Description

A Northwest leader in protecting animals since 1967, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shelters homeless animals, rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife, and empowers people to demonstrate compassion and respect for animals in their daily lives.

Starting Wage: $68,000 - $80,000

Position Title: Major Gifts Officer

Accountable To: Director of Philanthropy & Events

Purpose Summary:

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for cultivating and growing relationships with current and prospective major donors and soliciting gifts to support the annual fund, special events, and programmatic fundraising goals.  

VALUES
All employees and volunteers exemplify the values of PAWS and exhibit mindful demonstration of:

Commitment – A champion for animals no matter the difficulty.

Compassion – Acting to ease pain and distress.

Kindness – Demonstrating caring toward all living beings.

Respect – Welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities.

Trust – Believing in the ability and positive intention of others.

Essential Responsibilities:

In accordance with organizational policies, duties include but are not limited to:

Work closely with the Director of Philanthropy & Events to set annual goals (both financial and non-financial) in accordance with organizational policies, duties include but are not limited to:

• Manages a portfolio of 150 assigned major gift prospects.
• Develops and executes an annual engagement plan for each assigned donor in the portfolio.
• Meets monthly activity goals, averaging 15 substantive contacts with assigned prospects each month.
• Conduct substantial qualification of major donor prospects that have had minimal personal outreach from the organization.
• Maintains major donor information and records activity reports within the Raiser’s Edge donor database.
• Develops an annual communications plan for the major gifts program which may include regular impact updates, major donor events, and giving circles.
• Takes a lead role in audience development and major gift solicitation strategy for PAWS events, especially PAWS Wild Night.
• Oversees the Table Captain programs for PAWS Wild Night and supports Table Captains in identifying and engaging guests.
• Works closely with the Gift Planning Officer to integrate planned giving conversations into donor engagement strategies.
• Build relationships with PAWS program teams that enhance the donor experience.

Other responsibilities Include:  

• Creates summary reports and analyzes trends in the major gifts program.
• Participates in the conceptual design, writing, and production of proposals, informational materials, gift agreements, and other materials needed to secure major gifts.
• Assists the Director of Philanthropy and Events in coordinating the participation of PAWS leadership team, Board of Directors, leadership volunteers, and staff in major gift fundraising activities.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Controls over Work

The Major Gifts Officer works under the general guidance of the Director of Philanthropy and Events but will frequently work directly and collaboratively with other staff as appropriate and is expected to pursue the established duties without direct supervision.  

Physical Requirements:

The work may require occasional long periods of sitting at a desk while using a computer, calculator, or other office equipment. Local, and some regional, travel will be required. 

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• At least five years of progressively responsible and successful fund development experience, with an emphasis on cultivating and securing major gifts (gifts of $10,000 or more).
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and have a tactful, mature, and sincere attitude.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and writing skills, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team to serve as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic ambassador for PAWS.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills. Highly collaborative, proactive, and flexible
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, and familiarity with donor database software and tracking systems. Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge a plus.
• Possess excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and works effectively and respectfully with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to work with clearly defined goals, and plan and organize efforts to achieve objectives.
• Fundraising experience in the animal welfare or environmental fields, and general knowledge of gift planning vehicles and capital campaigns is desirable.
• A sincere interest and belief in the philosophy of animal welfare. 
• Must exemplify the values of the organization in all interactions with coworkers and members of the public, including respect, trust, compassion, commitment, and kindness.

Benefits:

Generous benefits available including health/vision/dental/long-term disability/life insurance for employees and their families, enrollment in 403(b) plan with employer contribution and match, paid time off (PTO) starting with accrual of up to 15 days annually, 10 paid holidays per year, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), pet supply discounts, and discounts for veterinary services at select veterinary clinics.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

PAWS is an equal opportunity employer. PAWS employment decisions are made based on merit and business needs. PAWS is committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. We celebrate the diversity of individual unique identity, perspectives, and experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We encourage ALL to apply.

All PAWS positions receive written performance evaluations after the first 90 days and annually thereafter.

Application process:

Upload your Cover Letter stating your qualifications and why you are interested in this position, your Resume, and complete the online Application.

(PAWS | Progressive Animal Welfare Society Job Posting | PAWS)

Only Complete Application Packets will receive consideration.

Applications received through May 10, 2024, will receive priority consideration.

Position Open Until Filled but may be closed at any time a qualified candidate is selected.

Note: Under the provisions of the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, the successful candidate will be required to provide both evidence of identity and eligibility for employment.

All Offers of Employment are Conditional, based on successful completion of reference and background checks.

Qualifications