Gift Officer

Reports to: Executive Director

Compensation: $60,000 - 80,000

Benefits: Eligible for FOSBD’s full employee benefits package

Location: Hybrid, with regular in-office meetings, events, and donor meetings in and around Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The Gift Officer will help grow and strengthen Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes’ community of supporters by building meaningful relationships with individuals, families, and businesses who care deeply about Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Gift Officer will manage and grow a portfolio of donors and business supporters giving approximately $1,000–$10,000 annually. This position will identify prospective supporters, make personal solicitations, cultivate and steward existing relationships, and create opportunities for donors and businesses to see the impact of their generosity.

The ideal candidate is an outgoing, thoughtful relationship-builder who enjoys meeting people, telling the story of Sleeping Bear Dunes, asking for support and following through. They should be comfortable working independently, managing multiple projects and representing Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes throughout the community.

• Manage a portfolio of 80-150 individual, family, and business donors giving approximately $1,000–$10,000 annually.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward current and prospective donors.
• Develop individualized strategies for donors and prospects based on their interests, history of giving, and connection to Sleeping Bear Dunes.
• Schedule and conduct donor visits, phone calls, meetings, and other personal outreach.
• Prepare and make individual gift solicitations, including proposals and presentations, in partnership with the Executive Director.
• Identify opportunities to increase donor engagement and giving through upgrades, multi-year commitments, special projects, and other giving opportunities.
• Ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgment and stewardship of donors.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions, interests, solicitations, and next steps in the organization’s CRM.
• Help develop donor communications, impact updates, and stewardship materials.
• Identify prospective business partners and create strategies for engagement and support.
• Make community presentations and participate in community events as needed.
• Assist with donor events, small gatherings, tours, and other opportunities to connect supporters with the mission.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, business, nonprofit management, marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Passion for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the mission of Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to listen, build trust, and communicate the impact of philanthropy.
• Strong relationship-building and customer-service skills, with a genuine appreciation for donors, volunteers, businesses, and community partners.
• Self-starter who is organized, dependable, creative, and motivated by measurable results.
• At least 2 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, sales, business development, marketing, customer relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships and secure individual gifts, sponsor ships, or business support.
• Experience using a CRM or donor database to track prospects, relationships, communications, and gifts.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• 100% of the cost of employee-only health and vision insurance coverage.
• SIMPLE IRA: 2% annual non-elective contribution, plus a 100% match on employee contributions up to 4% of pay.
• 15 days of PTO annually, 15 paid holidays per year, 5 days of caregiver leave
• Paternity leave 100% pay for 12 weeks for the birth or adoption of a child, after one year of employment.

Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

This role involves both field and office work. Field work includes roads and trails within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Safety training and PPE will be provided.