Major Gifts Officer

We are Secure Community Network (SCN), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) serving as the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America. Here at SCN, we deeply value the team of people that work diligently to commit their lives to action for a better tomorrow and we are excited to add a Major Gifts Officer to our organization.

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for elevating Secure Community Network's fundraising efforts through the continued expansion of the organization's major giving program, including identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of new and existing individual donors and family foundations nationwide, as well as implementing stewardship giving strategies to enhance sustained financial support for our mission.

This role may be based anywhere in the US. Our main office is located in Chicago, so local candidates would work out of our office in a hybrid model and candidates based elsewhere would travel to Chicago as needed. Regardless of location, this role requires frequent travel across the US for fundraising-related meetings and events.

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to increase both restricted and unrestricted philanthropic revenue employing a variety of fundraising techniques that include written materials and communications, face-to-face solicitations, fundraising events, and working with lay leaders to support peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Manage a core portfolio of Major Donors at the $5,000 - $150,000 level.
• Build a robust national major gifts pipeline by identifying, qualifying and meeting with potential donors to increase involvement and support for SCN and its fundraising initiatives.
• Create and execute personalized strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts, including the creation of briefing materials, customized proposals, and engagement plans.
• To meet established goals, conduct regular, meaningful donor interactions through in-person visits, virtual meetings, and events that advance relationships and support fundraising goals.
• Work with lay leaders, team members, and other stakeholders to align donor interests with organizational priorities, and leverage staff and board competencies and relationships to sustain and increase donor activity.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of all donor interactions, activities, and solicitations within CRM.
• Working collaboratively with SCN team members, contribute to new funding proposals based on emerging organizational needs.
• Design a communications strategy that appropriately stewards $10,000+ donors, creates avenues of engagement for deeper cultivation, and supports overall campaign strategy.
• Work with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) to identify and steward prospects for planned giving and endowment opportunities.
• In partnership with the CDO and local partner fundraising and development teams, support the local Federation/partner agency staff to create strategic plans of engagement for each SCN community to engage local donors in local security initiatives, offer national support of local solicitations and identify opportunities for deeper engagement nationally where appropriate.
• Oversee planning of campaign-focused events including leadership enlistment and management, marketing and attendee recruitment, and follow-up to ensure donor investment in SCN.
• Promote the mission of SCN at all times through superior customer service to all and through the efficient use and care of resources.

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in major gift fundraising/financial resource development required. Fundraising experience in the Jewish nonprofit ecosystem preferred.
• A demonstrated track record of closing meaningful commitments and creating and executing successful philanthropic initiatives to support the organization.
• Familiar with various fundraising models, with an understanding of both unrestricted and restricted giving strategies in order to match individual philanthropic passions to projects.
• Experience working with volunteer leadership and supporting peer solicitation efforts when appropriate.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently and be detail oriented.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for building strong relationships, including the ability to meet, greet, and educate people with confidence and poise.
• Demonstrated integrity, transparency, a collaborative spirit, and the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Discretion handling and communicating sensitive information.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel and work in off-site settings on a regular basis. Ability to work evenings, weekends, or irregular hours as necessary to interact with donors and prospects and attend relevant meetings and events.

The Secure Community Network (SCN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the official homeland safety and security…