Major Gifts Officer

About the position

The Major Gifts Officer at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) plays a crucial role as a frontline fundraiser, focusing on maximizing donor engagement to secure significant contributions ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. This position is vital in supporting ADL's highest priorities, which include combating antisemitism and promoting justice and fair treatment for all. The Major Gifts Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual and institutional prospects and donors. This role requires a proactive approach to building relationships through personalized communications, meetings, and engagement opportunities, all while adhering to ADL's policies and funding priorities. In addition to managing a portfolio of major gift prospects, the Major Gifts Officer will lead the solicitation process, crafting tailored proposals and presentations that align with both donor interests and ADL's mission. The officer will maintain a comprehensive understanding of ADL's programs, activities, and institutional needs, ensuring that they can effectively communicate the organization's priorities to potential donors. Collaboration with the prospect research team is essential to identify new major gift prospects and assess their philanthropic interests and capacity to give. The Major Gifts Officer will also be expected to negotiate gift agreements in partnership with the Philanthropic Services team and actively participate in Development team meetings to strategize on prospect engagement. Accurate documentation of all donor interactions, proposals, and agreements in the CRM database is critical to maintaining transparency and accountability in the fundraising process. This position requires a commitment to fostering a culture of philanthropy within ADL and serving as an enthusiastic representative of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement identification, qualification, and cultivation strategies for a portfolio of individuals with the capacity to make major gifts (between $50,000 and $500,000).
• Lead the solicitation process for major gifts, including developing tailored solicitation proposals and presentations.
• Maintain an active, current body of knowledge of ADL and its mission, programs, activities, institutional needs, and fundraising priorities.
• Work with the prospect research team to identify new major gift prospects and understand their philanthropic interests and capacity to give.
• Negotiate gift agreements and terms with donors, in collaboration with the Philanthropic Services team.
• Actively participate in Development team meetings to coordinate prospect review and discuss specific prospect strategies.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the CRM database, documenting all interactions, proposals, and gift agreements related to major gifts.
• Collaborate and partner effectively across the organization to build and sustain the culture of philanthropy across ADL.
• Serve as an effective and enthusiastic ADL spokesperson and representative.

Requirements

• Outstanding strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with superior attention to detail.
• Ability to anticipate and be responsive to multiple stakeholders' needs simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to see projects through to completion while meeting tight deadlines.
• Prior experience working with fundraising databases (Salesforce) and MS Office applications.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Significant fundraising experience including a demonstrated record of soliciting and closing five-figure and six-figure gifts.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a national organization with an affiliate or chapter structure.

Benefits

• Salary range of $84,000 to $108,000 based on experience and location.
• Hybrid work environment with flexibility to work from home and in the office.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.