Major Gifts Officer

Department: Development

Position classification: Exempt, Full-Time

Summary

The Major Gifts Officer position at American Progress is responsible for implementing the major donor fundraising efforts for the organization. S/he engages the institution's individual donors in the work and impact of American Progress while expanding the donor base to include new major donors.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Managing a portfolio of prospects and donors in specific policy/interest areas with a focus on soliciting gifts of $25,000 and higher.
• Managing relationships with prospective and existing donors in all aspects of the gift cycle including identifying, qualifying, and initiating contact with potential leadership and major gift donors; developing appropriate cultivation strategies for them, including working with volunteers; moving potential donors toward solicitation and closure; making solicitations when appropriate; and maintaining stewardship contacts with donors.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues on major gifts activities germane to their policy area or department, and supporting their fundraising efforts.
• Organizing small- and medium-scale events to introduce American Progress to new audiences and to raise money.
• Researching new prospective donors, analyzing their giving history and potential, and writing donor briefings.
• Producing fundraising materials including but not limited to letters, emails, newsletters, proposals, PowerPoint presentations, and reports. This includes drafting original copy and editing documents.
• Tracking solicitation amounts, anticipated gifts, pledges, and income, and providing regular revenue and cash flow updates on projections versus actuals.

Qualifications and requirements:

• At least two to four years of successful fundraising experience working in a nonprofit organization or in politics.
• Proven track record of directly soliciting and securing five- and six-figure gifts from individual donors.
• Expert interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to travel approximately 30 percent to 40 percent of the time.
• Ability to work in a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.
• Self-starter, willing to take initiative.
• Familiarity with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) regulations is desired.
• Familiarity with fundraising best practices, standards, and ethics.
• Proficiency in Salesforce is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Must support the mission of American Progress and be committed to a broad progressive agenda.

Additional Information

American Progress operates two separate nonprofit organizations to maximize our progressive agenda: The Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “American Progress.” The Center for American Progress is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) tax-exempt research and educational institute. It undertakes research, public education and a limited amount of lobbying. The Center for American Progress Action Fund is a non-partisan 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization dedicated to achieving progress through action. It works to transform progressive ideas into policy through rapid response communications, legislative action, grassroots organizing, political advocacy, and partnerships with other progressive leaders. The organizations share office space and employees.

American Progress is an equal opportunity employer; women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

For more information on the Center for American Progress, please go to www.americanprogress.org.

For more information on the Center for American Progress Action Fund, please go to www.americanprogressaaction.org.

To apply, simply e-mail your Word resume and cover letter attachments to: jobs@americanprogress.org.

Or you may write to:
Center for American Progress
1333 H Street, NW, 10th Floor – Development Search
Washington, DC 20005

In your correspondence, please reference the exact title of the job you are applying for in the subject line. This announcement will remain posted until the position is filled. No phone calls please.

Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of this position will be considered applicants and will receive responses from American Progress.

Thank you for your interest in American Progress.