Major Gifts Officer

Major Gifts Officer (Full-time) Le Jardin Academy is looking for a Major Gifts Officer who will build and manage relationships with current and prospective donors capable of making significant philanthropic investments in Le Jardin Academy. Through strategic qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, the officer advances support for the school’s highest funding priorities, including annual, capital, endowment, scholarship, and programmatic initiatives. Salary starts at $80,000. Responsibilities Build and manage a portfolio of 75–100 prospective major donors, aiming to close $200,000 by June 2027 and achieve an ROI of 5–10 % by 2030. Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major‑gift prospects and donors to maintain a healthy donor pipeline. Conduct regular face‑to‑face, virtual, and other meaningful donor interactions to advance relationships and move prospects through the donor continuum. Work closely with the Executive Director of Advancement and Director of Development to develop and expand the major‑gifts program. Partner with the Annual Giving Manager to identify highly engaged constituents with major‑gift potential and coordinate donor engagement and stewardship. Help donors align their philanthropic interests with Le Jardin Academy’s mission, strategic priorities, and funding opportunities. Maintain accurate and timely donor records in Raiser's Edge NXT, documenting all substantive interactions. Collaborate with Advancement leadership to engage the Head of School, Trustees, and other key stakeholders in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Prepare compelling proposals, gift agreements, impact reports, and other donor‑facing materials. Ensure timely and meaningful stewardship and recognition of major donors through personalized communication, reporting, and engagement opportunities. Conduct prospect research and analysis to identify new major‑gift opportunities. Serve ad‑hoc on the Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees. Monitor and report weekly on portfolio activity, donor engagement, and fundraising outcomes. Support capital, endowment, and special fundraising initiatives as they arise. Participate in school events and activities to connect with prospects and advance fundraising objectives. Continue to refine and expand LJA’s major‑gifts program. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required. 3–5 years of progressive frontline fundraising experience with proven success in major gifts, leadership giving, or related development work, preferably in an independent school, higher education, or nonprofit environment. Demonstrated track record of successfully identifying, cultivating, and closing major gifts from individual donors. Experience working collaboratively with volunteers, trustees, senior leaders, or other stakeholders to advance donor relationships. Capital‑campaign experience preferred. Authorized to work in the United States. Skills & Competencies Strong ability to build authentic, trust‑based relationships with donors and internal partners. Exceptional storytelling ability and emotional intelligence to read donor cues, with discretion to handle sensitive information. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting compelling donor communications and presentations (writing and presentation samples may be requested). Demonstrated organizational and portfolio‑management skills, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively. High level of self‑motivation and ability to work independently while contributing in a collaborative team environment. Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and donor database/CRM systems. Ability to prepare visually clear and compelling presentations and proposals using standard design tools. Personal & Professional Attributes Deep commitment to the vision, mission, values, and educational philosophy of LJA. Demonstrated cultural competence and intercultural sensitivity, engaging effectively with a diverse community of stakeholders. Strategic thinker who is also execution‑oriented, balancing relationship focus with results orientation. Creative problem‑solver with sound judgment and attention to detail. Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and discretion with confidential donor information. Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and travel as needed. Physical Requirements Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to manipulate, handle, grip, and feel objects, utensils, tools, or controls. Frequently required to reach with hands and arms. Occasionally required to lift, push, pull, and/or carry items and objects up to 50 pounds, with a minimum of 25 pounds lifted and carried. Occasionally required to lift, push, pull, and/or carry items and objects up to 60 pounds. Specific vision ability: 20/20 vision (corrected or uncorrected). Specific hearing ability: must pass a hearing test (corrected or uncorrected). Work Details Department: Advancement Status: Full‑time FLSA Status: Exempt Work year: Twelve months Work hours: Must be able to work flexible hours, standard hours 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, including some Saturdays, holidays, and evenings. #J-18808-Ljbffr Le Jardin Academy