Major Gifts Officer

Who we are

With over 150 years of experience, Lawrence Hall provides a wide range of therapeutic, wellness, and skill development services to Chicagoland youth, families, and communities affected by lasting trauma. We foster healing and growth through empowerment, respect, safety, and teamwork.

About the Role

The Major Gifts Officer is a member of the Development Department and reports directly to the Vice President of Development. This position is responsible for building and managing a portfolio of individual donors and private funding sources to support Lawrence Hall's mission and strategic priorities.

The Major Gifts Officer will design and implement comprehensive strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects and donors (individuals, families, and private foundations). This role focuses exclusively on private philanthropy and plays a critical part in growing philanthropic revenue through meaningful donor engagement.

The Major Gifts Officer represents Lawrence Hall to high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic partners and must demonstrate strong relationship-building, communication, and strategic planning skills. Frequent local travel is required for donor meetings, events, and engagement activities.

Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon four core values: Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. These values are deeply embedded within our organization's philosophy of trauma-informed care and directly influence every position.

What You ' ll Do

Major Gifts & Private Philanthropy

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, with a focus on gifts in five to seven figure range, ensuring consistent cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

• Develop and execute individualized donor strategies, including identification, qualification, engagement, solicitation, and long-term relationship management.

• Partner with the Vice President of Development, senior leadership, and Board members to advance donor relationships and support solicitations.

• Identify and actively pursue new major gift prospects to expand the organization's donor base.

• Prepare compelling proposals, case statements, and donor communications tailored to donor interests and organizational priorities.

• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of donor interactions, strategies, and outcomes in the donor database.

• Lead stewardship efforts, including impact reporting, recognition, and ongoing engagement to deepen donor commitment.

• Make direct meaningful donor interactions and solicitations and support leadership with their solicitations and campaign initiatives, including capital or special fundraising efforts, as assigned.

• Work with CEO and VP of Development to develop donor activity metrics to meet annual fundraising goals.

• Develop and grow Lawrence Hall's planned giving program.

Donor Engagement & Strategy

• Analyzes prospect research with a strong command of moves management to strategically cultivate and advance donors toward major gift opportunities.

• Collaborate with Development team members on integrated fundraising strategies, events, and donor communications.

• Assist in planning and executing donor cultivation events and engagement opportunities.

• Provide regular reports on portfolio performance, revenue progress, and pipeline development.

General

• Serve as a staff liaison to assigned Board or Development committees as needed.

• Participate as an active member of the Development team, contributing to overall fundraising goals and strategy.

• Communicate regularly with the Vice President of Development, CEO, senior leadership and Board regarding progress, challenges, and opportunities.

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all donor and stakeholder interactions.

• Collegiality required – employees must demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively, foster positive relationships, and contribute to a respectful team environment.

• Maintain confidentiality to ensure a safe environment for all.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, SharePoint, Word, Excel).

• Have a basic understanding of the youth/customers served, complete trauma training, and apply this knowledge with empathy in their interactions.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Who we ' re looking for

Required:

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Minimum of 5–7+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with a strong emphasis on major gifts and individual giving.

• Demonstrated success in securing five- and six-figure gifts from individual donors.

• Proven ability to build and manage relationships with high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic partners.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including proposal writing and donor presentations.

• Experience using donor databases/CRM systems and managing pipelines effectively; Raiser's Edge preferred.

• Proficiency working in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and meet fundraising goals.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally for donor meetings and events.

Preferred:

• Master's or advanced degree

• CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive) designation

Additional Information

The position is located at 4833 N Francisco Avenue. This full-time, on-site position typically operates Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and requires ability to occasionally lift/carry up to 25 lbs.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $87,000- $92,000/year, based on experience.
• Average of 17-25 days of PTO + 9 holidays
• Medical insurance - HMO and PPO options
• Dental insurance - HMO and PPO options
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 5% employer match and auto-vesting
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Medical and Dependent Care
• Pre-tax Commuter benefits - Parking and Transit
• 100% employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Children
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 100% employer- paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free counseling and life resources
• Wellness Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Bonus up to $1,500
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for licensed employees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

How to Apply

Submit your resume here. We look forward to learning more about you!

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Following job offer acceptance, all new hires are required to complete a background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Individuals who have lived outside of Illinois may also be subject to out-of-state checks, which can take up to eight weeks to process. While these checks are pending, candidates should continue completing all other pre-boarding requirements. Employment may begin once all pre-boarding steps are complete and DCFS clearance has been received.