Position summary
The Major Gifts Officer plays a crucial role in advancing WFCO’s mission by securing significant financial contributions from individual donors, foundations, and corporations. This position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects and donors, with a focus on gifts of $25,000 and above.
Essential duties & responsibilities
1. Donor Portfolio Management (40%)
• Manage a portfolio of 100-150 current and prospective major gift donors
• Develop and execute personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor
• Conduct 7-10face-to-face visits per month with donors and prospects
• Achieve annual revenue goals for assigned portfolio
2. Prospect Identification and Research (20%)
• Identify new major gift prospects through research, networking, and collaboration with Board members and other staff
• Utilize donor database and wealth screening tools to analyze giving capacity and philanthropic interests
• Create donor profiles and briefing materials for leadership and Board members
3. Relationship Building and Stewardship (20%)
• Develop and maintain strong, authentic relationships with donors and prospects
• Create personalized stewardship plans for major donors
• Organize and host cultivation events, including small gatherings and larger donor recognition events
• Collaborate with the communications team to develop compelling donor impact reports and storytelling materials
4. Strategic Planning and Reporting (10%)
• Contribute to the development of WFCO’s overall fundraising strategy
• Participate in regular meetings with the development team and leadership to discuss progress and strategies
• Prepare and present regular reports on major gift activities, pipeline, and revenue forecast
• Stay informed about WFCO’s programs, initiatives, and impact to effectively communicate with donors
5. Cross-functional Collaboration (10%)
• Work closely with the grants management team to identify opportunities for foundation and corporate support
• Collaborate with Director of Development and Vice President of Development to identify and cultivate prospects for legacy gifts
• Partner with program staff to understand funding needs and identify compelling giving opportunities for donors
Experience
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with a focus on major gifts or commensurate experience
• Proven track record of closing gifts of $25,000 and above
• Deep understanding of the principles of moves management and donor-centered fundraising
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate WFCO’s mission and impact compellingly
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency in donor database management, preferably Raiser’s Edge
• Knowledge of Colorado’s philanthropic landscape and women’s issues preferred
• Ability to travel throughout Colorado
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Results-oriented with a high degree of initiative
• Emotional intelligence and cultural competency
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Discretion in handling confidential information
Working environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• WFCO currently utilizes a hybrid working model. All employees are expected to work in our offices located on the University of Denver campus Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Evenings, weekends, and statewide travel for community events is sometimes required. Ability to travel to donor meetings and events, including driving and rare but possible air travel.
• This role will require setting up events and meetings, which may require moving equipment, furniture, and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds and positioning oneself to connect computer or electrical cords, set up banners, refreshments, etc.