Description

JOB SUMMARY 

As the Major Gifts program advances into an exciting period of growth, we are searching for an additional high-energy, strategic, and entrepreneurial Sr. Major Gifts Officer (SMGO) to continue developing and strengthening sustainable donor pipelines and propel the global sight-saving mission forward.

Reporting to the Director, Major & Planned Giving, the SMGO is responsible for the significant growth of a portfolio of major donors, primarily west of the Mississippi River, as well as creating, implementing, and managing cultivation and solicitation activities for the Major Donor program.

The ideal candidate will be donor centric and able to build relationships with current major donors and those with capacity to make major gifts but need additional qualification and engagement. Working as a member of the Major Gifts team, the SMGO will manage a growing portfolio of 75-100 individuals, families, and family foundations with capacity to make gifts of $25,000+, with an emphasis on closing multi-year commitments of $100,000+.

This is a growth role for an ambitious candidate motivated to simultaneously focus on increasing revenue from existing major donors, those currently in the Mid-Level program with verified financial capacity to become major donors, and to prospect for new major donors. The SMGO is expected to consistently engage prospects through referrals and participation at Orbis events. The SMGO will create and implement aggressive cultivation and solicitation strategies resulting in increased revenue and expansion of the major donor pipeline. 

LOCATION

Remote within the US

REPORTING & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to the Director, Major & Planned Giving. Works closely with the Major / Mid-Level/ Planned Giving audience teams, Development Operations, Research and Analytics, Corporate Partnerships team, Regional Leadership (Africa, Asia, LAC), Global Communications & Marketing, Clinical Services, and affiliate counterparts.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 

The focus of the SMGO is to grow the Major Gifts portfolio, with a focus on an assigned region. Portfolio growth is created through the cultivation of existing mid-level donors, as well as new supporters (prospects) through research, referrals, and Orbis events leads. The SMGO oversees a portfolio of approximately 20 current Major Donors and 75 Major Donor prospects (either current mid-level donors or newly identified prospects). The SMGO is responsible for closing a total of $800,000 in undesignated revenue annually, with expected increases in future years established during an annual goal setting process.

• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward qualified prospects and donors, managing a portfolio of donors who can make major gifts ($25,000+).
• Devises individual engagement strategies for each prospect in their pipeline with the goal of soliciting annual gifts and/or multi-year commitments at the $100,000 level+.
• Discuss current use major gifts while also engaging in legacy gift conversations focused on documenting estate (will/trust) intentions within the existing portfolio/assigned region. 
• Meet established performance metrics including face-to-face meetings, outbound contacts, proposals submitted, and revenue closed.
• Conduct 5 – 10 donor visits monthly, complete a minimum of 10 solicitations annually.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records including entry and tracking of interactions in the organization's donor management system, Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Manage a systematic outreach approach to cultivating mid-level donors towards growth in giving, resulting in upgrades and pipeline growth.
• Collaborate with colleagues on other teams, including within development and with clinical services and global program teams to maximize donor engagement and philanthropic commitment.
• Drive the implementation of customized stewardship engagement activities including opportunities to recognize giving, showcase donor impact through their giving, resulting in renewal/retention and donor growth.
• Translate complex medical/ophthalmic updates into accessible language for donors and stakeholders.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred in addition to certifications such as Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), or Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP).
• Minimum 7 years of front-line experience in individual giving and/or planned giving development within a global nonprofit.
• Proven track record of securing six and seven-figure major gifts and regularly exceeding annual fundraising metrics.
• Demonstrated experience engaging, cultivating, and retaining major donors at different contribution levels.
• Strong understanding of global health, international development, or humanitarian sectors preferred
• Flexibility and adaptability in fundraising through a changing philanthropic landscape.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated track record of successful fundraising (both major and/or planned giving constituencies) in an environment of similar complexity.
• Deep knowledge of philanthropy and major gifts, with a keen understanding of individual donor motivations and how to align them with organizational goals.
• Proficiency in using donor management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge NXT).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling stewardship materials and impact reports.
• Must be able to travel up to 40%, primarily west of the Mississippi River, including overnight and occasional weekend work to attend Orbis events and hold donor meetings.

A resume and a cover letter are required for consideration.