Major Gifts Officer

Dignity-Collaboration-Accountability-Access-Quality-Innovation Founded in 1987, Damien Center is Indiana’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization (ASO) and serves more than 8,000 individuals living with or at risk for HIV through a comprehensive, innovative approach to care and prevention. Our purpose is to be a trusted partner in providing services, education and advocacy for all people living with or at risk for HIV and any person seeking a safe and welcoming home for care.

Our services include care coordination, clinical and pharmacy services, mental health, housing and nutrition.

The Major Gifts Officer manages a portfolio of 120-150 donors. Approximately 80% of the Major Gifts Officer portfolio consists of individuals or households giving $1,000 or more annually; the remainder are prospective donors. The Major Gifts Officer cultivates, solicits, and stewards these donors, deepening their relationships with Damien Center and their understanding of the impact and importance of their philanthropic support.

This position will be responsible for managing individual giving membership programs and will spend additional time prospecting new or potential donors and potential donor giving levels. Most of their time should be spent in direct interaction with donors and preparing support materials for these meetings. They must be able to work individually and in collaboration with staff, board, and committee members to move donors through the fundraising cycle.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills.

• Actively manage a portfolio of 120-150 donors and prospective donors as agreed upon by the Chief Development Officer.
• Develop and execute fundraising strategies with a goal of $400K annually from individual and corporate giving.
• Implement engagement strategies including personal visits, small group activities, tours, presentations, telephone calls, direct mail, and email communications with the support and partnership of full Donor Relations & Marketing team that resonate with donors.
• Maintain giving society memberships, plan new member solicitations, develop benefits structure and programming for recognition events, and develop and promote other individual giving programs as appropriate and agreed upon with the CEO and Chief Development Officer.
• In collaboration with other team members, identify segments of donors to receive customized communications and recognitions.
• Develop solicitation goals, cultivation strategies, and stewardship plans that are tailored to each donor and make them feel respected, knowledgeable, included, and inspired to continue their support and increase when possible.
• Work with team to develop creative strategies for increased giving, such as match/challenge gifts, planned gifts, or gifts to support timely organizational needs.
• Use Raiser's Edge/NXT database to record touchpoints and movement through the fundraising cycle, including maintaining records and appropriate documentation for pledges and planned gifts.
• Maintain an up-to-date portfolio of donors, including identification and research of potential new donors.
• Work with Board members and volunteers to identify potential new donors and strategies to reach them.
• Attend Damien Center special events and community events as a representative of Damien Center, and other activities that may lead to donor prospects.
• Communicate persuasively through individualized meetings and proposals.
• When not meeting with donors, the individual is expected to work in the office with the Donor Relations and Marketing team.
• Performs special assignments and other work, on an as-needed basis.

Bachelor's Degree required. Nonprofit management or philanthropy degree preferred. At least four years' experience in fundraising and/or sales are required. Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) or ability to secure CFRE within one year of hire required. Knowledge and proven experience in donor…