Major Gifts Officer

Who We Are

Lawrence Hall is a Chicago-based nonprofit social services agency that provides therapeutic, wellness, and skill development services to youth, families, and communities impacted by trauma.

Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon the principles of the Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) model and the core values of Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. Together, these principles are embedded throughout our trauma-informed philosophy and guide how we serve youth and families, support one another as colleagues, and partner with our community.

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.

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 major gift donors, prospects, and private funding partners to support Lawrence Hall's mission and strategic priorities. Through strategic donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, the Major Gifts Officer plays a critical role in growing philanthropic revenue and strengthening long-term relationships with individuals, families, and private foundations. This is an excellent opportunity for a relationship-driven fundraiser who is energized by donor engagement, strategic philanthropy, and mission-focused impact.

What You'll Do

• Manage and grow a portfolio of major gift prospects, donors, and philanthropic partners through strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
• Develop and execute individualized donor engagement plans, including prospect identification, relationship building, proposal development, and solicitation strategies.
• Partner with the Vice President of Development, CEO, senior leadership, and Board members to advance donor relationships and secure transformational gifts.
• Lead stewardship efforts through donor communications, impact reporting, recognition activities, and ongoing engagement opportunities.
• Utilize donor research, moves management, and CRM systems to track donor activity, measure progress, and maintain accurate records.
• Support organizational fundraising initiatives, donor events, planned giving efforts, and annual revenue goals.

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 securing five- and six-figure gifts from individual donors.
• Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward 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 and CRM systems; Raiser's Edge preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and achieve fundraising goals.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally for donor meetings and events.

Preferred

• Master's degree or other advanced degree.
• CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credential.
• Experience within nonprofit human services or social service organizations.
• Experience with planned giving programs.

Position Requirements & Work Environment

• Work Location: 4833 N. Francisco Avenue, Chicago, IL.
• Travel/Driving: Frequent local travel for donor meetings, cultivation events, stewardship activities, and community engagement opportunities.
• Schedule: Full-time onsite position, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend events.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Work Environment: Professional office environment with frequent interaction with donors, Board members, volunteers, and community stakeholders.

Compensation and Benefits

We care about the well-being of our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Salary: $87,000-$92,000 annually. Compensation is based on a set salary rate and may vary based on education and experience.
• Average of 17-25 days 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) for Medical and Dependent Care.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits for 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.

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.