Major Gift Officer (50737)

The Major Gift Officer (MGO) is a strategic fundraising leader responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, managing, and growing a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, usually at the $10,000+ level. This role plays a vital part in advancing the club's revenue goals by securing transformational gifts and strengthening long-term donor engagement.

The MGO partners closely with the CEO, the Board of Directors, and senior leadership to develop key relationships and implement major-gift strategies. This individual provides a high level of independence, experience, and judgment, serving as both a frontline fundraiser and a strategic partner on advancement initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects
• Develop and execute comprehensive, individualized strategies to secure five- and six-figure gifts
• Consistently meet or exceed ambitious annual revenue targets
• Prioritize high-value opportunities and effectively manage the donor pipeline

Leadership & Partnership

• Partner closely with the CEO and board members on top-tier donor strategies and solicitations
• Coordinate and support the CEO's donor engagement efforts by proactively scheduling meetings, providing strategic briefings, and ensuring thorough preparation with relevant donor insights and engagement plans, making sure the CEO is well-prepared with background information and strategy.
• Serve as a key contributor to overall fundraising strategy, including major gifts, campaigns, and donor management

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Develop strong, trust-oriented relationships with donors through highly personalized engagement.
• Create impactful donor experiences that clearly link giving to results (site visits, youth stories, small gatherings)
• Ensure top-tier stewardship for major donors, including personalized reporting and recognition.

Prospect Strategy & Pipeline Development

• Identify, qualify, and connect with new high-potential prospects.
• Utilize data, research, and networks to grow the major gifts pipeline.
• Collaborate with the advancement team to align prospect strategies across giving levels

Campaign & Initiative Support

• Play a lead role in capital campaigns, special initiatives, or major fundraising efforts
• Manage a portfolio of campaign prospects and assist in developing and executing campaign strategies.

Data, Metrics & Accountability

• Ensure precise and strategic CRM utilization for tracking moves management.
• Analyze portfolio performance and modify strategies as needed.
• Deliver regular forecasts, reports, and insights to leadership.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future.

• Health Coverage: Includes health, dental, and vision insurance, ensuring you and your family have access to essential care.
• Life Insurance & Disability: Life insurance coverage, along with short- and long-term disability benefits, to provide peace of mind.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): A generous PTO policy, including paid holidays, to help you recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Retirement plan: The 401(k) plan, including employer contributions after 1 year of service.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of ongoing opportunities for professional growth through workshops, training programs, and other learning initiatives.
• Workplace Culture: We foster a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 5-10+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with a strong focus on major gifts
• Proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts
• Proven ability to handle complex donor relationships and close deals
• Experience partnering with senior leaders and board members in fundraising
• Strong strategic thinking, communication, and relationship management skills
• High level of discretion, professionalism, and emotional intelligence

Environmental Conditions

• Maintain a full-time, 40-hour workweek, with the expectation of working in person five days a week at the Club Support Center. Flexibility may be offered based on organizational needs and role responsibilities.
• Understand that successful relationship-building-both internally and externally-relies on regular in-person interactions; therefore, flexibility in scheduling is expected to accommodate meetings during normal business hours as well as evenings and weekends, when necessary.
• Must have dependable, insured personal transportation to move between locations.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.