Major Gift Officer

Organization Overview

The Rescue Mission is considered one of the leading and widely respected nonprofits in our region and a leader of Rescue Missions in the Citygate Network. Founded in 1903, The Rescue Mission is a faith-based, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, providing restorative care to men, women, and children experiencing a homeless crisis. Our ministry serves Fort Wayne, Allen County, and its eleven surrounding counties.

Position Summary

 The Major Gift Officer proactively collaborates and communicates with the Sr. VP of Philanthropy and the Chief Strategy Officer, to ensure a unified and integrated approach for the cultivation and solicitation of key donors, corporate sponsors, and prospects. This position will also participate in speaking engagements, community building and fundraising events to maintain and/or cultivate relationships with partner organizations, churches, and corporations. The Major Gift Officer should have the heart of a servant in accordance with Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

Position Specifics

• Identifying and developing a Lead Generation list in accordance with and in cooperation with the Stewardship Team.

• Identification, cultivation, and solicitation that joins together the philanthropic interests of donors with the priorities and needs of The Rescue Mission.

• Develop significant long-term relationships with current and future donors whose resources will be integral to supporting the mission of the organization.

• Establish and maintain a rapport with each donor and encourage, support, and sustain the donor's philanthropic relationship with The Rescue Mission.

• Increase the annual giving of assigned donors in accordance with the strategic goals of the Sr. VP of Philanthropy and Chief Strategy Officer.

• Use the donor database to create and monitor moves-management strategies for assigned portfolio of donors and prospects.

• Steward donors towards legacy, planned and/or estate gifts. 

• Attend regional and local events as a representative of The Rescue Mission. Some regional travel, evening, and weekend activity may be required. 

• Routinely network with corporate executives and interact with high and mid-level individuals for the purpose of cultivating personal relationships and developing personal giving. Collaborate with colleagues when corporate giving interests are expressed.

Qualifications

Education Training and Experience

• College Degree or equivalent experience required in business, communications, nonprofit management, fundraising or sales.
• Minimum 3 years proven sales or fundraising experience; donor development and major gift solicitation in non-profit environment preferred.
• Certifications CFRM, CFRE or equivalent preferred but not necessary.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• A demonstrated track record of closing four and five figure gifts as well as multi-year gifts and demonstrated success in cultivating and soliciting significant gifts.
• Able to develop and maintain a Lead Generation list.
• Demonstrates a passion for the ministry of The Rescue Mission and helping donors to achieve their philanthropic goals through cultivation and compassion for both the organization and the donor.
• Comfortable and effective in dealing with high-net-worth individuals as demonstrated by success in roles with this type of exposure and experience.
• Ability to easily develop rapport and network with leadership-level donors.
• Local knowledge of the Northeast Indiana philanthropic community.
• Excellent relationship management and interpersonal, writing, editing, and verbal communications skills with the ability to make dynamic group presentations.
• Strong planning skills, driven to meet financial goals in support and collaboration with the philanthropy team including the ability to anticipate tasks, set priorities, meet deadlines and function smoothly under strict deadlines and shifting priorities.
• The capacity to develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with donors, volunteers, Board of Trustees, and staff.
• Personal and Professional commitment to the organization’s mission and vision.
• Ability to work with individuals of various socio-economic, ethnic, and racial populations.
• Ability to comply with personal and business requirements and expectations as detailed in the Employee Handbook.

Salary & Benefits

Link to Apply