What are the responsibilities and job description for the Major Gifts Officer position at Make-A-Wish East Tennessee?
Job Title: Major Gifts Officer
Location: Knoxville, on-site/in-person
Reports to: President & CEO
Classification: Full-Time | Exempt | Base Incentive Compensation
Position Summary
The Major Gifts Officer plays a critical role in advancing the mission of Make-A-Wish East Tennessee by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors and philanthropic partners capable of making significant financial contributions. This position is responsible for building and managing a portfolio of donors and prospects, developing personalized engagement strategies, and closing large gifts ($10,000 ). The role is ideal for a results-driven, relationship-focused fundraising professional who thrives in a mission-oriented environment.
Key Responsibilities
• Portfolio Management: Build and manage a dynamic portfolio of 100-150 individual donors or prospects with the capacity to make large donations.
• Donor Cultivation & Solicitation: Personally engage with donors and prospects through calls, meetings, events, and presentations to secure one-time and recurring gifts. Set up meetings for and with the CEO and board members, as appropriate, to focus on solicitation and stewardship of donors.
• Relationship Building: Deepen donor relationships by understanding their philanthropic goals and aligning them with Make-A-Wish East Tennessee initiatives.
• Proposal Development: Craft compelling proposals, case statements, and impact reports tailored to each donor’s interests and giving capacity.
• Pipeline Development: Leverage data, research, and personal networks to identify new major gift prospects and expand the donor base.
• Recognition & Stewardship: Ensure timely and meaningful donor acknowledgment, updates, and long-term engagement.
Qualifications & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field (or
equivalent experience).
• Minimum 3 years of successful fundraising, development, or major gifts experience;
experience closing $100,000 gifts preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build authentic relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Goal-oriented, highly motivated, and self-directed.
• Strong project management and CRM database experience (Salesforce preferred).
• Passion for the mission of Make-A-Wish and an empathetic, donor-first mindset.
Compensation & Benefits
• Base Salary: Commensurate with experience.
• Incentive Compensation: Performance-based bonus structure tied to quarterly and
annual large gift revenue targets.
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability, retirement
plan; generous PTO; mission-driven culture.
Success Profile
A successful Major Gifts Officer will be:
• A persuasive storyteller who connects donor passion to impact.
• A disciplined closer who thrives in a performance-based culture.
• A compassionate advocate for children and families served by Make-A-Wish.
• A thoughtful donor steward who deepens relationships and connections to the mission.
• A professional knowledgeable about various planned giving vehicles and non-cash gifts.
• A natural connector who builds networks and creates opportunities.
General Information
Travel throughout Make-A-Wish East Tennessee’s 36-county territory will be required. A criminal
background check will be conducted prior to hiring.
To be considered, applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and salary expectations to etn.wish@gmail.com.
Salary : $100,000