Major Gift Officer

Major Gift Officer

Wisconsin Community Services (WCS) is seeking a dynamic Major Gift Officer to join our Development and Communications Team. In this vital role, you’ll cultivate and steward a portfolio of major donors and prospects who are inspired by our mission to serve individuals and families impacted by behavioral health challenges, justice involvement, and systemic barriers.

The Major Gift Officer is responsible for cultivating, managing, and stewarding a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects to secure philanthropic support for WCS. This role focuses on engaging donors passionate about WCS’s programs, particularly in behavioral health, justice involvement, and family and child well‑being. The officer will help shape and grow our Major Gifts program, deepening donor connection and expanding support.

The position collaborates with the CEO and organization-wide partners to align donors’ passions with WCS’s life‑changing programs.

• Donor Portfolio Management – Actively manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, focusing on individuals at varying levels of giving. Develop and implement personalized engagement strategies tailored to each donor’s interests, giving history, and philanthropic goals.
• Discovery Calls and Cultivation – Conduct discovery calls and meetings with new prospective donors to assess their philanthropic interests and identify potential for major gifts. Qualify prospects, build relationships, and cultivate them into major donors over time through personalized outreach and engagement strategies.
• Major Gifts Solicitation – Lead the solicitation process for major gifts, collaborating closely with the CEO and other colleagues. Tailor proposals and engagement strategies to align with donors’ passions and WCS’ funding priorities, ensuring donors feel deeply connected to the organization’s mission.
• Giving Societies and Donor Engagement – Cultivate, engage, and steward members of WCS giving societies. Develop tailored stewardship plans, recognize members, and create opportunities for deeper involvement, including special events, communications, and donor recognition.
• Prospective Donor Engagement and Qualification – Actively engage new prospective donors to assess their philanthropic interests, identify potential for major gifts, and qualify capacity and readiness to contribute. Build relationships with individuals at all engagement levels, moving them through the cultivation cycle with personalized strategies aligned with WCS priorities.
• Donor Stewardship and Retention – Develop and implement comprehensive stewardship strategies for major donors and giving society members. Provide analysis and regular impact reports, organize special donor events, and create opportunities for ongoing engagement so donors remain committed to WCS’s mission.

• Strong interpersonal skills – ability to engage and build trust with donors, prospects, and colleagues in a positive and meaningful way.
• Clear and persuasive verbal and written communication skills – ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
• Exceptional organizational skills – strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage donor portfolios and maintain accurate records.
• Leadership – ability to lead projects and people effectively.
• Technological aptitude – ability to use general technological skills throughout the daily job (e.g., Email, Internet, company‑specified systems).
• Managing priorities and deadlines – ability to maintain schedules, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects.
• Problem‑solving skills – ability to think critically and be solution‑oriented in a fast‑paced environment.
• Adaptability – ability to manage change, deal with situations as they arise, and work independently or as part of a team.
• Teamwork – ability to collaborate productively while also managing independent duties and responsibilities.
• Interpersonal skills – ability to work with others and relate to persons we serve, establishing rapport and building relationships at various levels in a diverse setting.

• Education – Bachelor’s degree.
• Three years’ experience working in a…