Major Gifts Officer

The Major Gifts Officer position is perfect for someone who loves to meet new people and find ways of engaging them in the work of a mission-oriented organization.  Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropic Initiatives and Key Relationships, the Major Gifts Officer works closely and collaboratively with the Executive Team, the larger Fundraising team, and external stakeholders, and is entrusted with crafting and executing sophisticated cultivation and solicitation strategies that drive substantial results in the Annual Campaign and targeted initiatives. He/she/they will identify new philanthropic investors, secure major gifts, and provide meaningful touchpoints for engagement. They are strategic partners and internal consultants to other fundraising colleagues across the organization. This person should thrive on being out in our community, building relationships, being able to support philanthropists to find their place in the Federation ecosystem.  

This role is a director level position within the organization’s position banding.  The ideal candidate must be able to translate vision into implementation, solve problems, effectively lead cross-functional teams, balance competing priorities, and be flexible and comfortable with the inherent uncertainty and opportunity of organizational evolution.  

The Major Gifts Officer is a key member of our Financial Resource Development (FRD) team, and will be responsible for: 

Primary Responsibilities  

• Carrying a portfolio of appropriately matched donors/prospects, including prospects to be re-engaged to support the Annual Campaign and the Federation’s Strategic Philanthropy and Planned Giving efforts.   
• Successfully completing 15 high-touch, curated, donor-centered meetings/scheduled interactions each month. 
• Creating customized proposals and presentations for major individual donors.  
• Supporting prospect research and developing leads from others within Jewish Federation, and from the broader philanthropic community. 
• Designing and/or co-designing and executing intricate, multi-step strategies that harness the influence of community leaders, ultimately securing substantial five- and six-figure contributions. 
• Planning, organizing, and participating in regular donor review meetings with the CEO, CDO, and Key Relationships team, providing key donor insights and strategy, and advising on plans for engagement and solicitation of major prospects. 
• Attaining a comprehensive understanding of donors’ and prospects’ philanthropic passions, capacity, and motivations through strategic face-to-face and virtual interactions. 

General Job Functions 

• Manages and maintains reports, dashboards, tracking systems and lists to monitor fundraising performance and portfolio upkeep. 
• Prioritizes and ensures data accuracy and integrity of donor information in the database, including regular upkeep of information. 
• Partners with colleagues across the Development team including Donor Engagement, Key Relationships, and the Jewish Community Foundation and across the organization to enhance the philanthropic engagement and leadership development of donors, prospects, and lay leaders. 
• Serves as a representative for Federation’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) principles and works towards a Jewish future in Greater Washington that includes all Jews and their communities.

Background, Qualifications and Success Factors 

• 7-10 years of experience in annual fundraising, donor engagement, sales, or relationship or account management 
• Strong donor-relations skills: proven ability in cultivating relationships and creating donor engagement strategies that lead to greater philanthropic support. 
• Data-driven decision-maker who is comfortable with analytics and data management. 
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred 
• Experience in management of membership or volunteer operations and working volunteer committees. 
• Commitment to the mission of the Jewish community and knowledge of the Jewish philanthropic landscape   
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; comfortable with and open to new technology 

A People-Friendly Workplace 

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is an equal opportunity employer offering a people- friendly environment, including: 

• Excellent health care and retirement benefits 

• Generous time off 
• Flexible work options 
• Opportunities and an annual stipend for continued professional development. 
• Access to the JPRO Network, which connects, educates, inspires, and empowers professionals working in the Jewish nonprofit sector. 

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington envisions an open, connected, and vibrant Jewish community that cares for each other, fosters Jewish learning and journeys, embraces Jewish peoplehood and Israel, and acts as a force for good in the world. As a mission-driven non-profit organization, we work to inspire, build, and sustain vibrant Jewish life in a changing world by mobilizing our community in common purpose, intentional innovation, and effective action. Learn more at shalomdc.org. 

Candidates should be located in or willing to relocate to the Greater Washington (DC, MD, and Northern VA) region. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, with 3 days a week required in our headquarters. The health and safety of our professional team and community remains a top priority, and all Federation employees are required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.