Major Gifts Officer

Worldwide Discipleship Association (WDA)

Job Title: Major Gifts Officer (MGO)

Department: Generosity / Advancement

Reports to: Executive Director of Operations

Type: Full-Time or Part Time

Location: Fayetteville, GA (with travel)

1) Role Summary

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is responsible for generating significant philanthropic revenue for Worldwide Discipleship Association by cultivating relationships with high-capacity donors and securing major financial commitments.

This role is not primarily administrative or marketing-focused. The MGO’s core responsibility is to build relationships, make direct financial asks, and close major gifts that fuel WDA’s global disciple-making mission.

The MGO will manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, guiding them toward deeper partnership with WDA through meaningful engagement, vision alignment, and strategic giving opportunities.

2) Primary Objectives (What Success Looks Like)

Within 12–24 months, the MGO will:

• Generate $300,000–$500,000 in major gifts annually
• Build and manage an active portfolio of 75–150 major donors and prospects.
• Conduct 120–200 meaningful donor meetings per year.
• Secure multi-year commitments from key partners.
• Increase donor retention and gift size among major donors.

3) Key Responsibilities

A. Major Donor Relationship Building (Core Focus)

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects.
• Schedule and lead regular meetings (in-person and virtual) with donors.
• Discern donor passions and align them with WDA’s mission and projects.
• Present compelling vision and funding opportunities.
• Make clear, direct, and prayerfully discerning financial asks.

B. Portfolio Management & Revenue Generation

• Maintain an active portfolio of major donors and high-potential prospects.
• Develop individualized engagement and solicitation strategies.
• Track progress toward revenue goals and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Re-engage lapsed or under-engaged donors.

C. Strategic Partnership Development

• Build relationships with churches, networks, business leaders, and foundations.
• Collaborate with WDA leadership to pursue large-scale funding opportunities.
• Help develop multi-year funding partnerships for global disciple-making initiatives.

D. Donor Communication & Stewardship

• Ensure major donors receive timely impact reports, updates, and personal communication.
• Collaborate with the Generosity Director and communications team on proposals and reports.
• Represent WDA at events, gatherings, and strategic meetings.

E. Collaboration with Leadership

• Work closely with the Generosity Director, Executive Leadership, and Board.
• Help identify new donor prospects through networks and referrals.
• Participate in strategic planning for WDA’s financial growth.

4) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The MGO will be evaluated primarily on:

Revenue Outcomes

• Total major gifts raised annually.
• Growth in average major gift size.
• Number of multi-year commitments secured.

Activity Metrics

• Donor meetings conducted per month.
• Direct asks made per quarter.
• New major donor relationships established.

Portfolio Health

• Donor retention rate.
• Donor engagement depth and frequency.

(Note: Metrics exist to support revenue, not replace relationships.)

5) Required Qualifications

Spiritual & Missional Alignment

• Deep commitment to Jesus Christ and WDA’s disciple-making mission.
• Mature spiritual life and ability to represent WDA’s values with integrity.
• Passion for global missions, leadership development, and discipleship movements.

Professional Experience

• 3–7 years in fundraising, sales, relationship development, or business development.
• Proven track record of closing high-value financial commitments.
• Comfort initiating conversations about money and vision.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional relational and communication skills.
• Strategic thinking with strong execution ability.
• Confidence in meeting with high-capacity donors and leaders.
• Ability to work independently and manage a dynamic portfolio.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours.

(Experience in ministry or nonprofit fundraising is preferred but not required.)

6) Compensation & Structure

• Competitive salary based on experience and location.
• Performance-based bonus tied to overall revenue growth.
• Ministry support-raising model may be considered (if aligned with WDA’s structure).
• Travel expenses reimbursed.

7) Cultural Fit at WDA

The ideal MGO at WDA is:

• Mission-minded but results-driven.
• Relational but bold in asking.
• Spiritually grounded but strategically ambitious.
• Comfortable operating in both ministry and business environments.
• Motivated by impact, not just activity.

8) Why This Role Matters

WDA’s vision is to see disciple-making movements multiply across nations. The Major Gifts Officer plays a critical role in resourcing this vision by mobilizing generous partners who believe in the long-term transformation of leaders and communities worldwide.

This role directly fuels the expansion, sustainability, and impact of WDA’s global mission.