Major Gifts Development Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland seeks a Major Gifts Development Officer to join its dynamic development team. This position is responsible for generating new and increased gifts that support the Federation and its programs, matching the philanthropic interests of identified donors with the mission and goals of Federation. These gifts, ranging from five to seven figures, will support annual and supplemental campaigns, as well as legacy giving initiatives. The officer will play a pivotal role in advancing the Federation’s mission by developing meaningful relationships with donors and fostering sustained engagement.

The full-time Major Gifts Development Officer is an integral part of the Federation’s senior development team. Reporting to the Managing Director of Philanthropic Planning, this individual will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts (current and deferred) prospects, initiating, maintaining, and growing these relationships to maximize their long-term value and benefit to the Federation. The Major Gifts Development Officer will communicate with and steward donors throughout the year developing creative opportunities to acknowledge their support and will maintain a portfolio of prospects for the Campaign for Jewish Needs and solicit current gifts for high priority projects.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Solicit and secure major gifts from individual donors, focusing on five to seven figure contributions.
• Manage supplemental fundraising campaigns to enhance core funding efforts.
• Engage regularly with donors through personal meetings, cultivating strong and lasting relationships.
• Secure gifts for annual campaigns, supplemental campaigns, and endowments.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and gift commitments.
• Work with department leadership and other Development Officers to identify opportunities for Major Gifts inclusive of all opportunities available to Federation donors and develop a pipeline for future major gift prospects.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a group of high priority prospects, considering their individual desires and interests as well as the community’s needs and priorities, creating customized solicitation strategies based on strategic objectives of the Federation and the interests of the donor.  Contacts and/or meets with 12 to 15 donors per month, with most of those contacts being in the form of face-to-face meetings. 
• Develop strategic direction and plan for own work, as well as recommend strategies for achieving the overall development goals of Federation.
• Serve as the staff liaison for each assigned donor prospect, ensuring that each donor‘s development plan encompasses the broad spectrum of Federation activity and that each donor is provided with technical planning and fiscal support in the creation and implementation of their plans.  Work collaboratively with other members of the Federation staff, lay leaders, professional advisors, Federation partner agencies and synagogues to ensure the best outcome for the donor and the community.
• Maintain a portfolio of major gifts individuals and sustain a program of donor stewardship activities. Monitor all contacts with assigned prospects to ensure positive and purposeful prospect and donor relations.
• Prepare timely interaction notes and other appropriate progress reports and maintain accurate records of donor activity.
• Conduct prospect research as needed.
• Adhere to the highest ethical standards, with a commitment to excellence.
• Participate in the implementation of the Federation’s development plan.
• Maintain a working knowledge of current tax laws, investments and planned giving opportunities; use knowledge in prospect cultivation and solicitation.
• Keep abreast of institutional and communal priorities and programs.
• Participate in special events, recognition and stewardship programs as appropriate.
• Write personalized acknowledgement letters as needed to enhance relationships with donors. Write or assist in drafting proposals, newsletters, brochures, pamphlets and other materials as necessary.
• Assist with publicity arrangements on important gifts, programs, accomplishments or events.
• Support and enhance Federation’s presence with its many constituencies, promoting a collaborative, donor focused approach to development.
• Participate in ongoing professional development
• Articulate the value of supporting the goals and mission of Jewish Federation of Cleveland, as well as priority programs
• Perform Solicitations and Assignments to Execute Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs
• Serve as Campaigner Manager and work with lay solicitors

ADDITIONAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• All other activities as directed by JFC President or Chief Development Officer.
• Assist in all capacities as may be appropriate on behalf of Federation development (community building and fundraising) efforts.
• Adhere to the Federation’s Guiding Principles as outlined in the Federation’s Development Plan and ensure that all work is guided by Jewish values.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in major gift solicitation and stewardship of major donors.
• Ability to produce tangible fundraising results in a goal-oriented environment, including successful track record of closing current and/or deferred major gifts in the six-and seven-figure range.
• Excellent research, writing and interpersonal communication skills with a high level of emotional intelligence.
• Accomplished oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to empathize with donors, clearly communicate our organization's mission, and effortlessly move from high-level strategic thinking to frontline solicitation.
• An understanding of and ability to articulate the accomplishments and goals of a complex organization.
• The intelligence, maturity and sound judgement necessary for interacting with major donor prospects, trustees and staff.
• Ability to mentor other fundraising staff.
• Proficiency in database systems.
• Knowledge of the Jewish community, culture, and traditions.

ABOUT THE FEDERATION

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland is the only organization in Cleveland that focuses on the health and vitality of the entire Jewish community. For more than 120 years, the Federation has created the critical scale necessary to drive meaningful social change and provide relief in times of crisis in ways no one person or organization could do alone. As Jewish Cleveland’s hub for innovative solutions and collaborative services, the Federation is able to change and improve lives in Cleveland, Israel, and around the world.