What are the responsibilities and job description for the Major Gifts Officer position at Friends of the Children - Western Montana?
Company Description Friends of the Children - Western Montana is dedicated to breaking cycles of generational poverty and hardship by pairing children facing the greatest obstacles with long-term, paid, professional mentors (“Friends”). Each child is supported consistently from age 4 through high school graduation, for 12 years, regardless of life changes or challenges. The organization advocates for youth in their homes, schools, and communities to ensure they have stable, trusting relationships and opportunities to thrive. Program families receive wrap-around support tailored to their needs, reinforcing the impact of mentoring. Applicants can learn more about the mission, values, and programs by visiting the organization’s website.
Role Description The Major Gifts Officer is a full-time, on-site role based in Missoula, MT, responsible for securing significant philanthropic investments to advance Friends of the Children - Western Montana’s mission. This position manages a portfolio of major gift prospects, cultivates relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners, and develops personalized engagement strategies. Day-to-day tasks include conducting donor meetings, preparing proposals and impact reports, coordinating stewardship activities, and collaborating with program staff to align donor interests with organizational priorities. The role also involves creating and implementing annual and planned giving strategies, overseeing prospect research to identify new funding opportunities, and supporting special campaigns or events. The Major Gifts Officer works closely with leadership to set fundraising goals, track progress, and ensure a high-quality donor experience.
Qualifications
Role Description The Major Gifts Officer is a full-time, on-site role based in Missoula, MT, responsible for securing significant philanthropic investments to advance Friends of the Children - Western Montana’s mission. This position manages a portfolio of major gift prospects, cultivates relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners, and develops personalized engagement strategies. Day-to-day tasks include conducting donor meetings, preparing proposals and impact reports, coordinating stewardship activities, and collaborating with program staff to align donor interests with organizational priorities. The role also involves creating and implementing annual and planned giving strategies, overseeing prospect research to identify new funding opportunities, and supporting special campaigns or events. The Major Gifts Officer works closely with leadership to set fundraising goals, track progress, and ensure a high-quality donor experience.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in major gifts and philanthropy, with strong skills in cultivating and soliciting significant contributions.
- Knowledge of planned giving strategies and annual giving programs, including the ability to design and implement comprehensive fundraising plans.
- Proficiency in prospect research to identify, evaluate, and prioritize potential donors and funding partners.
- Background in alumni relations or similar relationship-based development work, with a focus on engagement and stewardship.
- Strong communication, presentation, and writing skills, with the ability to convey impact and inspire donor support.
- Experience using CRM or donor management systems and comfort with data tracking and reporting.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and engage with diverse communities in a respectful, inclusive manner.
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Prior fundraising or development experience in nonprofit or community-based organizations is highly beneficial.