Philanthropy Officer – Major Gifts

The Philanthropy Officer Major Gifts works collaboratively with all members of the Forefront Living Foundation by maintaining and strengthening relationships with major gifts donors including individuals and foundations. Responsible for developing and maintaining effective relationships to support major gift fundraising to support Forefront Living programs.

• Demonstrate a service-oriented attitude, proactively solving problems and contributing to team success while upholding quality standards.
• Exhibit the organization's values of Diversity, Integrity, Stewardship, and Compassion in daily tasks and interactions with stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with major donors, working alongside the Executive Director.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to manage sponsor ships and annual giving donations that align with Major Gift designation.
• Identify and nurture prospects, record actions in Raisers’ Edge, and follow up appropriately.
• Manage a portfolio of 100-125 active donors and prospects, conducting up to 200 contacts annually.
• Deliver presentations to individual donors and foundations about Foundation initiatives.
• Implement strategies to engage, solicit, and acknowledge major donors aligned with Forefront Living programs.
• Collaborate with colleagues to enhance relationship-building methods.
• Cultivate existing donor relationships to increase support for Forefront Living.
• Assist in identifying fundraising needs and staying informed about organization priorities.
• Conduct qualification calls to cultivate relationships leading to donations.
• Increase personal contacts with sponsors and annual giving donors.
• Research, write, and submit grants and LOIs, and track awarded grants.
• Develop strategies for transitioning annual givers to major donors.
• Record all donor interactions accurately in Raisers’ Edge.
• Promote understanding of Forefront Living’s mission among donors.
• Assist Foundation in annual giving campaigns and events.
• Aid in developing strategies for increasing monthly giving.
• Support Foundation team members to foster a collaborative environment.
• Represent Forefront Living Foundation at events and in the community.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards and donor rights.
• Perform other assigned duties as necessary.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum 5 years of fundraising experience with proven experience building and sustaining relationships with constituents that are engaged with an organization
• Excels at identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and sustaining donor relationships.
• Excellent presentation and influencing skills.
• Ability to demonstrate experience in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts donors with minimum gifts of $10,000 or more
• Prefer CFRE, as well as knowledge of Raiser’s Edge, Dallas philanthropy and fundraising experience in healthcare or university settings
• Prior experience preparing and presenting project proposals to and/or negotiating with donors/prospect
• Proven experience promoting, facilitating, and closing large gifts
• Strong sense of diplomacy and demonstrated success in developing strong collaborative relationships with organizational peers and outside colleagues
• Experience in planned giving in order to provide options to prospective donors

• Excellent time-management and follow-through skills, with the ability to simultaneously work on and manage multiple tasks/projects
• High level of positivity with ability to interact professionally with a variety of people
• Ability to read, write and effectively communicate in English;
  Legible handwriting
• Ability to work well with people and maintain a helpful, understanding and empathetic atmosphere
• Ability to handle confidential material and exercise independent judgment
• Ability to work independently; able to establish priorities and deadlines
• Ability to acquire new knowledge to perform additional or more difficult tasks
• Ability to maintain a positive, stable disposition
• Ability to communicate with all levels of teammates and provide exceptional customer service
• Ability to perform work tasks within the Physical Demand Requirements
• Ability to comply with the Resident Bill of Rights and the Employee Responsibilities
• Ability to comply with organizational and departmental safety policies and procedures

• Office Setting, primarily indoor with expectation of off-site meetings

• Fast-paced, requiring the ability to work quickly and accurately in a demanding work area