Major Gifts Officer (Full-Time) - Covenant House California

Job Description: Major Gifts Officer

Covenant House California (CHC) has experienced tremendous growth during the past seven years and has invested in increasing agency infrastructure and expanding services for youth across California. Coming out of this strategic season of growth, the agency has created this position to enhance the Development efforts that support the agency’s mission. This position will enhance the sustainability of the agency for future growth, innovation, and program enhancement that will continue to meet the needs of youth experiencing homelessness and human trafficking in CA. CHC is committed to meeting young people where they are, accepting them for who they are, relentlessly engaging them, so that they can fulfill their dreams.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for executing the agency’s development strategy with a focus on major individual donors statewide, which includes gifts of $5,000 and above. This role involves developing and implementing strategic plans to engage and steward donors, with a particular emphasis on prospecting and growing the major donor base. The Major Gifts Officer will serve as an articulate, enthusiastic, and visible spokesperson for the organization, helping to secure the resources necessary to meet our mission and achieve agency goals.

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt, Full Time 40 hours per week

SALARY: $100k annual salary

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Create and execute strategic donor engagement plans tailored to major individual donors.

2. Maintain/grow a portfolio of 100-150 major donors. Maintain a high-volume schedule of personal contacts and involvement activities for a group of current and prospective major donors.

3. Design personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to retain and upgrade donors.

4. Prepare and present proposals for major gifts, including drafting tailored appeals and supporting materials.

5. Collaborate with executive leadership for high-level solicitations.

6. Work closely with development, communications, and program teams to align major gift efforts with overall agency goals.

7. Implement the activities outlined in the development plan including donor relations, corporate and foundation relations through individual relationships, capital and major gift campaigns, and special events.

8. Participate in planning the agency's individual donor development strategy to help inform strategic activities in service of the agency’s funding goals.
9. Work strategically alongside Programs and Community Involvement teams to elevate narratives and deepen ongoing donor engagement in order to convert engaged prospects to donors.

10. Design and manage agency special events including major annual fundraising events and donor receptions including sponsorship acquisition and logistic support.
11. Meets an agreed-upon annual revenue goal and quarterly benchmarks. This plan will include monthly, quarterly and yearly goals for donor contacts (personal, print, and electronic), personal visits with major gift donors and prospects, and monthly and yearly fundraising monetary targets.
12. Meticulous attention to donor database and record keeping. All prospect/donor contacts, visits and gifts will be annotated in the Raiser's Edge database within a week of each activity or occurrence. A written plan of cultivation shall be created for each constituent in the portfolio.
13. Works to promote program objectives (as determined by CHC Executive Staff) and overall mission of the agency, providing ongoing communication and support to the CDO in all matters related to development/fundraising.
14. Liaison with Community Involvement and Program team members who participate in development activities that enhance agency In-Kind and Volunteer support as well as enhance prospect pools for relationship development.

15. In addition to the primary duties and responsibilities listed above, performs other duties and projects as assigned by supervisor.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree preferred (equivalent experience considered).

EXPERIENCE: Minimum five years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, most especially in Major Gift programs development and implementation. Verifiable experience in managing a substantial portfolio and solicitation and closure of five and six-figure gifts is necessary. An expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in philanthropy and major gifts is necessary.

SKILLS: Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational skills and the ability to shift priorities as needed. Confidentiality, strong personal and professional integrity, team-building skills, tactfulness and good judgment are critical. The ideal candidate would have a self-motivated, joyful spirit and the ability to work independently to achieve benchmarks. They will be highly organized, be able to multitask and have the ability to incorporate feedback from a variety of team members.

Must be proficient in computer software programs (Microsoft related); ability to effectively manage multiple projects and meet deadlines; possess strong attention to detail and writing skills. A knowledge of and deep empathy for homelessness and youth development issues.

TRANSPORTATION: Must have a valid driver license and a good driving record.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Office environment with travel to CHC Campus locations as needed. Some weekend/holiday/evening work may be required. This position is hybrid and can either be based in Northern California or Southern California.

EQUIPMENT USED: CHC issued Computer, telephone and other equipment as required.

Covenant House California does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Covenant House California is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.