Major Gifts Officer

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About the American Enterprise Institute

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential, and building a freer and safer world. The work of our scholars and staff advances ideas rooted in our belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of our society, and a pluralistic, entrepreneurial culture.

About the Role

The American Enterprise Institute seeks an experienced, entrepreneurial, and goal-oriented individual who is interested in public policy to grow and manage a portfolio of major-gift donors and prospects. Reporting to the senior director of individual giving, the major gifts officer will be an essential member of AEI’s Development team, responsible for more than $3million in annual revenue.

The Major Gifts Officer will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of more than 50 donor households contributing more than $25,000 annually to AEI. Responsibilities may also include building AEI donor communities in assigned geographic areas. The successful candidate will develop and execute tailored strategies for each donor and prospect, including by integrating conversations about planning legacy gifts into ongoing cultivation and stewardship.

Drawing on donor relationships, prospect research, and portfolio insights, the major gifts officer will also advise the senior director of individual giving and AEI’s executive team on opportunities to strengthen donor engagement and grow major-gift support.

This role requires exceptional interpersonal, listening, writing, and oral communication skills, along with the ability to prioritize activities and execute them quickly. The ideal candidate will be creative, knowledgeable about best practices in philanthropy, naturally curious, and comfortable engaging donors on the public policy issues that interest them. An energetic and entrepreneurial spirit, a deep understanding of AEI’s mission, and the ability to thrive in AEI’s academic and collegial culture are essential.

This is an excellent position for someone who enjoys building relationships and having a direct impact on an organization committed to strengthening the free enterprise system and building a freer and safer world.

This position will be based in Washington, DC with 40% or more travel expected. Eight or more years of relevant or transferable experience are preferred.

• Nurture and cultivate long-term partnerships and relationships with current and prospective major donors, including AEI trustees.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the senior director of individual giving and the executive office, recommending priorities and approaches for high-potential donor relationships, including opportunities for increased giving and the timing and purpose of senior-leader involvement. Expand the portfolio of donors to be cultivated personally by AEI’s senior management.
• Build and manage a portfolio of donors by developing and implementing strategic steps to move prospects through the major-gift cycle of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Use various giving methods, such as current, deferred, and noncash giving.
• Develop an annual plan of work, including specific fundraising, prospect-development, and programmatic goals, with an emphasis on meeting established standards and metrics.
• Travel (40 percent or more of the time) to meet with donors and prospects, sometimes organizing events to involve and cultivate them.
• Track and report all major-gift activities. Synthesize donor feedback, prospect research, and…