Major Gift Officer

Job Duties

Position: Major Gift Officer

Salary: $68,000-$77,000

Schedule: Full time, nights and weekends as needed

Location: In person, St. Paul

WHO WE ARE

For more than 129 years, Neighborhood House has partnered with families in St. Paul to ensure access to essential services, including food, housing, education, and opportunities. Today, we serve more than 30,000 individuals annually across six neighborhoods, striving for a community where everyone can thrive.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Major Gift Officer is responsible for managing a portfolio of individual and institutional donors and prospects, with a focus on building relationships that result in significant philanthropic investment. This role focuses on direct donor engagement, developing and executing individualized strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors. Portfolios will include individuals as well as select corporate, education, and faith-based partners.

The Major Gift Officer reports to the Chief Advancement Officer and works closely with advancement colleagues to align donor engagement with organizational priorities while maintaining primary responsibility for the strategy and performance of their assigned portfolio. This position is designed to maximize time spent on relationship-building and revenue generation, with administrative and operational support provided through the broader advancement team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Portfolio Management

• Manage and execute strategies for a portfolio of major donors and prospects.

• Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans.

• Conduct regular donor outreach, including meetings, calls, and personalized engagement.

• Track and manage donor activity and progress through moves management.

Revenue Generation & Solicitation

• Solicit and close major gifts in alignment with organizational priorities.

• Align donor interests with funding opportunities across programs and initiatives.

• Contribute to revenue goals through consistent portfolio activity and follow-through.

Relationship Building & Engagement

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with donors and partners.

• Coordinate meaningful engagement opportunities that deepen donor connection to the mission.

• Support and participate in small-scale donor events and gatherings designed to cultivate relationships.

Sponsorship & Event Engagement

• Identify and pursue sponsorship opportunities within assigned portfolio.

• Manage relationships with sponsors connected to the annual fundraising gala and other initiatives.

• Coordinate with advancement colleagues to align sponsorship efforts with overall event strategy.

Strategic Contribution & Collaboration

• Develop and implement strategies to cultivate a more diverse and representative donor portfolio.

• Inform advancement strategy by sharing insights from donor relationships and trends.

• Collaborate with advancement team members to ensure alignment across major gifts, annual fund, and planned giving.

• Coordinate with program and leadership staff to connect donors to meaningful opportunities and impact.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, sales, or relationship-based roles.

• Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with donors or clients.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage a portfolio and prioritize competing demands.

• Experience using CRM systems to track donor engagement.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a donor-centered mindset.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

• A collaborative, inclusive approach that values teamwork, equity, and community voice.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit fundraising.

• Proven ability to manage a major gift portfolio.

• Experience working with corporate and institutional partners.

• Ability to speak one or more languages spoken by our participant families, especially Spanish, Karen, Hmong, and Somali.

WORK LOCATION

This in-person role is based in St. Paul, MN.

BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT

Neighborhood House is required to conduct background checks on all final candidates because of our work with youth and families. We understand that past events may have occurred, and we don’t want this to deter you from applying. The outcome of background checks does not automatically disqualify a candidate, and we are open to a conversation to discuss the results.

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Neighborhood House is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The Neighborhood House provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any other status protected by law.

WE’D LIKE TO MEET YOU

Don't meet every requirement listed in this job description? Do you think your experience level is not where it needs to be? Studies show that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification. Neighborhood House is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. If you're interested in this position but your experience doesn't align perfectly with all the qualifications in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. The right role for you might be just around the corner.

Minimum Education Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Minimum Experience Required

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, sales, or relationship-based roles.

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

2

Public Transportation Accessible

Yes

Veterans Encouraged to Apply

Yes

Physical Required

No

Drug Test Required

No

Compensation

$68,000.00 - $77,000.00 / Annually

Postal Code

55107

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

MGO

Job Benefits

health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits, etc.