Major Gifts Officer - Lowcountry

Position Summary:

The Major Gift Officer (MGO) is responsible for developing and managing relationships with individual donors and other key stakeholders to secure significant financial contributions in support of Communities In Schools of South Carolina’s (CISSC) mission. The MGO will cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors, ensuring a personalized and meaningful donor experience.  The MGO will focus on the Lowcountry region, covering Charleston, Beaufort, and Georgetown.

Key Responsibilities: Donor Cultivation & Solicitation:

·         Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit potential major gift donors ($5,000 and above).

·         Develop and implement individualized donor engagement strategies.

·         Conduct in-person meetings, phone calls, and correspondence with donors to build relationships.

·         Collaborate with organizational leadership to create compelling proposals and presentations.

Portfolio & Relationship Managment: 

·         Manage a portfolio of 50-75 major donors and prospects, ensuring consistent and strategic engagement.

·         Maintain accurate donor records in Charity Proud (Donor CRM).

·         Provide ongoing stewardship and recognition of major donors, ensuring long-term engagement.

  Strategic Fundraising & Campaigns:

·         Support and execute fundraising campaigns, capital campaigns, and special initiatives.

·         Partner with the marketing and communications team to align donor messaging and outreach efforts.

·         Identify opportunities to leverage matching gifts, planned giving, and other fundraising mechanisms.

  Collaboration & Reporting:

·         Work closely with the development team, board members, and leadership to align donor strategies.

·         Provide regular reports on donor engagement activities and revenue projections.

·         Stay informed about industry best practices and emerging trends in philanthropy.

  Qualifications:

·         Bachelor's degree in business, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or related field.

·         3-5 years of experience in major gift fundraising and donor relations

·         Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

·         Ability to travel as needed and attend evening/weekend events.

  Preferred Skills:

·         Experience using donor management systems (e.g., Charity Proud, Network for Good, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce).

·         Knowledge of planned giving, endowments, and capital campaigns.

  Compensation & Benefits:

·         Competitive salary: $65,000 – $75,000 based on experience.

About Communities In Schools of South Carolina:
Communities In Schools of South Carolina (CISSC) is part of the nation’s leading organization dedicated to empowering students to stay in school and achieve in life. CISSC works directly inside schools, building relationships that empower students to succeed inside and outside the classroom. By providing a strong community of support, we help students overcome barriers, improve academic performance, and create a foundation for lifelong success. Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve their potential.

Why Join CISSC?

At CISSC, we are passionate about empowering students and breaking down barriers to success. As the Major Gift Officer, you will play a crucial role in amplifying our mission while making a meaningful impact on students and communities across South Carolina.

Note: The above information is intended to describe the most important aspects of the job. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required to perform the work. We are an equal employment opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any person because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law (referred to as "protected status"). This nondiscrimination policy extends to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment as well as the use of all company facilities, participation in all company-sponsored activities, and all employment actions such as promotions, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000