Major Gifts Officer; Baltimore Region and Maryland

Major Gifts Officer (Baltimore Region and Greater Maryland) Join one of Baltimore's Best Places to Work!

About Our Organization

The Baltimore Banner is a nonprofit newsroom founded to bring high‑quality local journalism to the Baltimore metro area. We are creating a vibrant, strong, trustworthy, and sustainable news organization, seeking to re‑imagine the future of local news. Using a multi‑platform news operation, we cover a broad range of topics from local government to culture and the arts. We tell stories that reflect the community, connect neighbors, hold government institutions accountable, and make sense of the world.

All this work is grounded in truth. We believe we can contribute to a more vibrant, informed, and whole Baltimore, surrounding counties, and the state of Maryland.

About the Role

The Major Gifts Officer will lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals capable of contributing $10,000 or more annually, helping to build a strong pipeline of leadership‑level support for The Banner. In addition to managing a dynamic portfolio of major donors and prospects, this individual will create and launch The Baltimore Banner’s first Legacy Giving Program, establishing a new channel of long‑term philanthropic support.

This pivotal position within the development team is ideal for someone with deep relationship‑building skills, a strong strategic mindset, and enthusiasm for building new fundraising programs from the ground up.

What You'll Do

• Manage and grow a portfolio of approximately 150 individual donors and prospects with the capacity to give $10,000+ annually, using disciplined moves management and personalized engagement.
• Create and execute tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure new and increased support.
• Personally solicit and close major gifts through thoughtful outreach, compelling proposals, and clear alignment to donor passions and The Banner’s impact.
• Partner closely with the Director of Major Gifts and Chief Philanthropy Officer to strategically engage high‑priority donors and prospects.
• Develop high‑quality donor materials including proposals, briefings, impact updates, and stewardship reports that reflect The Banner’s voice and values.
• Maintain timely and accurate records, contact reports, and next steps in Raiser's Edge NXT.
• Collaborate with the Director of Major Gifts to identify and pursue planned giving opportunities, as appropriate.

Regional Presence & Community Engagement

• Build and sustain a visible, credible philanthropic network across Baltimore and Greater Maryland (including county‑based communities and civic leaders).
• Actively engage in civic, cultural, and community spaces to identify prospects, deepen trust, and strengthen The Banner’s presence.
• Represent The Baltimore Banner at regional events and gatherings; serve as a relationship‑builder and ambassador for our mission.
• Stay current on local issues and philanthropic trends to connect donors to the journalism and community impact they care about most.
• Collaborate with the Senior Manager of Institutional Giving to surface institutional prospects and share research and community insights.
• Contribute to annual fundraising planning and campaign strategy, with a focus on growing a culture of philanthropy among Banner readers and subscribers.
• Work cross‑functionally with colleagues to align fundraising priorities with organizational goals and newsroom impact.
• Support donor events and cultivation opportunities in the region as needed.

What Success Looks Like (First 12–18 Months)

• A well‑qualified, actively managed portfolio with clear strategies, strong pipeline health, and consistent donor movement.
• Increased leadership‑level support across Baltimore and Maryland counties, including new major donors and upgraded commitments.
• Strong donor retention and stewardship outcomes, with donors feeling informed, valued, and connected to impact.
• A trusted community presence because of building relationships across Baltimore and Greater Maryland philanthropic, civic, and cultural circles.

What You'll Bring

Required

• 5+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with a strong focus on individual…