PRIMARY JOB FUNCTION:

The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) is seeking a Major Gift Officer (MGO) who will connect passionate donors with the lifesaving work that transforms animals’ lives every day. You will be responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of major donors who give or have the capacity to give $5,000 or more annually. You will focus on building meaningful relationships, deepening donor engagement, and securing significant philanthropic support for the organization’s mission and programs. You will develop and implement tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to meet annual revenue goals and advance long-term donor relationships. In addition, you will play an active role in identifying and sourcing planned giving opportunities to strengthen the organization’s future sustainability.

Reports to: Director of Philanthropy

LOCATION: Phoenix, AZ 

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Major Gifts Portfolio Management

• Research and qualify current donors as well as prospective donors for assignment to the major gift portfolio.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 individual donors and prospects with giving capacity of $5,000+, including cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding annual gifts
• Create personalized proposals and impact reports that show donors how their generosity saves animal lives.
• Conduct regular donor visits (in-person, phone, or virtual) to build relationships and inspire deeper investment.
• Track all donor interactions and progress using the organization’s CRM system, ensuring accurate and timely documentation.
• Work collaboratively with leadership, program staff, and communications to align donor interests with organizational priorities.
• Play a supportive role in the current capital campaign planning and play a crucial role in the Major Gifts Phase in prospecting/research, strategy, cultivation, solicitation and follow-up. 

Planned Giving

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit donors for planned gifts, including bequests, beneficiary designations, and other deferred giving opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Director of Philanthropy and external advisors to maintain resources and materials supporting planned giving outreach.
• Ensure planned gift prospects are stewarded and recognized appropriately.

Collaboration & Strategy

• Partner with the Director of Philanthropy to establish and meet annual major gift revenue goals.
• Participate in moves management and prospect review meetings.
• Support the development team in donor events, stewardship activities, and campaigns as needed.
• Contribute to creative donor communications that highlight the impact of generosity in action.
• Stay informed about AAWL programs so you can share the most inspiring stories with supporters.
• Build a productive relationship with Board members to support the advancement of major donor relationships, prospect identification, and philanthropic activities. 

CORE QUALITIES

• Relationship-Driven: Builds authentic, long-term relationships rooted in trust, empathy, and shared values.
• Proactive & Strategic Thinker: Takes initiative to deepen relationships and identify new opportunities for engagement. Balances relationship-building with data-informed strategy to meet ambitious goals.
• Persuasive Communicator & Empathetic Listener: Comfortable having meaningful, values-based conversations that lead to gifts that connect personally with donors’ stories, values, and love for animals.
• Results-Oriented: Thrives on achieving goals and tracking progress while maintaining donor-centered focus.
• Curious & Insightful: Listens deeply to understand donors’ motivations, interests, and capacity for impact.
• Animal Advocate: Finds joy in connecting animal lovers to life-saving work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/HOURS

• Full-time (30–40 hours/week), flexible schedule with donor visits prioritized over desk time.
• Hybrid role based in Phoenix, with time spent at AAWL’s shelter and in the community meeting donors.
• Occasional evenings and weekends for donor events (e.g., Evening to Paws Gala, Design for Dogs, Walk to Save Animals).
• Office located in a working animal shelter environment.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary: $67,100–$77,855 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Full-time, exempt position with:
  • Paid sick time and twelve paid holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free counseling sessions
  • A mission-driven team that values compassion, collaboration, and growth.

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 1 year of direct major gift experience, including solicitation and stewardship of four- and five-figure gifts.
• Proven ability to manage relationships and close gifts through thoughtful, personalized engagement.
• Familiarity with planned giving concepts (experience a plus).
• Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-management skills.
• Comfort with donor management software and office tools (CRM, Google Workspace, or Microsoft Office).
• A collaborative spirit, strategic mindset, and a sense of humor.
• Passion for animal welfare and a belief in the power of philanthropy to save lives.
• Flexible and determined to solve problems to meet goals.
• Enthusiasm for working with diverse communities.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

Please submit a resume, cover letter and three professional references including their email, phone and relationship to [email protected] and in your subject line please reference “Major Gift Officer”. No phone calls or walk-ins, please.