Back to top

Major Gift Officer

This job is no longer available

Washington, D.C., USA
Full-time

Working with a dynamic and collaborative Partnerships 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 Partnerships disciplines, the MGO will develop, execute, evaluate, and refine strategies for assigned priority projects or region(s) to maximize their development potential.

Areas of Responsibility: 
  • Working in concert with prospect research manager, 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+. Within portfolio management, dedicate 80% of their time to candidates within priority programmatic areas—including the capital campaign, and 20% of their time on other donors. Develop and coordinate strategies to meet or exceed fundraising goals and other measures of success. Develop, execute, evaluate, and refine strategies for the organization’s priority projects. Expected to work with volunteers, donors, and organizational leaders to position Partnerships to take full advantage of related organizational events and networks. (70%)
  • Develop and maintain a thorough and accurate understanding of NGS programs and funding priorities in order to effectively connect donor candidates to NGS content. Be able to effectively communicate those priorities in writing and in speech to different kinds of people and successfully match donor’s philanthropic interests to funding needs. Provide written materials, including briefings, solicitation, and acknowledgements in a quality consistent with NGS standards. (20%)
  • Utilize and update Raiser’s Edge database by recording activities, contacts, and strategies on an on-going basis consistent with department policies. (10%)
Educational Background: 
Bachelor's degree preferred.
Skills/Experience: 
  • 5-7 years of development experience with donor/donor candidate management and gift solicitation, including a proven track record of closing gifts $25,000+ and stewarding donor relationships.
  • Dedication to practicing creative and reliable stewardship.
  • 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.

Organization Info

National Geographic Society

Overview
Headquarters: 
Washington, DC, United States
Founded: 
1938
About Us
Mission: 

The National Geographic Society was founded in 1888 with a mission to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge." As one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations, the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet.

Listing Stats

Post Date: 
May 14 2019
Active Until: 
Jun 14 2019
Hiring Organization: 
National Geographic Society
industry: 
Nonprofit