Major Gifts Officer

This position is responsible for establishing and managing Pathways' major gifts program by developing meaningful relationships with individuals, family foundations, donor-advised funds, corporate leaders, and community partners. Working closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, Community Engagement, Communications, Grants, and the Development Associate, the Major Gifts Officer will develop a sustainable donor pipeline that complements Pathways' successful grant portfolio and supports the organization's long-term strategic priorities.

This person will develop and manage a regional major gifts strategy, focused on the San Antonio metropolitan area, while supporting the organization's long-term statewide advancement strategy. The MGO will be responsible for building a qualified major gifts pipeline and establishing a sustainable major gifts program, with an initial goal of generating approximately $500,000 in new or renewed philanthropic commitments within 24 to 36 months.

This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer.

• Develop and implement a major gift fundraising plan to help the agency meet its annual and long-term revenue goals, including capital efforts.
• Identify and secure new major gift relationships as well as strengthen existing partnerships in support of Pathways’ mission.
• Lead all phases of the donor engagement cycle: identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop and implement individualized stewardship plans for major donors to strengthen long-term relationships and encourage continued investment.
• Plan and execute prospective donor introduction meetings and involve executive leaders as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the CEO and other leaders to develop and refine Pathways’ case for support and donor messaging.
• Set and meet quarterly goals for donor meetings, solicitations, gift closures, and stewardship.
• Coordinate with CEO, board members, and program staff to involve them strategically in donor relationships.
• Prepare compelling proposals, briefing documents, and personalized ask strategies.
• Personally solicit gifts at the $10,000+ level with a focus on multi-year commitments.
• Build and manage a portfolio of up to 75–125 qualified major gift prospects as the major gifts program matures (within 36 months).
• Develop customized engagement strategies for each donor in the portfolio, tracking progress using Every Action.
• Conduct donor research, prospecting, and qualification calls to identify new major gift opportunities.

• Assist the CEO in preparing Board members to serve as ambassadors by facilitating introductions, cultivation opportunities, stewardship activities, and regional engagement events.
• Leverage board members’ networks to open doors, co-host small events, and participate in solicitations.
• Provide regular updates to leadership on portfolio activity, donor trends, and major gift pipeline health.
• Coordinate with the CEO to ensure strategic alignment with organizational priorities.

• Foster a culture in which philanthropy and relationship-building are viewed as shared organizational responsibilities.
• Collaborate closely with Development, Communications, and Community Engagement staff to identify prospective donors, community leaders, business partners, and philanthropic opportunities within each service area.
• Partner with Communications to develop compelling donor communications, impact stories, and stewardship materials.
• Coordinate with the Grants team to identify opportunities for integrated funding strategies and foundation relationships.
• Work closely with the Development Associate to ensure…