The Major Gifts Specialist (MGS) is part of a field-based fundraising team charged with securing individual major gifts and community-based institutional support for AARP Foundation and AARP. The MGS will contribute to team results primarily by coordinating the prospect tracking process through all prospect stages. S/he will organize prospect strategy meetings with field fundraisers to ensure timely cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, follow-up, data entry, and tracking of relationship-managed and other selected donors and prospective donors. The MGS will generate and analyze reports to help inform program and donor strategy. The Major Gifts Specialist reports to the Director, Campaign & Field Development, while also supporting and working with field staff based in multiple locations.
This position will support the implementation and management of a sophisticated and diverse development program that secures financial resources through individual donors and businesses (often acting as individuals) to support charitable and advocacy needs. The incumbent will primarily work within the development function, supporting the development officers and management in tracking and analyzing information and implementing development strategies. The incumbent will develop and recommend tools, procedures, and materials to support development activities, as well as prepare donor research and communications. The incumbent will work with financial systems. Confidentiality is critical. S/he manages no staff or budget (outside the travel allotment).
- Coordinates and supports donor portfolio analysis and “pipeline” meetings for selected markets by providing clear, written, regular reports to track fundraising progress and helping to drive strategy on selected donors and prospective donors.
- Enters or ensures interactions are recorded in the donor management system.
- Serves as main point of contact with central donor services team and ensures accurate pledge/gift processing, tracking, and data maintenance of selected group of donors and prospective donors.
- Supports the Director, Campaign & Field Development in the development and tracking of 1) revenue targets for selected markets, 2) annual budget, and 3) development plan.
- Recommends and implements processes and practices to improve effectiveness and routinely updates the field fundraising reference materials.
- Works closely with the field team and others in Development to identify prospects for major gifts.
- Ensures field team-managed donors and prospective major gift donors are researched, either through field team or via central development team as its capacity allows.
- Assists with special events and meetings, primarily through pulling lists for invitations and logistical support.
- Works directly with program, financial, and other staff to support development of grant proposals, presentations, talking points, stewardship reports, donor briefing documents and other fundraising related materials.
- Organizes and maintains donor files and other administrative tasks as required.
- Ensures compliance with all applicable laws. Follows ethical standards for charitable giving as defined by the Association of Fundraising Professional (AFP) and the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning.
- Acts with integrity and demonstrates a commitment to the values, principles and purpose of AARP and its charitable affiliates.
- 1 or more years’ experience in generating reports, interpreting data and providing analysis
- Experience with database administration and spreadsheet software.
- Familiarity with Clearview fundraising software a plus
- 2 or more years of successful experience in a fundraising or related no-profit or marketing program preferred.
- Good understanding of the rules and regulations regarding 501(c) (3) and 501(c) (4) fundraising programs and operations is preferred.
The Major Gifts Specialist must be:
- Committed to and enthusiastic about the mission and vision of AARP and its charitable affiliates.
- Adept at planning, prioritizing, organizing and following through.
- Able to handle confidential matters with a high level of integrity.
- Able to work independently in a changing environment and meet tight deadlines.
- An individual who is team-focused, able to enjoy and succeed at working on teams and rolling up one’s sleeves and make things happen as an individual.
AARP offers competitive benefits with a 401K, 100% company funded pension plan, health, dental, vision and life insurance, STD/LTD, paid vacation and sick, and other benefits.