Major Gifts Officer

For over a century Associated Humane Societies have offered a haven to abused and neglected animals. Founded in 1906, AHS is the LARGEST animal sheltering system in New Jersey. We operate four shelters located in Newark, Tinton Falls, Forked River, and Vineland. Our Forked River facility also includes Popcorn Park. Established in 1977, Popcorn Park is a sanctuary for abandoned, injured, ill, exploited, abused or elderly-exotic animals, birds, farm animals and wildlife (both domestic and exotic).

At AHS, we want our team and the animals in our care to feel safe, secure and valued. Animal Rescue is a very challenging and very rewarding environment. At AHS, we want to provide the best possible experience for our employees by providing a caring learning environment with opportunity for growth.

AHS is looking for a strategic and enthusiastic Major Gifts Officer to develop and implement our Major Gifts Program. In this role, you’ll be responsible for managing a portfolio of existing major donors, cultivating and upgrading mid-level donors and identifying new prospects to support AHS’ annual and campaign fundraising goals. This role requires collaboration within the development team and across all program areas.

• Personally manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospective major gift donors to increase the amount of their financial support of AHS.
• Conduct research on the giving potential of current donors and identify prospective new major and campaign donors.
• Under the direction of the Director of Development, and in collaboration with other staff in accordance with the department’s development plan, devise, coordinate, and implement personalized short, intermediate, and long-term major donor cultivation, contact, and solicitation, strategies for prospective, and existing donors.
• Craft effective proposals, reports, acknowledgements, campaign case for support and reports and other related communications.
• Plan and execute various donor cultivation and stewardship activities throughout the region, including visits with individual donors, produce small gatherings and house parties, coordinate with other staff on development opportunities during other program activities, and events, such as inviting donors to attend a conference or community events.
• Support senior staff or board members engaged in donor cultivation and solicitation in this region.
• Maintain current and accurate records in donor database. Provide regular and consistent reports to Director of Development, CEO, and Board as needed.
• Support the overall long-term financial strength of AHS by serving as the primary contact for planned giving inquiries from within the major gift portfolio.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in fundraising in a non-profit organization, campaign fundraising experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated strength in relationship management.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit & close gifts.
• Exceptional leadership skills, strategic judgment, and creative vision.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate, represent and discuss strategies with board members in the appropriate development areas needed for success.
• Experience with and understanding of fundraising strategies – including how to ask donors for major gifts – and ability to facilitate teamwork that supports diverse fundraising efforts.
• Ability to plan and oversee donor and small cultivation and fundraising events.
• Ability to identify, cultivate, acquire, and steward gifts from individuals and family foundations.
• Experience with developing and following a budget and managing organizational financial resources.
• Ability to self-energize and to self-assess and seek to learn areas of the job that may require training and study to master.
• Knowledge of the social, philanthropic, and business leadership of New Jersey & the tri-state area.
• Ability to mobilize others to fulfill the mission and vision of AHS with passion and optimism
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• AHS believes strongly in diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We’re looking forward to meeting you!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: Hybrid remote with the ability to visit each of our locations monthly.