Major Gifts Officer

Understood is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference. We raise awareness of the challenges and strengths of people who learn and think differently. Our resources help people navigate challenges, gain confidence, and find support and community so they can thrive.

Having a shared commitment to our values is a key factor in any hire we make. We have five core values:

• Continuously learn.
• Act with intention.
• Grow together.

Come be part of an organization with an entrepreneurial spirit that’s helping to shape the world for difference. Together, we can build a world where everyone can reach their full potential.

Reporting to the Head of Individual Giving, the Major Gifts Officer will identify, assess, and build relationships with new prospective donors who have the capacity to make significant contributions. This role will support the development and lead the execution of strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors. Successful candidates will have experience engaging and activating boards as relationship drivers, building strong networks, and building donor pipelines from the ground up.

Strong cross‑functional collaboration and the ability to self‑direct are crucial skills for this role.

This is a hybrid role that requires a minimum of three (3) days a week in our NYC office, with a focus on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

• Conduct major gift prospect research to identify individuals whose values and philanthropy are aligned to organizational focus areas and funding needs.
• Develop and execute strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, including through events, board involvement, and donor meetings.
• Partner closely with the Associate Director, Direct Response Fundraising to screen existing donors and develop a seamless moves management.
• Track and share donor updates with internal partners and identify key industry trends around learning and thinking differences that could influence donor relationships.
• Work with cross‑functional teams to understand fundraising priorities and organizational needs and turn them into meaningful opportunities for donor support.
• Maintain accurate donor records and moves management tracking in Virtuous and Hub Spot to support timely and strategic donor engagement.
• Track and assess major gift fundraising metrics and develop recommendations for improvement.

• Minimum 7 years of experience with prospecting and solicitation of high‑net‑worth individuals.
• Experience leveraging intimate, high‑touch events as part of a major gifts cultivation and stewardship strategy for high‑net‑worth individuals.
• Comfortable operating in a build phase, where systems, processes, and portfolios are evolving.
• Demonstrated success in building new pipelines and achieving fundraising goals.
• Ability to work independently and focus on highest‑value work in a dynamic environment.
• Comfortable navigating and collaborating across a matrixed organization.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Committed to embodying and being a steward of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

• Ability to collect and analyze data.
• Highly proficient in Google Suite (Docs, Cal, Sheets, Slides).
• Working knowledge of CRM platforms and project management tools such as Hub Spot, Virtuous and Jira.

The base salary range for this role is minimum $120,000 – $140,000 maximum, depending on years of experience and qualifications. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports wellness for our team members and their families. You can learn more about our benefits and offerings.

Understood.org does not sponsor applicants for work visas or legal permanent residence, including providing assistance with OPT extensions.

Understood encourages individuals of all learning styles and ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those whose life experiences may include the challenge of access due to a disability, to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to supporting this work.

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