travel independently throughout assigned area.
- Ability to work as a self-motivator and self-starter
- Ability to work as a strong team player, ability to work collaboratively
- Ability to work with perseverance
- Ability to work with optimism and a positive attitude
- Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail
- Ability to handle a rigorous schedule of deadlines amongst constant change
- Seven years related experience preferred;
- Consultative sales experience; Excellent presentation and personal communication skills;
- Proven track record of success in cultivating and soliciting prospects capable of five and six figure gifts;
- Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising and able to participate in all aspects of the gift cycle: identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship;
- Basic understanding of constituent relationship management (CRM) systems;
- Understanding of fundraising database programs and software; and demonstrated leadership and the ability to successfully manage multifunctional or diverse areas.
Salary: $41,000 to $50,000 per year