Major Gifts Officer
Location of position: 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232
Please note: This is a full-time, on-site position; non-local candidates would be expected to relocate.
Salary and benefits:
Salary and benefits: Base salary range of $85,000 - $105,000. Final salary commensurate with experience. JFSM offers competitive health, wellness, and retirement benefits (4% for each employee regardless of whether they contribute to the 401k, plus an employer match up to 3%. Potential total employer contribution = 7%). A relocation bonus may be provided, as appropriate.
To apply, please submit:
Submit Applications to: [email protected]
Additional project or writing samples may be requested during the selection process.
Application Deadline: We are seeking to fill this position immediately. Candidates are asked to submit their material as soon as possible, but not later than August 10, 2026.
Job Summary
The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing the annual fundraising plan under the direction and guidance of the Chief Impact and Engagement Officer in support of JFSM’s mission and strategic plan. The individual in this role provides both strategic expertise and operational support in all areas of development, including annual, major, and planned giving, grants, and fundraising events. S/he develops dynamic fundraising and communications strategies to deepen donor relationships and partnerships and expand the base of support. S/he collaborates with all partnerships, stakeholders, and foundation constituencies, including staff, board members, donors, and community partners. S/he ensures best practices throughout fundraising operations. The successful candidate thrives on being part of a vibrant, multi-faceted team and enjoys wearing multiple hats on any given day.
Job Relationship
Reports to: Chief Impact and Engagement Officer
Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of high-value relationships: Act as the primary point of contact for a select group of supporters, focusing on individuals with the capacity and interest in making a significant impact.
- Develop tailored engagement strategies: Design personalized approaches to build trust, understand supporter motivations, and align their interests with our mission—similar to crafting client solutions in a sales or account management role.
- Drive meaningful connections: Conduct regular outreach through meetings, calls, and customized communications to deepen relationships and explore opportunities for collaboration.
- Create compelling materials: Partner with internal teams to develop impactful presentations, proposals, and reports that highlight the value of supporting our work—akin to creating client pitches or sales collateral.
- Host engagement opportunities: Plan and support intimate gatherings, recognition events, and exclusive experiences to strengthen supporter connections.
- Monitor and report on progress: Track your portfolio’s engagement and contribute to team-wide strategies, annual plans, and special initiatives.
- Represent the organization: Act as an ambassador at events, embodying our mission with professionalism and enthusiasm.
- Foster collaborative individual and institutional partnerships to further community awareness and engagement in the foundation’s mission.
- Contribute to fundraising event planning and collaborate on event execution and follow-up.
- Develop and coordinate donor cultivation and appreciation events.
- Develop and implement fundraising policies and procedures as needed.
- Report on goal metrics and progress monthly on the annual fundraising goals (or more frequently, as requested).
Qualifications
- Passion for our mission: A genuine interest in our organization’s values and community impact.
- 3+ years of experience in relationship management, VIP sales, account management, or client services—especially in roles requiring high-touch engagement, consultative selling, or partnership development.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills: Ability to connect authentically with diverse individuals, understand their priorities, and tailor your approach accordingly.
- Proven success in securing high-value partnerships, closing deals, or managing VIP client relationships—translating complex needs into actionable opportunities.
- Strong communication skills: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation abilities, with a knack for storytelling and crafting persuasive messages.
- Organized and detail-oriented: Adept at managing multiple relationships, tracking interactions, and following through on commitments.
- Entrepreneurial mindset: Self-motivated, creative, and solution-focused—thriving in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
- Collaborative team player: Comfortable working closely with colleagues across departments to align strategies and deliver results.
- Tech-savvy: Proficiency in CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Proven record of raising major gifts along with experience in annual fund, events, and some knowledge of planned giving.
- Bachelor’s degree and a demonstrated history of progressively successful fundraising experience.
- Stays current with fundraising best practices and policies.
Preferred Experience
- Background in nonprofit, mission-driven, or community-focused organizations (a plus but not required).
- Experience with event planning, strategic partnerships, or high-net-worth client management.
Communication Skills
Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills using the English language. Demonstrates the ability to: read, analyze, and interpret documents; respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints; communicate effectively at multiple levels within the organization; manage communications professionally and with respect; know when to escalate issues to upper management; communicate to various contractors and suppliers in a simple and timely manner.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Usual office environment with frequent sitting, walking, and standing, and occasional climbing, stooping, kneeling, and balancing. Frequent use of eye, hand, and finger coordination enables the use of office machinery. Oral and auditory capacity enabling interpersonal communication as well as communication through automated devices such as the telephone.
DISCLAIMER: Job descriptions are not meant to be all-inclusive, and the job itself is subject to change. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Job description created & approved by Chief Impact and Engagement Officer, Hermoine Gilpin, July 2026.