Major Gifts Officer

POSITION TITLE : Major Gift Officer

REPORTS TO : Vice President of Development

STATUS : Full-time, regular

LOCATION : Based in Riverdale, Maryland, with ability to use satellite offices at locations in Washington, DC, and Arlington, VA.

Summary: Central Union Mission is seeking a dynamic relationship-builder to serve as our Major Gifts Officer. This frontline fundraising position manages a portfolio of approximately 150 major donors and qualified prospects, cultivating meaningful relationships that inspire transformational philanthropy in support of Central Union Mission's Christ-centered ministry to men, women, and families experiencing homelessness and poverty. The Major Gift Officer is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and stewarding donors with the capacity to make annual gifts of $10,000 or more. Working closely with the Vice President of Development, President & CEO, and program leaders, this position develops personalized engagement strategies that deepen donor relationships and advance the Mission's fundraising goals.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential duties and functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Portfolio Management

• • Manage an active portfolio of approximately 150 assigned major donors and prospects.
  • Develop individualized engagement plans for each assigned donor.
  • Conduct regular face-to-face visits, tours, calls, and virtual meetings with donors and prospects.
  • Identify and qualify new major gift prospects through research, referrals, and relationship-building.
  • Maintain accurate donor records and next steps within the Mission's CRM.

Major Gift Fundraising

• • Personally solicit and close five-, six-, and occasional seven-figure gifts.
  • Meet or exceed annual fundraising, visit, and activity goals.
  • Develop compelling gift proposals and personalized stewardship plans.
  • Partner with the Vice President of Development and President & CEO on strategic donor solicitations.
  • Identify planned giving opportunities, when appropriate.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• • Create meaningful opportunities for donors to experience the Mission firsthand through tours, volunteer experiences, and special events.
  • Coordinate personalized stewardship that demonstrates the impact of donor generosity.
  • Prepare briefing materials, proposals, correspondence, and acknowledgments.
  • Build long-term relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and excellent donor care.

Collaboration

• • Work collaboratively with program staff to understand current ministry priorities and gather stories of impact.
  • Partner with the Marketing & Communications team on donor communications and stewardship materials.
  • Participate in planning and execution of major donor events and cultivation experiences.

Data & Performance

• • Maintain complete and timely donor records within DonorPerfect.
  • Track portfolio activity and progress toward fundraising goals.
  • Prepare regular reports and pipeline updates.
  • Utilize donor data and wealth screening tools to identify new opportunities.

Requirements:

• • Bachelor’s Degree from a nationally accredited university/college. Master’s degree preferred.
  • Five or more years of successful major gift fundraising, relationship management, or comparable consultative sales experience.
  • Demonstrated success cultivating and soliciting five-figure+ gifts.
  • Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work well independently and with a team
  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining close attention to detail.
  • Hands-on experience with donor CRM software required (preferably multiple platforms), as well as excellent computer skills including Excel, Word, and Canva.
  • This position requires the ability to drive one’s own car and travel at times by plane, train or automobile (sometimes requiring overnight stays, although rare). Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record, ability to travel locally within the Metro DC area.
  • Agreement with and commitment to Central Union Mission’s mission and Statement of Faith required. Committed Christian and currently active in a local Christian church required.