Major Gifts Officer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Oversee a portfolio of around 250 major donors and prospective contributors.

• Foster genuine, long-lasting relationships with donors through tailored engagement strategies.

• Direct the processes of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, follow-up, stewardship, and donor recognition.

• Create individualized plans for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

• Conduct weekly in-person visits, virtual meetings, and phone calls.

• Establish new connections through prospect lists, referrals, and networking opportunities.

• Organize on-site camp tours for donors and prospective supporters.

• Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer to establish annual goals and strategies for major gifts.

• Obtain contributions for the annual fund, capital campaigns, scholarships, and special initiatives.

• Nurture and secure 3–5 year pledges while expanding the 15:1 Partnership program for donations of $25,000 and above.

• Prepare proposals, cases for support, impact reports, and donor presentations.

• Utilize DonorSearch screening and giving data to identify prospects, upgrade donor contributions, and assess unresponsive prospects.

• Align donor philanthropic interests with Forest Home's mission through a gospel-centered approach.

• Partner with the Annual Fund Coordinator to identify and evaluate mid-level donors.

• Ensure cohesive alignment across the mid-level, major, and planned giving pipelines.

• Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, and activities in Bloomerang.

• Provide progress updates to the Chief Development Officer.

• Work with marketing on donor-related communications.

• Ensure acknowledgments and recognition uphold excellence and reflect Christian values.

• Manage travel expenses and submit them promptly.

• Offer prayers and spiritual support to donors and internal staff.

• Represent Forest Home at camp events, retreats, and ministry gatherings.

• Exemplify Christlike character while upholding Forest Home's vision, mission, and core values.

• Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in major gift fundraising.

• Proven success in securing individual contributions of $70,000 or more and consistently growing a donor portfolio.

• Devoted follower of Jesus Christ with a passion for ministry and in alignment with Forest Home's Statement of Faith.

• Strong presentation abilities for both individuals and groups.

• Exceptional written communication skills for proposals, emails, and handwritten correspondence.

• Demonstrated poise and professionalism when interacting with donors, board members, and executive leadership.

• Self-driven with the ability to independently manage a full schedule of donor visits.

• Strong attention to detail, discernment, and high emotional intelligence.

• Valid driver's license, dependable transportation, and a willingness to travel regularly.

• Bachelor's degree is preferred.

• Familiarity with Bloomerang or similar CRM systems.

• Experience with DonorSearch or other wealth-screening tools.

• Background in capital campaigns, multi-year pledges, and planned giving is a plus.

• Established network in Southern California, Arizona, or Nevada is preferred.

• CFRE certification is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical coverage.

• Disability and life insurance.

• 403(b) retirement plan with company matching.

• Paid time off for holidays.

• Complimentary week at Forest Home Family Camp for your family.

• Reimbursement for travel expenses.

• Opportunity for remote work from a home office.