The primary responsibility of the Major Gift Officer is to secure funds to contribute to the aggressive revenue goals of SOS-USA, which is experiencing significant organizational growth, and advance the overall mission of SOS Children’s Villages. This position manages a group of assigned, qualified donors (new, annual and lapsed) by developing relationships to ensure that they are solicited as donors to SOS Children’s Villages, either as new, upgraded, retained, or renewed in their giving and involvement. This position is also responsible for stewardship of these relationships.

The expectation is that the Major Gift Officer will be out of the office, meeting with donors, at least 50% of the time. This position reports directly to the Senior Director, Individual Giving.

Scope of work:

Manage all aspects of a growing major gift program Develop and manage annual budget (revenue and expenses). Create financial goals and contact plan for each donor/prospect targeting four, five and six-figure gifts and multi-year commitments.
Manage a portfolio of 150 donors and prospects to qualify, solicit and successfully close gifts of $10k+. Priority focused on donor facing meetings with the top 15-20 prospects, rolling as donors cycle through cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Report to donors on how their money was used.
Develop and coordinate strategies to cultivate and solicit new donors, retain and upgrade annual and lapsed donors. Create a communication and marketing plan for each person in the pipeline to include written communications, updates, calls, visits, events. Secure appropriate project information, including budgets, and create offers, provide written materials, proposals and presentations that will be shared with prospects to close gifts.
Develop and maintain a thorough and accurate understanding of SOS Children’s Villages programs and funding priorities in order to effectively connect donors and prospects. 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.
Create monthly and quarterly reports that inform the budget and planning process, reporting moves management and pipeline activity, forecasting to revenue goals and tracking expense budget.
Work collaboratively with volunteers, development staff, and SOS representatives, including the Board of Directors to identify, cultivate and solicit donors.
Collaborate cross-departmentally to develop and market major donor opportunities, including events, development of print materials and online information. Work closely with the Director of Integrated Marketing to develop an integrated communications plan for mid-level donors.
Adhere to the highest ethical standards; reflect optimistic and positive attitude, and convey sensitivity to needs of the donors.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree and 2-3 years of direct major gift experience.
Demonstrated experience closing gifts at the $10,000 to $25,000+ level.
Ability to manage people, process, deadlines and budget.
Positive attitude and strong work ethic. Ability to work independently and as a contributing member of the team.
Excellent written, verbal and communication skills, including presentations.
Strong computer and database skills. Superior attention to detail and excellent organizational skills, creative problem-solving.
Experience working with board members, volunteers and administrative staff.
Basic understanding of tax laws that impact charitable giving, personal assets, and estates.
Adhere to a flexible schedule with the ability and willingness to be donor facing 50% of the time, travel at least 30% of the time.
Follow the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Conduct.
Affinity to the cause of SOS Children’s Villages.

How to apply

Qualified and interested candidates should submit resume and cover letter to include salary requirement to jobs@sos-usa.org