Major Gifts Officer

We strongly encourage people of color, transgender and non-binary people to apply. HRC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone, including non-LGBTQ+ people, to join our team. Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that people from marginalized communities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At HRC, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Position Summary:

The Major Gifts Officer/Senior Major Gifts Officer is a regular, full-time position responsible for the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of contributions from major donors and major donor prospects (in coordination with the Senior Director of Major Gifts, the Leadership Giving program and the other major gifts officers). This position will play a key role in significantly growing an engagement strategy, building, and managing a portfolio of major gift prospects, expanding the scope and scale of HRC’s philanthropic efforts, and helping formulate strategy and implementation of plans to achieve fundraising goals.

The Senior Specialist salary range is $78,500 - $104,000. Those with commensurate experience will be considered for hiring at the Associate Director level and salary range of $104,000 - $130,000.

Position Responsibilities:

• Implement programs and activities to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors at the major gift level ($5,000 level and above), with a specific emphasis on growing the base of donors making gifts of at least $25,000 annually. The candidate will actively participate in the identification and qualification of new major gift and leadership gift ($100,000+) prospects. There shall be an emphasis on identifying and cultivating prospects in the BIPOC community.
• Cultivate and grow a visible presence within the LGBTQ+ community in HRC communities and be seen as a part of the engaged donor community in those communities. Regularly attend and represent HRC at important events in the LGBTQ+, BIPOC and non-LGBTQ+ communities and build a robust network of donors and prospects. There is an expectation that this person will be visible in the community and attend a substantial number of community events throughout the year.
• Develop and steward relationships with HRC’s already robust and dynamic donor base in the communities. Work strategically with the Board of Directors, major donor committee, development and political department staff and other major gift officers to ensure donors feel connected to the organization.
• Develop a comprehensive plan to include upgrading current donors and identifying and soliciting new donors to meet budgeted goals for the communities.
• Manage a portfolio of more than 100 current donors and a significant number of prospects.
• Identify opportunities for further engagement with donors and prospects to support HRC, the HRC Foundation, the HRC PAC and the HRC Equality Votes Super PAC. Additionally, identify prospects to become Equality Circle members, a group of supporters of HRC’s Planned Giving program.
• As appropriate, assist in identifying prospects that are potential matches with HRC’s other development programs including corporate partnerships, foundation fundraising and Federal Club giving. Work closely with the respective staff in those programs to facilitate introductions and meetings.
• Work with the data team to identify major donor prospects for said campaigns.
• Foster opportunities for other HRC staff leadership with donors and other community leaders. Provide background for in-depth briefing documents in advance of such meetings. Execute events and other fundraising activities that advance HRC’s relationship with donors and prospects.
• Preparation and staffing of principal and other senior leaders at events and individual meetings, with a strong ability to represent HRC as needed.
• Prepare written documents in support of solicitation, cultivation, and development events, including correspondence, strategic plans, invitations, reports, and highly tailored proposals.
• Provide reporting to board members and volunteers related to major donor fundraising including, but not limited to, active major donor reports, prospect reports, and progress toward budgeted goals.
• Manage current donor and prospect cultivation and solicitation plans by using donor software.
• Work collaboratively with HRCs major gifts team, participating in regular conference calls and meetings, attend and participate in HRC board meetings in Washington, DC and attend other events in Washington, DC as needed.
• Actively share information on planned giving opportunities as appropriate.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum of three years of experience in fundraising. Emphasis in the major donor arena, as well as experience in solicitation of political contributions for federal candidates and/or party committees.
  • Those with at least 5 years experience will be considered for hiring at the Associate Director level
• Experience identifying and cultivating prospects in the BIPOC community is preferred.
• Candidates should be comfortable working independently but as part of a larger team.
• Candidates must be well organized, detail-oriented, and have proven experience in securing major gifts.
• Applicants must be able to prioritize multiple assignments and be able to handle complex tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Individuals should have demonstrated proficiency in writing and strong communication skills.
• In particular, the individual should have public speaking experience or skills, be able to represent HRC in a variety of settings and exceptional strength in donor relations.
• Strong interest in the rapidly changing LGBTQ+ equality movement and a working knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues.
• Ability and willingness to travel 35–40% of the time is required.

All positions at the Human Rights Campaign may require travel on a regular basis or periodically. Where the need arises for business travel, appropriate compensation as outlined by the Fair Labor Standards Act will apply.