Major Gifts Officer

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is a key member of Seattle Humane’s development team, responsible for securing significant philanthropic support to advance our mission. Reporting to the Associate Director of Philanthropy, the MGO manages a portfolio of approximately 130 major gift prospects and donors, cultivating relationships, soliciting contributions, and providing exceptional stewardship. This position requires a strategic, results-oriented professional who thrives on building meaningful connections and inspiring generosity, leading to major gifts of $5,000 and above.

• Manage a portfolio of 130 major gift prospects and donors, focusing on individuals capable of giving $5,000–$10,000+ annually.
• Develop and implement individualized long-term cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each prospect.
• Collaborate with development team members on large projects and events.
• Oversee messaging for renewals, special mailings, and acknowledgment correspondence for donors giving $2,500+ annually.
• Proactively add prospects to the major gifts pipeline through research and donor prospecting tools.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions in the CRM (Raiser’s Edge).

• Conduct face‑to‑face meetings, phone calls, and written communications to engage donors.
• Prepare, edit, and update cases for support, proposals, and other donor‑facing materials.

• Ensure donors receive timely acknowledgment, impact reports, and recognition.
• Build long‑term relationships to encourage sustained and increased giving.
• Implement creative and thoughtful strategies for donor engagement through personalized communications and experiences.

• Partner with leadership, board members, operations staff, and development colleagues to identify prospects and craft strategies.
• Support events and activities that advance major gift relationships.

• Meet or exceed annual revenue targets and activity metrics.
• Monitor progress toward goals and adjust strategies as needed.

• Represent Seattle Humane at donor functions, receptions, webinars, and community events.
• Attend local and regional meetings to identify fundraising opportunities and donor prospects.
• Develop and track revenue goals and expense budgets.
• Perform data‑driven analyses of program performance and make recommendations.

This position requires a high degree of judgment, analytical skill, and discretion. The role involves managing complex data systems, interpreting financial and fundraising metrics, and making recommendations that inform strategic decisions. Must be able to manage multiple priorities, respond to urgent requests, and ensure data accuracy in a fast‑paced environment.

• Required:
  
  Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of fundraising experience, with a focus on major gifts.
• Proven track record of securing gifts of $10,000+ and managing a portfolio.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Self‑directed, proactive, and intrinsically motivated.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in a team‑oriented setting.
• Experience managing and motivating volunteers, including board members.
• Working knowledge of annual giving, direct mail, digital fundraising, and planned giving.
• Ability to travel and work occasional evenings/weekends (