Description

MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER

The Major Gifts Officer position presents an exciting opportunity to lead and manage a robust fundraising program for the Veterans Promise Campaign. This campaign aims to create a thriving community for Veterans and their families on the West LA VA north campus, with a focus on expanding housing, restoring historic buildings, and providing comprehensive support services. The role involves soliciting major gifts ranging from $25,000 to $1 million from individuals. As a senior member of the Development & Communications team, the Major Gifts Officer will report to the Vice President, Development & Communications, and collaborate with the team to engage philanthropic individuals in Los Angeles and nationwide. The Veterans Promise Campaign, launched in 2021, has already raised a significant portion of its $188 million funding goal, thanks to the dedication of foundation and corporate partners. The Major Gifts Officer will play a crucial role in harnessing individual philanthropy, leveraging their experience in building successful fundraising programs and securing major gifts.

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Responsibilities

• The ideal candidate for this position will have a track record of building new fundraising programs and a passion for personally soliciting and securing major gifts. Campaign experience, particularly with hands-on involvement, is preferred. The Major Gifts Officer will work closely with the development and communications team, fostering collaboration to drive the campaign's success
• Build and oversee individual philanthropic engagement for the Veterans Promise Campaign, through major gifts and planned giving, volunteer leadership, and community engagement
• Develop and maintain a portfolio of high-level donors and prospects; directly solicit operating and capital gifts of $25K-$1M , independently and in partnership with executive and campaign leaders
• Strategically identify, research, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward major and planned gifts from individuals and family foundations; maintain relationships with allied professionals and donor advised funds
• Actively produce written proposals, requests, appeals, case development and other donor-centric communications, in close partnership with Communications staff
• Solicit and secure planned and endowment gifts; identify and cultivate prospects, initiate gift discussions, and support administration, marketing and stewardship for structured gifts including bequests, donor advised funds, and charitable trusts
• Partner with The Veterans Collective partners, senior leadership, Campaign Cabinet and Fund Committees, and Board members, deploying them as necessary to cultivate and solicit gifts, steward current donors, host major donor events and other such activities
• Utilize donor research tools to support meeting preparation and strategic solicitation.
• Maintain constituent information, including contacts, action steps and deadlines in Raiser’s Edge
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Requirements

• 7-10 years of relevant experience in fundraising, major gifts, membership, or alumni management
• Bachelor's degree required in a related field. Additional relevant certifications or advanced degrees are desired
• Demonstrated success in soliciting and acquiring five- and six-figure gifts in a nonprofit setting
• Proven skills in moves management and creation of strategies to sustain and increase investment
• Excellent communication, project management, customer service, and interpersonal skills; persuasive writing and presentation style
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work in a deadline-driven environment, and manage complex projects while maintaining attention to detail
• Comfort working independently and as part of a team, ability to lead both direct and indirect reports
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required. Raiser’s Edge experience preferred
• Willingness and flexibility to work some evenings and weekends, as well as occasional travel
• High levels of integrity, flexibility, strategic thinking and humor, along with the creativity and persistence required to elicit new thinking and change

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

U.S.VETS subscribes to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. U.S.VETS’ policy is to provide employment, compensation, and other benefits related to employment based on qualifications, without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, U.S.VETS intends to comply fully with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, and the information requested on this application will be used only for purposes consistent with those laws.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT - REQUEST FOR

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

In accordance with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, U.S.VETS’ policy is to provide reasonable accommodation for applicants requesting accommodation(s) during the application process, so the applicant may be given a full and fair opportunity to be considered for employment. If any candidate needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify U.S.VETS in any of the following ways: by calling 213-542-2600, U.S. Mail, or hand deliver to U.S.VETS, 800 West 6th Street, Suite 1505, Los Angeles, CA 90017.

United States Veterans Initiative is a non-profit organization whose mission is the successful transition of military veterans and their families through the provision of housing, counseling, career development and comprehensive support.

REV 11.1.23