What are the responsibilities and job description for the Major Gift Officer position at ZOE International?
MAJOR GIFT OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Major Gift Officer
Reports To: Director of Development
Position Summary
ZOE International is seeking a Major Gifts Officer (MGO) who is responsible for securing
significant financial support by managing a portfolio of qualified donors and prospects. This
role is relational at its core, designed to cultivate meaningful, long-term connections
between donors and the organization’s mission. The MGO helps donors fulfill their passions
and interests through strategic engagement, personalized stewardship, and thoughtful
solicitation. Success is measured by donor retention, portfolio growth, and revenue
outcomes. The MGO will be a key relationship builder who aligns deeply with ZOE’s mission
to reach every person with the Gospel and rescue every child.
Reports To: Director of Development
Position Summary
ZOE International is seeking a Major Gifts Officer (MGO) who is responsible for securing
significant financial support by managing a portfolio of qualified donors and prospects. This
role is relational at its core, designed to cultivate meaningful, long-term connections
between donors and the organization’s mission. The MGO helps donors fulfill their passions
and interests through strategic engagement, personalized stewardship, and thoughtful
solicitation. Success is measured by donor retention, portfolio growth, and revenue
outcomes. The MGO will be a key relationship builder who aligns deeply with ZOE’s mission
to reach every person with the Gospel and rescue every child.
ZOE’s development team thrives in a collaborative, high-integrity environment that values
innovation, accountability, and spiritual maturity.
Mission Alignment
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep commitment to the mission, vision, and values
of ZOE International. This position requires high emotional intelligence, discretion, and a
passion for connecting people to meaningful opportunities to make a difference.
Time & Travel Requirements
- Hours: Full-time, minimum 40 hours per week; occasional evening and weekend
- Travel: Approximately 50% of time is spent in face-to-face meetings with donors,
Key Responsibilities
- Qualify a portfolio of approximately 150 donors and prospects from the larger donor base.
- Set annual goals for each donor based on giving history, capacity, and engagement level.
- Develop and execute individualized engagement and solicitation plans using a moves management approach.
- Build and deepen relationships with donors through in-person meetings, phone calls,emails, handwritten notes, and personalized touchpoints.
- Collaborate with program, marketing, and finance teams to gather accurate project data and impact stories that can be translated into compelling donor offers and stewardship reports.
- Craft compelling proposals and giving opportunities for major donors (typically $5,000 ), tailored to their values and interests.
- Ensure timely and meaningful donor stewardship, reporting back on impact and financial use.
- Track donor trends, analyze portfolio performance, and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Prepare monthly and quarterly reports on caseload performance, revenue goals, and donor activity.
- Contribute to team initiatives, events, campaigns, and cross-department collaboration as needed.
Performance Metrics / Accountability
Performance will be evaluated based on the following:
- % of qualified donors retained and upgraded annually
- Annual revenue generated from the assigned portfolio
- Number of personalized donor contacts, meetings, and solicitations completed
- Quality and timeliness of reports, proposals, and stewardship
- Effective use of CRM and adherence to data entry protocols
- Collaborative engagement with colleagues and alignment with organizational culture and values
Required Qualifications & Competencies
- 3–5 years of experience in major gift fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development
- Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication, including proposal writing and storytelling
- Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to prioritize and follow through
- Proficiency with CRM/donor database systems (e.g., Virtuous)
- Data-informed mindset with experience using donor analytics to guide strategy
- Strong alignment with the mission and ability to communicate impact in compelling ways
- Willingness to travel regularly and work flexible hours as needed
- High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism
Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus benefits package
Hours: 40 Hours Weekly