Fund Development | Major Gifts Officer

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors to secure contributions of $25,000 and above. This position plays a critical role in the organization's fundraising efforts by building strong, lasting relationships with donors and ensuring that their contributions are aligned with the mission and strategic goals of Catholic Charities. The Major Gifts Officer will collaborate with senior leadership, the development team to achieve fundraising targets and expand the organization’s major donor base.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• Conduct comprehensive research to identify prospective major gift donors, focusing on individuals, corporations, and foundations with the capacity to give $25,000 or more.
• Develop and maintain a targeted portfolio of major gift prospects, regularly updating profiles based on giving history, philanthropic interests, and capacity.
• Use various tools and resources, including donor databases, wealth screening services, and personal networks, to gather and analyze information on potential donors.
• Develop personalized cultivation strategies for each prospect, aligning the agency’s needs with the donor’s philanthropic goals.
• Engage potential donors through one-on-one meetings, events, personalized communication, and site visits to the organization’s programs.
• Foster strong, enduring relationships with donors by keeping them informed about the impact of their gifts and involving them in the organization’s mission and vision.
• Work closely with board members, senior leadership, and other influences to leverage their networks in cultivating major gifts.
• Prepare and present compelling proposals, tailored to the interests and priorities of major gift prospects, to secure donations of $25,000 or more.
• Lead or support solicitation meetings, ensuring that all aspects of the ask—timing, approach, and participants—are well-coordinated.
• Develop and implement strategies for specific campaigns, initiatives, or special projects that require major gift support.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Development and the President/CEO to set and achieve annual and multi-year fundraising goals for major gifts.
• Ensure all solicitation efforts are tracked, monitored, and adjusted based on donor responses and feedback.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive stewardship plan to ensure that major donors feel valued and appreciated.
• Provide regular updates to donors on the impact of their contributions, including written reports, program updates, and invitations to exclusive events.
• Coordinate donor recognition activities, such as naming opportunities, public acknowledgments, and personalized thank-you notes from leadership.
• Plan and execute donor recognition events, ensuring that major donors receive appropriate acknowledgment and appreciation.
• Collaborate with the events team to design and execute donor cultivation and stewardship events, such as galas, receptions, and small gatherings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, or Marketing
• Three (3) years of experience in fund development, grant writing, and/or sales/marketing
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.

SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong, lasting relationships with donors.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in using donor management software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and data analysis tools.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, with the ability to create compelling proposals and reports.
• Passionate about Catholic Charities mission and values, with a deep commitment to making a positive impact.
• Results-oriented, with a strong focus on achieving fundraising goals and driving donor engagement.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

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Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer.  We actively foster an environment that is free of racism, discrimination, bias, and harassment where all individuals are treated with dignity, safety, and respect.  Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements.

The work you do will help us advocate for the vulnerable among us, a network of support services to people of all ages and from all walks of life and religious backgrounds.