Major Gifts Officer

TITLE: Major Gifts Officer

REPORTS TO: Chief External Relations Officer

COMPENSATION: $82,000 to $119,000

Minimum: $82,000

Median: $96,000

Maximum: $119,000

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:

Housing Forward, formerly known as Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (MDHA), is a backbone organization that leads the development of an effective homeless rehousing system. In partnership with 150+ public, private, and nonprofit institutions, we make the experience of homelessness in Dallas and Collin Counties rare, brief, and non-recurring. Housing Forward’s team members uphold the organizational values of Teamwork, Servant Leadership, and Flexibility.

Housing Forward believes that effective solutions to homelessness are created with communities historically impacted by the systems we are attempting to transform. We strongly encourage applications from people who are representative of the culturally and ethnically diverse communities we work with, including individuals with lived experience of homelessness.

Housing Forward seeks a dynamic and accomplished Major Gifts Officer to lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors in support of Housing Forward’s mission. Reporting to the Chief External Relations Officer, the Major Gifts Officer will develop and execute strategies to identify, engage, and grow a portfolio of donors capable of making transformative gifts, ensuring their lasting investment in ending homelessness across Dallas and Collin Counties.

The ideal candidate will combine business acumen with empathy, professionalism, and integrity—able to thrive in social settings among people of substantial influence and wealth while fostering relationships rooted in trust and shared purpose.

• Design and implement a comprehensive major gifts strategy that aligns with Housing Forward’s strategic plan and annual fundraising goals.
• Manage a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects, building strong, long-term relationships through consistent, meaningful engagement.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors capable of making gifts of $10,000 and above.
• Partner with the CEO, Chief External Relations Officer, and Board members to facilitate high‑level donor interactions, meetings, and events.
• Coordinate with Development and Communications teams to ensure consistent messaging, recognition, and reporting for all major donors.
• Leverage data and donor research to inform strategy, track activity, and measure progress toward revenue goals.
• Represent Housing Forward with grace, professionalism, and credibility in social, business, and community settings.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues to strengthen cross‑departmental efforts in fundraising, donor relations, and event engagement.
• Support and enhance donor stewardship, ensuring timely acknowledgments, meaningful updates, and exceptional donor experiences.
• Support the foundation/grant writing efforts as needed.

• Relationship Management:
  Skilled at building rapport and trust with donors, especially among people of significant influence and wealth; able to navigate social and professional circles with authenticity and diplomacy.
• Strategic and Goal‑Oriented Thinking:
  Energetic, business‑driven self‑starter with a demonstrated ability to set and meet fundraising goals while maintaining focus amid multiple demands.
• Integrity and
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Ability to foster a culture of teamwork and trust; consistently models integrity and professionalism.
• Strong Communication:
  Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; ability to articulate mission and impact in a compelling way.
• Adaptability:
  Thrives in a fast‑paced environment, flexible in response to changing priorities, and comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• 4 to 6 years of experience in a major gifts and/or leadership role in fundraising/philanthropy in a nonprofit organization, educational, or public service environment or related field
• Expertise in the development and implementation of comprehensive fundraising strategies
• Proven track record of securing significant gifts of $100K from…