Development Officer, Major Gifts

The Bowery Mission is a Christian, faith-based organization committed since the 1870s to serving people experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty. The Bowery Mission meets essential needs and creates transformative communities with men, women, children, and families in New York so that we can together overcome homelessness and poverty and flourish.

As a key member of the Development Team, the Development Officer, Major Gifts (MGO), raises critical funds necessary to transform lives at The Bowery Mission. As a frontline fundraiser, the MGO maximizes direct contact with major donors and major donor prospects, developing year‑round, high‑impact, and well‑cultivated relationships within a clearly defined donor caseload. The officer actively collaborates with team members to ensure each donor is engaged in appropriate and fruitful ways, and keeps accurate, timely, and up‑to‑date records on each donor relationship.

• Actively work to originate new donor relationships, maximize existing relationships, and cultivate and solicit gifts at the major gift level ($5,000+).
• Develop and execute a tailored strategy for each donor/prospect, incorporating the appropriate strategies available (e.g., case statement/gift plan; tailored proposals; events; volunteer committees; membership or affinity groups; estate gift options, etc.).
• Identify and research donor prospects. Identify existing connections with other Bowery Mission donors, partners, corporations, or volunteers. Seek opportunities to expand the circle of major donors by attending external events and networking opportunities, as well as Bowery Mission sponsored events.
• Engage prospects and donors through phone calls, correspondence, face‑to‑face meetings, volunteer engagements and tours, and appropriate proposals, ensuring each prospect/donor is cultivated on a regular basis and solicited for gifts appropriate to their ability and interests.
• Actively collaborate with supervisor, other caseload managers, and leadership to develop, refine, and implement the team’s annual strategy for Major Gifts.
• Actively participate in weekly coaching with an assigned Senior Development Officer and quarterly coaching with outside counsel (The FOCUS Group) to refine and enhance skills.
• Coordinate and team closely with other members of the Development Team on projects of mutual benefit. Actively participate in team meetings and team initiatives. Be a servant leader and team player. Attend Bowery Mission sponsored events.
• Collaborate on and/or lead strategic major gifts projects or initiatives, as assigned.

• Embrace the organization’s Statement of Faith.
• At least 5 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience in fundraising, investor relations, direct sales, or equivalent professional experience.
• Bachelor’s degree; relevant graduate/continuing education a strong plus.
• Proficiency with Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or equivalent customer database software.
• Confidence, presence, diplomacy, and intellectual curiosity needed to promote The Bowery Mission to high net‑worth individuals and accomplished professionals, asking boldly and appropriately for five‑ and six‑figure gifts on a regular basis.
• High integrity that builds trust with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to travel within the NYC metro area, participate in donor‑focused events held on evenings and weekends.

• Experience working with high‑net‑worth individuals.

Salary commensurate with relevant education & experience: $85,000–$95,000 annually.

Due to the number of applications, we are only able to respond to qualified candidates who are selected for interviews. We sincerely appreciate all candidates for their interest in The Bowery Mission.