Major Gifts Officer

Summary of Position

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) works in close collaboration with the AVP of Development to drive our major and leadership gifts program. This program is critical to our organization achieving its mission dedicated to supporting children and families experiencing homelessness. The MGO is responsible for managing a substantial portfolio of prospects, actively engaging in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to not only meet but exceed our fundraising targets.

We are seeking candidates who are not only experienced and successful in frontline fundraising, but also possess an innovative vision for prospect identification and sustained philanthropic engagement. The ideal candidate will be characterized by optimism, inquisitiveness, determination, and a deep passion for the transformative impact that leadership donors can make on our organization's future.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and actively manage an individual portfolio of 125-150 donors with the capacity to make gifts ranging from $25,000 to $1,000,000.
  • Utilize a Moves Management approach to donor pipeline management, enhancing the efficacy and efficiency of fundraising efforts.
  • Create and execute strategies for major donors.
  • Cultivate, solicit, and secure gifts through direct personal engagement with donors.
  • Collaborate closely with the broader Development and Marketing team, especially on our signature events, which are a tool for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Meet or exceed annual goals, including one for total visits and a fundraising target set in collaboration with the AVP of Development.
• Contribute to major gifts key volunteers with the potential to have oversight of key volunteer leadership groups.
• Contribute positively to the team serving as a fundraising resource and valuable partner in key initiatives, despite not having direct reports.

Starting salary range, compensation, and benefits

$110,000 – $125,000 is the starting salary range for our Senior level roles with a Your starting salary will fall within that range depending on your competencies, experience, and skillset.

Your total compensation package includes the following benefits:

• Health coverage options designed to be as comprehensive and affordable for you as possible, with Horizons covering between 70-75% of premiums (a value that ranges from an additional $8,000 – 20,000 per year based on your enrollment choices).
• While you have a choice between an HMO and PPO plan for medical coverage, most employees pay $86 for individual, $172 for 2-person, or $270 for family coverage per bi-weekly paycheck and never pay more than $300 for individual or $600 for 2-person/family toward deductibles.
• Paid leave coverage is offered through Massachusetts’ Paid Family and Medical Leave. Horizons covers both medical and family contributions at 60% (100% for employees who earn less than $50,000 annually) with up to 26 weeks of paid leave available based on eligibility and approval.
  • Horizons’ additionally offers 1 week for paid parental leave for welcoming a child into your family through birth, foster, or adoption, that often covers the waiting period for PFML to begin.
• Visit The Benefits of Working at Horizons for more details on the rest of our benefits package

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 8-10 years of experience in frontline fundraising, with a proven track record in leadership gift solicitations, preferably within a non-profit environment.
• Proficient in communication, both written and oral, and adept at engaging with a diverse range of donors, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Experience with managing and engaging Board-level volunteers, including volunteer committees.
• Thorough, organized, strategic, and creative approach to volunteer management.
• Self-motivated and entrepreneurial approach to work. 
• Skilled in database management, gift processing, donor relations, and Microsoft Office suite.
• Demonstrated capability in problem-solving, decision-making, and independently setting goals and priorities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expertise in Philanthropy: Deep knowledge of concepts, practices, and policies in philanthropy, enabling them to effectively discuss individual philanthropic goals and long-term planning.
• Exceptional Customer Service Skills: A strong commitment to providing top-tier customer service, coupled with professionalism and self-awareness, ensuring warm, competent, and professional interactions with a diverse range of people.
• Technological Proficiency: Computer literacy is essential, particularly in Microsoft Office suite, with familiarity in online team collaboration tools and fundraising databases like Raiser’s Edge.
• Strong Problem-Solving and Judgment: The ability to tackle complex, varied problems with excellent judgment.
• Teamwork and Attitude: A team player with a positive, can-do attitude and a passion for the organization's shared goals.
• Commitment to Mission and Values: A deep embodiment and commitment to Horizons' mission, upholding core values of being Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative, and Passionate.

DEI Commitment

We recognize the value of looking within to ensure our policies, practices, and culture are aligned with Horizons’ vision. Creating a more equitable world has always been at the center of Horizons’ mission, but in the last several years we’ve recommitted to the role Horizons plays in rectifying some of the systematic problems we see and wish to address.

As such, we are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.