Major Gifts Officer

Variety the Children's Charity of Saint Louis
Major Gifts Officer

Are you energized by building meaningful relationships and inspired by the power of philanthropy to transform lives? Do you thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where creativity, initiative, and authentic connection are valued? Are you excited by the opportunity to introduce new supporters to a cause that is redefining what's possible for children with disabilities in our community?

Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis (Variety) is seeking a talented and relationship-driven Major Gifts Officer to help advance our mission by cultivating meaningful partnerships with donors, community leaders, and philanthropic champions. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced fundraiser who enjoys connecting people to purpose, building long-term relationships, and helping drive transformational impact for local children and families.

About Variety
Variety is a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of local children with disabilities, providing critical medical equipment, therapies, and innovative recreation and performing arts programs. Every relationship you cultivate helps us reimagine children’s abilities and expand what’s possible for their futures.

Position Overview:

The Major Gifts Officer plays a key role in strengthening and growing the relationships that fuel Variety's impact. Working closely with the Director of Development and a dedicated development team, this position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors ($10,000+) while creating meaningful opportunities for supporters to engage with our mission.

This is a highly relational fundraising role focused on strategic donor acquisition, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Success in this position is built on developing authentic connections, inspiring philanthropic investment, and expanding Variety's network of passionate supporters. While the role will participate in select donor engagement activities and events, its primary focus is relationship-based fundraising rather than event management.

The Major Gifts Officer will manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, contribute to fundraising strategy, support planned giving efforts, and supervise one development team member while helping advance the organization's overall fundraising goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of approximately 125 major gift donors ($10,000+) and prospects, developing and executing individualized strategies to achieve annual revenue goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, foundation, and corporate donors, strengthening engagement through thoughtful relationship management.
• Support planned giving efforts through proactive donor conversations and collaboration with professional advisors.
• Work in close collaboration with the Director of Development to advance major gift strategy and overall fundraising priorities.
• Directly supervise and develop one development team member, setting goals, monitoring performance, and supporting professional growth.
• Collaborate with development team members, board members, and volunteers to execute donor strategies, campaigns, events, and engagement efforts.
• Participate in special projects, campaigns, and fundraising initiatives as needed to support organizational goals.

Qualifications:
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Minimum three years of experience in major gift fundraising.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts, including gifts in the six-figure range.
• Experience managing a donor portfolio and achieving annual fundraising goals through strategic moves management.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices.
• Familiarity in the St. Louis philanthropic community.
• Proficiency in donor databases.
• Exceptional relationship-builder with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Prospect research and proven track record of identifying and cultivating new donors. 
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented professional with strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Genuine passion for Variety’s mission and a commitment to advancing its impact.

Preferred Qualifications

• CFRE preferred.
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and strategies.
• Experience working in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge.

Schedule & Location
This is a full-time (40 hours/week), primarily on-site position based at Variety’s office near Westport Plaza in St. Louis, Missouri. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings or weekends as needed.

If you are passionate about building meaningful relationships and leveraging philanthropy to create lasting change, we invite you to apply and help us expand what’s possible for children with disabilities and their families across our community.

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