Position Purpose & Overview

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for building development activities and major gifts fundraising at CFSA by cultivating and soliciting prospective donors (individuals, families, foundations, corporations, and donor advised funds). 

This position will work within the Philanthropy Department to support all fund development and implementation of donor acquisition strategies, as well as ensure long-term engagement through donor stewardship and recognition. This position is also responsible to serve as primary strategist and partner to a portfolio of donors from first contact through legacy giving. 

Duties & Responsibilities

FUNDRAISING AND PHILANTHROPIC ADVISING - 50% 

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of prospects, donors, and financial advisors to ensure personalized outreach. Work with existing donors to grow their fund and/or create a future fund held at CFSA. 

• Provide sector knowledge and participate in developing high-quality educational programming to CFSA’s donor community. 

• Develop and implement customized engagement plans for donors. Provide prospects and donors with options for philanthropy that are responsive to their needs and readiness, including information of various fund types and current or planned giving. 

• Assist in establishing short and long-term donor engagement goals to increase charitable giving among donors. Tracks and measures donor engagement activities and their outcomes. 

• Support targeted campaigns to raise funds and build out activities to drive support to CFSA’s Impact Funds. Manage and lead specific fundraising projects pertaining to areas of focus for the organization. 

KNOWLEDGE AND RELATIONSHIP BUILDING - 30% 

• As a team member and relationship-builder, contribute to making CFSA an incredible place to work and building our culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, access (IDEA), and continuous learning and improvement. 

• Become a resource for assisting donors with gifts of assets, drawing on expertise at CFSA and CFSA Properties as well as outside expertise as needed. 

• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of the organization’s vision and philanthropic priorities to effectively present the case to prospects and donors. 

• Develop positive working relationships with professional advisors, earn trust for client referrals. 

• Working in conjunction with marketing and communications services staff, initiate and oversee the development of proposals and written material in support of specific major gift fundraising initiatives. 

• Recruit, organize, train, and work with volunteers as needed in support of fundraising and closely related activities. 

• Serve as a member of the overall philanthropy team by collaborating with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies. 

• Continue to develop professional skills and knowledge of major gifts fundraising, gift planning, gifts of complex assets, endowment fundraising, family foundation conversions, and other relevant areas. Identify and share best practices and innovative ideas from and with community foundation peers and beyond. 

ORGANIZATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND ACTIVITIES - 20% 

• Develop an annual plan of work with the philanthropic team, including specific fundraising, prospect development, and programmatic goals with an emphasis on achieving established standards and metrics for the position. 

• Prepare reports and other required information as requested. 

• Complete and file timely reports. Maintains accurate and relevant records in the database. 

• Attend organizational events, as well as external functions as recommended. 

• Strategically leverage events, communication, and other tools to engage and cultivate donors. 

• Implement other specific assignments and projects, as directed. 

• Participate in other duties, as assigned. 

• Model CFSA’s culture with behaviors that support philanthropy, inclusion, and service to our community. 

• Occasional evening or weekend availability for donor events and CFSA- sponsored activities is required. Infrequent travel, typically in the Southern Arizona area will be necessary. 

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3-5 years related work experience including demonstrated ability to promote and successfully solicit and close major gifts. 

• Experience in relationship management, development, donor/partner relations, philanthropy, or related field. 

• Knowledge of nonprofits in Southern Arizona and proven ability to advise individuals and families on their philanthropic decision making and planning. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of basic business terminology, financial matters, and the ethical, legal, and tax-related issues regarding the solicitation, transfer, and management of charitable gifts. 

• Demonstrated ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and prospects and build long-term relationships. 

• Knowledge of and comfort with technology, including familiarity with computer- based fund-raising support systems, databases, and CRM systems. 

• Ability to understand and communicate philanthropy-relevant information related to finance, accounting, and investment strategies to a wide range of audiences, including donors and professional advisors. 

• Ability to interact well with a diverse range of people. 

• Strong customer service, teamwork, and collaboration skills. 

• Strong organizational and time management skills. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Strong collaboration and influencing skills. 

• Ability to travel locally and to select national conferences. 

• Commitment to creating an inclusive atmosphere where differences are understood, valued, and respected; an understanding and appreciation of the diversity found within southern Arizona including the ability to work with all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, age, religion, marital status, disability, national origin, and military status. 

• Experience working with or working knowledge of planned giving tools preferred.

• Bilingual (Spanish speaking) preferred

To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to HR@cfsaz.org