What are the responsibilities and job description for the Major Gifts Officer position at Mikva Challenge?
Office Location : This position will be hybrid, working both in the office and remotely, engaging with staff and stakeholders through virtual platforms. Candidates must be based in either Chicago, IL or Washington, DC. This position is not eligible for paid relocation.
Reports to : Chief Advancement Officer
Schedule : Full-time
Mikva Challenge is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose mission is to develop youth to be engaged, informed, and active citizens and community members who will promote a just and equitable society. We do this by engaging youth in an authentic and transformative learning process built on youth voice and youth expertise. Youth in Mikva’s programming experience unique civic learning opportunities. Our approaches include direct youth work, teacher support, and liaising with civic leaders and institutions. We believe strongly in the potential of youth and are committed to youth voice.
Mikva Challenge evaluations show the lasting impact of its programs.
- 82% of students reported an increase in their civic knowledge.
- 77% of students developed their sense of civic agency and increased their future commitment to civic action.
- 83% of students took on new civic leadership.
- 79% of students reported gains in their socio-emotional skills many of which have direct academic outcomes.
About the Position
Mikva Challenge is seeking a frontline fundraiser to build a strong base of individual donors in key priority locations nationwide, supporting the organization’s ambitious goals. Based in Chicago, the Major Gifts Officer will work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer to execute a long-term vision and strategy for growing Mikva Challenge’s revenue from individual donors. The Major Gifts Officer will envision and build a comprehensive major gifts program, including the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of current major donors, as well as prospects with the capacity to support the organization with an annual gift of $2,500 or more.
Success in this role will require exceptional relationship-building skills to cultivate new prospects as well as strengthening relationships with existing donors to maximize philanthropic support; utilizing data to inform comprehensive donor engagement plans; and strong written and verbal communications skills.
Additionally, the Major Gifts Officer will work closely with the CEO and CAO, preparing meeting agendas and briefing documents for them and other leadership team members who are conducting meetings with major donors. This individual will manage a portfolio of Advisory Board members and both steward and activate board members to engage their networks on behalf of Mikva Challenge. This position also manages the Manager of Individual Giving and actively engages with key donors in priority locations to drive philanthropic growth.
Core Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy and Execution
Donor Portfolio and Relationship Management
People Management
Operations and Data Management
Requirements
Education : Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience : Minimum of five years’ experience managing donor relationships with proven track record of successfully closing major gifts
Qualifications
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $72,000 – $90,000 annually commensurate with experience. Please note that the salary range listed is based on candidates located in Illinois. Candidates in the Washington, DC area may be eligible for a cost-of-living adjustment.
We offer a competitive benefits package including HMO or PPO health care plans, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan, generous paid vacation and sick leave, flexible spending account, short- and long- term disability, life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program.
How to Apply
Please email a resume and cover letter to careers@mikvachallenge.org with “Major Gifts Officer” in the subject line. Please, no phone calls. Review of applications will begin immediately.
Equity Statement
Mikva Challenge is an equal opportunity employer and we highly value diversity in our workplace. Mikva Challenge provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. Applicants from historically underrepresented and / or marginalized communities, including people of color, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Salary : $72,000 - $90,000