Major Gifts Officer

SPCA Cincinnati Major Gifts Officer

SPCA Cincinnati delivers lifesaving compassionate care and community-based services for animals and the people who love them. Through adoption, humane education, sheltering, cruelty investigations, emergency field response, veterinary care, and outreach programs, SPCA serves as a trusted leader in animal welfare across the region.

SPCA Cincinnati is creating a Major Gifts Officer position to help build the future of philanthropy for one of the country's oldest animal welfare organizations. This is a frontline, relationship-driven fundraising role responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity individual donors while growing a sustainable culture of philanthropy.

The Major Gifts Officer will play a critical role in expanding SPCA Cincinnati's major gifts program by establishing disciplined portfolio management practices, deepening donor engagement, expanding leadership-level giving, and securing philanthropic investments that advance the organization's mission and long-term sustainability.

Core Responsibilities

• Build, qualify, and actively manage a portfolio of approximately 100-125 major gift prospects and donors.
• Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Maintain accurate donor records, strategy notes, and moves management activity within Raiser's Edge.
• Utilize research, analytics, wealth screening, direct response engagement, and community connections to identify new prospects.

• Conduct meaningful donor visits and engagement activities designed to advance relationships and philanthropic investment.
• Develop compelling proposals aligned with organizational priorities.
• Secure five-figure gifts independently and participate in leadership and six-figure solicitations.
• Partner with the Chief Development Officer, CEO, and Board members on strategic donor engagement and solicitation efforts.

• Design and implement individualized stewardship plans that reinforce impact and encourage increased giving.
• Identify planned giving, blended giving, and multi-year commitment opportunities.
• Ensure donors receive timely, meaningful, and mission-focused reporting.

• Collaborate with senior leadership and Board members to prepare for and execute strategic donor engagement opportunities.
• Represent SPCA Cincinnati professionally and effectively in community and donor-facing settings.

Performance Expectations

• Managing a qualified portfolio of 100-125 prospects.
• Completing meaningful donor visits and engagement activities annually.
• Meeting or exceeding annual major gift revenue goals established in partnership with the Chief Development Officer.
• Submitting personalized proposals and solicitation strategies.
• Demonstrating measurable pipeline growth, donor retention, and gift upgrades.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Three to five years of successful fundraising, sales, business development, or relationship management experience.
• Demonstrated success securing gifts, sales, or investments through relationship-based strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and working independently.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Major gifts experience.
• Experience using Raiser's Edge or a comparable CRM.
• CFRE credential.
• Experience working with volunteers or boards.
• Passion for animal welfare and community impact.

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is based at SPCA Cincinnati's Sharonville campus and operates primarily from an in-office environment. Frequent face-to-face meetings with donors, prospects, volunteers, and community partners are expected, along with regular local travel throughout the Greater Cincinnati region.

The position requires flexibility to attend donor meetings, community events, volunteer activities, and fundraising functions during select evenings and weekends throughout the year.

SPCA Cincinnati encourages ongoing professional development through conferences, continuing education, professional associations, and opportunities to expand fundraising expertise.

While animal ownership is encouraged, a genuine appreciation for the human-animal bond is essential.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with SPCA Cincinnati covering 90% of employee premium costs.
• Flexible Savings Account (FSA).
• Employer paid Long Term & Short Term Disability and Group Term Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Three weeks of paid time off plus paid holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 5% employer match.
• Professional development support, including conferences, continuing education, certifications, and professional memberships.
• The opportunity to see your impact firsthand through direct connection to SPCA Cincinnati's lifesaving work.

Why This Role Matters

This is an opportunity to help build the next chapter of philanthropy at SPCA Cincinnati. The Major Gifts Officer will play a direct role in expanding the organization's capacity to rescue, heal, protect, and advocate for animals by securing the philanthropic investments that fuel long-term mission impact.

Application deadline is July 13, 2026