Major Gifts Officer

Major Gifts Officer | Friends of the Children - Western Montana

Friends of the Children is a nonprofit that is impacting generational change by empowering youth through relationships with professional mentors. We do this by providing children facing the most obstacles with a long-term, salaried, professional mentor, who we call a "Friend," from kindergarten through high school graduation, 12+ years - no matter what!

Are you ready to play a critical role in helping Western Montana's most vulnerable children change the trajectories of their lives by engaging in community-centered fundraising that inspires transformational giving? If so, the impactful role of Major Gifts Officer might be for you.

You will be joining a thriving five-year-old organization with a well-established major gifts program, deep commitment to our culture of philanthropy, and a $2+ million-dollar budget that is looking to take the next leap in its exciting journey to empower more children and families to reach their full potential.

Position Objective

The Major Gifts Officer is an integral member of the fundraising team and reports to the Development Director. Working closely with the Executive Director, Development Director, and Development Associate, this position develops and manages relationships with individual donors, foundations, and community leaders to secure philanthropic investments that sustain and expand Friends of the Children-Western Montana's mission.

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for generating $400,000 in gifts annually through the cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and growth of a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of making major gifts through meaningful relationship-based stewardship.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 150+ individual donors and prospects with the capacity to make annual gifts of $1,000 or more.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation plans for donors and prospects.
• Conduct 16-20 meaningful donor visits per month, including face-to-face meetings, tours, presentations, and engagement activities designed to deepen relationships and secure philanthropic support.
• Secure $400,000 annually in philanthropic revenue through portfolio management, donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
• Identify, qualify, and cultivate new major gift prospects through research, networking, referrals, and community engagement.
• Prepare compelling gift proposals, letters of inquiry, and funding requests for individual donors and family foundations.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Development Director on major donor cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Support donor stewardship efforts through timely follow-up, relationship management, and meaningful engagement opportunities.
• Ensure donor information and interactions are accurately documented in the donor database.
• Represent Friends of the Children-Western Montana at community events, networking opportunities, speaking engagements, and donor gatherings.
• Serve as a passionate ambassador for the organization, effectively communicating the mission, impact, and funding priorities of Friends of the Children-Western Montana.
• Support annual fundraising campaigns, special events, and other development initiatives as needed.
• Stay informed about fundraising best practices and philanthropic trends to strengthen donor engagement and fundraising outcomes.

The Ideal Candidate

Education

Bachelor's degree required. Equivalent professional experience in fundraising, sales, business development, relationship management, or a related field will be considered.

Required Experience

• 3+ years of professional experience in fundraising, sales, business development, relationship management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success building relationships and securing financial investments, gifts, or partnerships.
• Experience managing a donor portfolio and successfully soliciting charitable gifts. (preferred)
• Cultural competence and prior experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Confidence and comfort making direct fundraising asks and discussing philanthropic investments.
• Ability to inspire support through storytelling and mission-driven communications.
• Strong organizational, project management, and follow-through skills.
• Experience with donor databases, CRM systems, and fundraising reporting tools. (preferred)
• Enthusiasm to be part of a growing nonprofit organization.
• Passion to play a critical role in helping Western Montana's most vulnerable children change the trajectories of their lives.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Additional Requirements

• Maintain an acceptable driving record and access to a reliable vehicle with auto insurance liability minimum of $100,000/$300,000/$100,000
• Must successfully pass a background check, including criminal and protective services clearances.
• Willingness to attend occasional evening and weekend events.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: $70,000-$80,000 annually, depending on experience

PTO & Holidays: 4 weeks PTO + 10 holidays

Benefits: Employer covers 100% of the employee-only premium for comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.

Retirement: 401(k) with 3% employer match

Loan Forgiveness: Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Equal Opportunity Statement

Friends of the Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to addressing discriminatory practices. The equal employment opportunity policy of Friends of the Children provides fair and equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants. Friends of the Children hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled.