Major Gift Officer

Tasks

• Identify and build relationships with potential donors.

• Write and send letters of thanks to donors.

• Secure commitments of participation or donation from individuals or corporate donors.

• Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs.

• Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.

• Create or update donor databases.

• Direct or supervise fundraising staff, including volunteer staff members.

• Develop or implement fundraising activities, such as annual giving campaigns or direct mail programs.

• Solicit cash or in-kind donations or sponsorships from individual, business, or government donors.

• Monitor progress of fundraising drives.

• Conduct research to identify the goals, net worth, charitable donation history, or other data related to potential donors, potential investors, or general donor markets.

• Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations.

• Establish fundraising or participation goals for special events or specified time periods.

• Monitor budgets, expense reports, or other financial data for fundraising organizations.

• Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes, activities, or needs.

• Recruit sponsors, participants, or volunteers for fundraising events.

• Write reports or prepare presentations to communicate fundraising program data.

• Design or produce materials such as posters, Web sites, or newsletters to promote, market, or advertise fundraising events.

• Write speeches, press releases, or other promotional materials to increase awareness of the causes, missions, or goals of organizations seeking funds.

• Explain the tax advantages of contributions to potential donors.

• Plan and direct special events for fundraising, such as silent auctions, dances, golf events, or walks.

• Attend community events, meetings, or conferences to promote organizational goals or solicit donations or sponsorships.

• Direct or coordinate Web-based fundraising activities, such as online auctions or donation Web sites.

• Develop corporate fundraising programs, such as employer gift-matching.

• Secure speakers for charitable events, community meetings, or conferences to increase awareness of charitable, nonprofit, or political causes.

• Prepare materials such as fundraising envelopes, bid sheets, or gift bags for charitable events.

• Develop and maintain media contact lists.

• Coordinate transportation or delivery of materials, supplies, or donations for fundraising events.

Skills

• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

• Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

• Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.

• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Management of Personnel Resources - Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Knowledge

• Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.