Major Gifts Officer

Job summary

Build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, advancing relationships through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Collaborate with the CEO and other stakeholders on fundraising plans, partnerships, donor communications, campaigns, and tracking fundraising activity and results.

Job details

Company Description: Developing World Connections is an international development charity located in Kamloops, British Columbia. We work alongside local partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America to address poverty and social injustice through community-led development projects and international volunteer programs. At Developing World Connections, we are committed to a positive and collaborative work environment where all employees are appreciated for who they are and what they contribute. Here’s a peek at the great things you’ll be doing: Build donor relationships that change lives around the world. DWC is seeking a relationship-driven Major Gifts Officer to develop meaningful donor partnerships and grow philanthropic support for locally led development around the world. This is an opportunity for a development professional ready to take the next step into major gifts, or an established relationship fundraiser seeking greater ownership within a small, collaborative organization. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Major Gifts Officer will build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, advancing relationships from identification and cultivation through solicitation and stewardship. The Officer will also contribute to annual fundraising planning and partnership development. The position has no direct reports and offers meaningful ownership of donor relationships, working closely with the CEO and DWC team. Candidates with experience in donor relations, annual leadership giving or corporate partnerships who are ready to specialize in major gifts are encouraged to apply. Fundraising Duties Build and strengthen donor relationships Develop and manage relationships with individual donors, businesses, foundations and other philanthropic partners. Identify and qualify major gift prospects; develop tailored cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies. Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, including meetings, follow-up and advancement through the giving cycle. Work with the CEO, Board members and other stakeholders to engage and solicit prospective donors. Support philanthropy strategy and partnerships Collaborate with the CEO to develop and implement annual fundraising plans, priorities and revenue goals. Grow support through major gifts, individual giving, corporate partnerships and sponsorships. Prepare compelling donor communications, proposals and funding opportunities. Support fundraising campaigns and events, including DWC’s annual golf tournament, alongside other team members. Contribute ideas and improvements that deepen engagement and strengthen fundraising effectiveness. Manage fundraising activity and results Maintain accurate donor and prospect information, engagement records and follow-up activity in the CRM. Track donor movement through the pipeline, solicitation activity and progress toward revenue targets. Prepare briefing materials, reports and updates to support fundraising decisions. Help strengthen donor stewardship processes, reporting and overall fundraising systems. Experience requirements and preferences: Three or more years of professional fundraising experience, including donor relations, annual or leadership giving, major gifts or corporate partnerships. Demonstrated success building and maintaining donor or philanthropic partner relationships. Experience cultivating and soliciting financial support, and an understanding of the donor development cycle. Strong donor communications and writing ability; writing samples may be requested at interview. A record of personally closing major gifts is an asset rather than a requirement; demonstrable progress cultivating and soliciting donors is essential. Related post-secondary education, CFRE credentials and experience with international development are assets. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong interpersonal skills, curiosity and confidence engaging with donors and prospective supporters. Initiative, sound judgement, discretion and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Excellent written and verbal communications, including persuasive donor focused storytelling. Ability to manage multiple relationships, deadlines and priorities while staying focused on fundraising results. Comfort tracking activities and interpreting fundraising data using CRM tools and MS Office. Willingness to collaborate closely with the CEO and share information with colleagues and stakeholders. Willingness to work flexible hours occasionally, including evenings and weekends. Ability to travel to Kamloops up to eight times annually if based elsewhere in BC; project travel. Why Join DWC? Meaningful international development work that supports locally led community initiatives. An opportunity to shape a growing major gifts program and take ownership of donor relationships. Direct collaboration with the CEO and a supportive, nimble team. Remote or hybrid flexibility within BC, with a four- or five-day schedule. Qualified applicants please send cover letter and résumé to info@developingworldconnections.org, referencing Major Gifts Officer, in the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

What you’ll do

Build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, advancing relationships through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Collaborate with the CEO and other stakeholders on fundraising plans, partnerships, donor communications, campaigns, and tracking fundraising activity and results.

Requirements

Applicants should have at least three years of professional fundraising experience and a demonstrated ability to build donor or philanthropic partner relationships and cultivate and solicit financial support. Strong donor-focused writing and communication, sound judgment, and CRM and MS Office skills are expected; related post-secondary education, CFRE credentials, and international development experience are assets.

Listed skills

• CRM Management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Major Gift Fundraising
• Donor Relationship Management
• Prospect Identification and Qualification
• Donor Cultivation
• Solicitation
• Donor Stewardship
• Fundraising Strategy
• Corporate Partnerships
• Proposal Writing
• Donor Communications
• CRM Management
• Fundraising Data Analysis
• Persuasive Storytelling
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Project and Priority Management
• Event Support

Job areas

• Sales
• Management & Leadership
• Social Services

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