Major Gifts Officer

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for building relationships with major donors and prospects to secure gifts of over $10,000 for annual operating and program specific projects. This position will actively qualify and cultivate major donor prospects, make direct solicitations, conduct prospect research, develop solicitation strategies, and write gift proposals and reports.

The Major Gifts Officer will manage a portfolio of approximately 125 donors and spend 50% or more of their time outside the office in face‑to‑face or virtual meetings to cultivate and steward donor relationships. Solicitations may include gala tables/support and planned giving commitments. The Major Gift Officer has 3–5 years of major gift fundraising experience and proven ability to guide donors to more significant support.

This position reports to the Director of Major Gifts and collaborates with the Managing Director of Development and Senior Vice President on major solicitations and campaign gifts.

Expected Compensation Range: $95,000 -$105,000 USD annualized.

Location: Hybrid, Pasadena, CA.

Application Process: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Final date to receive applications: Open until filled.

• Manage a dedicated portfolio of donors and prospects within moves management; meet monthly metric goals.
• Strategically cultivate and solicit donors and prospects with a focus on deepening donor relationships and identifying the best way to connect them with SCPR and funding opportunities.
• Develop effective stewardship plans to strengthen the relationship and explore other avenues for support.
• Develop written plans, proposals, reports, and other donor communications.
• Qualify new prospects to ensure the growth of the SCPR donor pool.
• Contribute to the expansion of the planned giving program and Legacy Society.
• Research and qualify major donor prospects to ensure growth of the SCPR donor pool.
• Document donor contacts in donor management software following established protocols.
• Provide regular updates and reports on prospect management and fundraising results.
• Participate in major donor events locally and throughout Southern California.
• Work collaboratively with the Major Gifts team and Development staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience required.
• 3–5 years of experience and a strong understanding of prospect management, major donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Proven track record in securing major and planned gifts.
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and ability to identify strong prospects.
• Previous experience working directly with board members, volunteers, and content experts.

• Motivated, creative, and organized self‑starter.
• Enthusiastic and determined fundraiser with a record of meeting or exceeding metrics and revenue targets.
• Ability to develop strategic long‑term donor relationships while achieving bottom‑line results.
• Innovative, flexible, and able to prioritize in a rapidly evolving organization and industry.
• Collaborative and successful at working within a team and across an organization.
• A persuasive and strategic communicator with excellent interpersonal and written/spoken communication skills.
• Ability to participate in donor events, including occasional evenings and weekends, and travel to donor meetings throughout Southern California.
• Professional appearance and demeanor, and strong computer skills required.

• Master’s Degree.
• Salesforce and donor database experience a plus.
• Experience in soliciting and securing 6- and 7‑figure gifts.
• Strong interest in public media and its case for support.
• Willingness to embrace the organization’s priorities and style.

N/A

• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to travel during the day, with occasional overnight travel required.
• Must have a personal vehicle available for…