Major Gift Officer

The Major Gift Officer (MGO) is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of major donors who give or have the capacity to give $5,000 or more annually. This role focuses on building meaningful relationships, deepening donor engagement, and securing significant philanthropic support for the organization’s mission and programs. The MGO will develop and implement tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to meet annual revenue goals and advance long-term donor relationships. In addition, this position will play an active role in identifying and sourcing planned giving opportunities to strengthen the organization’s future sustainability.

Supervision Received: This position reports to the Director of Philanthropy.

Supervision Exercised: This position does not currently supervise other staff.

Responsibilities

Major Gifts Portfolio Management

• Research and qualify current donors as well as prospective donors for assignment to the major gift portfolio.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 individual donors and prospects with giving capacity of $5,000+, including cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding annual gifts
• Create and implement customized cultivation and solicitation plans for each assigned donor.
• Conduct regular donor visits (in-person, phone, or virtual) to build relationships and inspire deeper investment.
• Develop personalized proposals, presentations, and impact reports to engage and retain donors.
• Track all donor interactions and progress using the organization’s CRM system, ensuring accurate and timely documentation.
• Work collaboratively with leadership, program staff, and communications to align donor interests with organizational priorities.

Planned Giving

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit donors for planned gifts, including bequests, beneficiary designations, and other deferred giving opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Director of Philanthropy and external advisors to maintain resources and materials supporting planned giving outreach.
• Ensure planned gift prospects are stewarded and recognized appropriately.

Collaboration & Strategy

• Partner with the Director of Philanthropy to establish and meet annual major gift revenue goals.
• Participate in moves management and prospect review meetings.
• Support the development team in donor events, stewardship activities, and campaigns as needed.
• Contribute to the creation of donor communications and impact materials that highlight philanthropic outcomes.
• Maintain a working knowledge of programmatic priorities, challenges, and impact.

Qualifications

Relationship-Driven: Builds authentic, long-term relationships rooted in trust, empathy, and shared values.

Proactive & Strategic Thinker: Takes initiative to deepen relationships and identify new opportunities for engagement. Balances relationship-building with data-informed strategy to meet ambitious goals.

Persuasive Communicator & Empathetic Listener: Comfortable having meaningful, values-based conversations that lead to gifts that connect personally with donors’ stories, values, and love for animals.

Results-Oriented: Thrives on achieving goals and tracking progress while maintaining donor-centered focus.

Curious & Insightful: Listens deeply to understand donors’ motivations, interests, and capacity for impact.

Animal Advocate: Finds joy in connecting animal lovers to life-saving work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

At least 1 year of direct major gift experience, including solicitation and stewardship of four- and five-figure gifts.

Proven ability to manage relationships and close gifts through thoughctful, personalized engagement.

Familiarity with planned giving concepts (experience a plus).

Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-management skills.

Comfort with donor management software and office tools (CRM, Google Workspace, or Microsoft Office).

A collaborative spirit, strategic mindset, and a sense of humor.

Passion for animal welfare and a belief in the power of philanthropy to save lives.

Flexible and determined to solve problems to meet goals.

Enthusiasm for working with diverse communities.

To Apply for This Position

Please submit a resume, cover letter and three professional references including their email, phone and relationship to [email protected] in your subject line please reference “Major Gift Officer”. No phone calls or walk-ins, please.

AAWL is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Employment Details

• Salary range is $67,100 to $77,855.
• Generous PTO, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays annually.
• 100% employer-paid medical and life insurance; dental, vision, and supplemental options available.
• Employer-supported professional development.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Eligible employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.