Major Gifts Manager

Role Description

The Major Gifts Manager reports to the Prospect Development Manager and is a critical member of the Midwest Development Operations team. They are responsible for driving the major gift fundraising success of two of the Midwest Business Units (BUs). The Manager builds processes to effectively manage the major donor pipeline, leverages fundraising reports and analyses, oversees data management for prospect portfolios, provides team donor strategy support, and drives team accountability to meet fundraising goals.

The Major Gifts Manager is responsible for leading the major gift prospect management program for two of the Midwest Business Units. Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with the centralized Global Development Prospect Management Team to manage, research, and prioritize the team’s prospect portfolio.
• Working with development team leadership to assign and track prospect activity.
• Managing the discovery pipeline process for two of the Midwest BU’s development teams.
• Leveraging centralized fundraising reports and conducting advanced analyses of fundraising activity.
• Organizing and leading team pipeline meetings at least once a month.
• Serving as a liaison to the Global Development office, other state chapters, and international field offices.
• Managing the biannual Prospect Management review for assigned BUs.
• Providing support and targeted training related to the major gifts process and database management.
• Maintaining advanced skills in fundraising systems and resources.
• Participating in the Major Gifts Manager network and other position-related calls/networks.
• Coordinating the annual budget and goal setting processes.
• Improving and implementing processes and practices to enhance team major gifts management effectiveness.
• Keeping up to date on market trends and best practices.
• Working in close cooperation with Conservancy staff, donors, volunteers, vendors, public agencies, financial institutions, and legal and accounting professionals.
• Organizing and coordinating varied activities, projecting outcomes, and implementing solutions in consultation with leadership.
• Occasional travel and flexible working hours as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience coordinating projects.
• Experience generating reports and analyzing and interpreting data.
• Experience with current technology in relevant field.
• Experience working across departments.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of relevant field.

Requirements

• Ability to implement complex processes.
• Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results.
• Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff.
• Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
• Experience supervising staff, interns, and/or volunteers is valuable.
• Experience with database management.
• Knowledge of current trends in the specific field.
• Strong organization and negotiating skills, accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.
• Understanding of basic accounting principles.

Benefits

• Competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match.
• Parental leave.
• Accrued paid time off.
• Life insurance.
• Disability coverage.
• Employee assistance program.
• Other life and work well-being benefits.