What are the responsibilities and job description for the Major Gifts Officer position at WXXI Public Broadcasting Council?
Company Description WXXI Public Broadcasting Council is a community-owned public media organization that serves a diverse audience with educational, cultural, and informational content. It operates as a public library of information, a public school for media and innovation, a performance hall for arts and creativity, and a public square for the civil exchange of ideas. WXXI reaches thousands of people through radio, television, digital platforms, and on-screen experiences. As an independent, local, and accessible institution, WXXI is committed to engaging people of all ages and interests, from music lovers and movie enthusiasts to lifelong learners and news followers.
Role Description The Major Gifts Officer is a full-time, hybrid role based in Rochester, NY, with a combination of on-site and work-from-home responsibilities. This role is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of major donors and prospects, cultivating relationships, and securing significant philanthropic support for WXXI. Day-to-day tasks include identifying and researching prospects, developing individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies, conducting donor meetings, and preparing proposals and gift agreements. The Major Gifts Officer will collaborate closely with leadership and development staff to align donor interests with WXXI’s programs and initiatives, track fundraising activities in a CRM, and provide regular reports on progress toward revenue goals. The role also supports stewardship activities such as donor recognition, impact reporting, and event participation to ensure a high-quality donor experience.
Qualifications
Role Description The Major Gifts Officer is a full-time, hybrid role based in Rochester, NY, with a combination of on-site and work-from-home responsibilities. This role is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of major donors and prospects, cultivating relationships, and securing significant philanthropic support for WXXI. Day-to-day tasks include identifying and researching prospects, developing individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies, conducting donor meetings, and preparing proposals and gift agreements. The Major Gifts Officer will collaborate closely with leadership and development staff to align donor interests with WXXI’s programs and initiatives, track fundraising activities in a CRM, and provide regular reports on progress toward revenue goals. The role also supports stewardship activities such as donor recognition, impact reporting, and event participation to ensure a high-quality donor experience.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in major gifts fundraising, philanthropy, and planned giving, with the ability to secure and steward significant contributions.
- Background in annual giving and alumni relations, including designing engagement strategies and building long-term donor relationships.
- Strong prospect research skills, with the ability to identify, evaluate, and prioritize major gift prospects using data and donor intelligence tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling cases for support and present to individuals and groups.
- Proven ability to manage a donor portfolio, set and meet revenue goals, and maintain accurate records in donor management or CRM systems.
- Collaborative work style with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage donors, colleagues, and community partners in a mission-driven environment.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field; CFRE or similar credential is a plus.
- Experience in public media, arts, education, or community-based organizations is beneficial, along with commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.