Major Gifts Officer; Montgomery

Major Gifts Officer (Montgomery County)
The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism

The Baltimore Banner is building a sustainable model for local journalism—powered by readers, community trust, and philanthropic investment. The Major Gift Officer, Montgomery County will play a central role in that work by leading the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals capable of contributing $10,000+ annually, with a dedicated focus on expanding leadership-level support across Montgomery County. This is a relationship-first role for an experienced major gifts fundraiser who thrives on strategic moves management, community presence, and connecting donor values to meaningful impact.

You will manage a portfolio of leadership-level donors and prospects, strengthen philanthropic relationships throughout Montgomery County, and help grow long-term support for The Banner's journalism and community impact.

• Manage and grow a portfolio of approximately 150 individual donors and prospects with the capacity to give $10,000+ annually, using disciplined moves management and personalized engagement.
• Create and execute tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure new and increased support.
• Personally solicit and close major gifts through thoughtful outreach, compelling proposals, and clear alignment to donor passions and The Banner's impact.
• Partner closely with the Director of Major Gifts and Chief Philanthropy Officer to strategically engage high-priority donors and prospects.
• Develop high-quality donor materials including proposals, briefings, impact updates, and stewardship reports that reflect The Banner's voice and values.
• Maintain timely and accurate records, contact reports, and next steps in Raiser's Edge NXT.
• Collaborate with the Director of Major Gifts to identify and pursue planned giving opportunities, as appropriate.

• Build and sustain a strong philanthropic network across Montgomery County, including civic, cultural, and nonprofit communities.
• Actively engage in local events and community spaces to identify new prospects, deepen trust, and expand The Banner's visibility.
• Represent The Baltimore Banner at regional gatherings and donor meetings; serve as an ambassador for our mission and values.
• Stay current on Montgomery County issues and philanthropic trends to connect donors to the journalism and community impact they care about most.

• Collaborate with the Senior Manager of Institutional Giving to surface institutional prospects in Montgomery County and share research and community insights.
• Contribute to annual fundraising planning and campaign strategy, with a focus on growing a culture of philanthropy among Banner readers and subscribers in Montgomery County.
• Work cross-functionally with colleagues to align fundraising priorities with organizational goals and newsroom impact.
• Support donor events and cultivation opportunities in the region as needed.

• A well-qualified, actively managed Montgomery County portfolio with clear strategies, strong pipeline health, and consistent donor movement.
• Increased leadership-level support in Montgomery County, including new major donors and upgraded commitments.
• Strong donor retention and stewardship outcomes, with donors feeling informed, valued, and connected to impact.
• A trusted community presence because of building relationships in Montgomery County philanthropic, civic, and cultural circles.

Required:

• 5+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with a strong focus on individual giving and relationship management.
• Demonstrated success soliciting and closing $10,000+ gifts, including multiple solicitations at the major gift level.
• Deep familiarity with Montgomery County communities and philanthropic networks—or a proven ability to build them quickly and authentically.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills—comfortable building relationships with senior leaders, community stakeholders, and…