Working with a dynamic and collaborative development team, the Major Gifts Officer (MGO) will support the growth and health of National Geographic Society’s major gifts program in support of institutional revenue objectives. Incumbent is responsible for qualifying donors, building a donor base, creating and implementing cultivation strategies for new and existing major gift candidates, soliciting annual and major gifts, and thoughtfully stewarding donors. Working closely with colleagues in all Development disciplines, the MGO will develop, execute, evaluate, and refine strategy/ies for assigned priority projects or region(s) to maximize their development potential.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Working in concert with Research, move a portfolio of 150 donors and prospects through quality, strategic contacts and face-to-face visits to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to successfully close gifts ranging from $25K to $1M+. Develop and coordinate strategies to meet or exceed fundraising goals and other measures of success. Within portfolio management, MGOs are expected to dedicate 60% of their time to donors and prospects in their primary region, 10% of their time to International Council of Advisors members, and 30% of their time on all other donors. Develop, execute, evaluate, and refine strategies for assigned priority projects, defined for FY 2016 as targeted U.S. metro regions. Expected to be the Development Office's "expert" on all things and people NGS within the project area, the MGO will work with volunteers, donors, and organizational leaders to position Development to take full advantage of related events and networks. (70%)
- Develop and maintain a thorough and accurate understanding of National Geographic programs and funding priorities in order to effectively connect donors and prospects to NG content. Possess the ability to effectively communicate those priorities in writing and in conversation to a wide variety of people and successfully match donor's philanthropic interests to funding needs. Adapt written materials, including briefings, solicitations, and acknowledgements, in a quality consistent with National Geographic standards. (20%)
- Utilize and update the donor database by recording activities, contacts, and strategies on an ongoing basis consistent with department requirements. (10%)
Educational Background:
Bachelor's degree preferred.
Skills/Experience:
- 7+ years of development experience with donor/donor candidate management and gift solicitation, including a proven track record of closing gifts in the $25,000 - $150,000 range or above and stewarding donor relationships.
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Sophisticated communication skills and demonstrated ability to elevate donors to increase giving, and to attract new donors. Success managing high-visibility projects in a fast-paced and changing environment. Strong preference for candidates with experience launching an individual major gifts program. Successful candidates should be self-motivated and capable of working proactively and independently.
- Candidates should have a proven track record of building and managing meaningful relationships with donors that result in philanthropic gifts ranging from $25,000 - $1,000,000+.
- Successful experience working collaboratively with leadership volunteers, senior staff, and development colleagues, and committed to driving activity that achieves or exceeds individual and team goals. Must be energetic, self-directed and able to work confidently and successfully in a fast-paced development operation.
- Candidates should be politically astute, dynamic people driven by a sense of urgency who can inspire donors and donor candidates with their intelligence, commitment and professionalism. Experienced traveler. Solid working knowledge of Raiser's Edge (or similar) database.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Mar 1 2018
Active Until:
Apr 2 2018
Hiring Organization:
National Geographic Society
industry:
Nonprofit