Major Gifts Officer

The Major Gift Officer is responsible for developing a full-fledged major gift program to grow the mission of our organization at this time of unique opportunity. The incumbent will identifying, qualifying, and advancing high-capacity donor prospects in support of Ten Thousand Villages’ philanthropic priorities, with particular emphasis on Artisan Pathways. This person will cultivate major prospects, craft gift proposals, make major gifts requests, and close major gifts.

This person will work very closely with the CEO to get the CEO in front of top prospects and will advise and strategize with the CEO on major donor solicitation and the growth of a thriving major gifts program with regular asks made by the CEO and the MGO. The primary measure of success will be a pipeline of major gifts that advance the mission of the organization and make philanthropy a significant and dependable source of annual support for the mission of the organization.

The position works directly with the CEO to arrange and prepare donor meetings and serves as a critical connector between prospective donors, executive leadership, and the Board Development Committee. The full job description can be found at

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Passion for the mission of Ten Thousand Villages and the ability to effectively engage donors, supporters, and partners from diverse backgrounds, especially those motivated by Christian faith and Anabaptist values.
• Strong knowledge of Christian and Anabaptist communities in the US preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in fundraising strongly preferred business development, relationship management, or comparable high-level sales roles may be considered.
• Demonstrated fundraising success, especially successful major gift fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated success initiating and advancing relationships with high-capacity individuals.
• Strong discovery, listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to represent mission, impact, and strategy with confidence and precision.
• Strong organizational discipline and follow-through.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and judgment.

Personal Attributes

• Externally oriented and relationship driven.
• Comfortable operating in executive and board-level contexts.
• Self-directed, persistent, and attentive to detail.
• Motivated by opportunity creation and mission impact.