Job Title: Major Gifts Officer (MGO)  
Reporting to: Chief Development Officer or CEO and President
Classification: Exempt
Wage: Salary $70,000 – 80,000 annually with Benefits    
Hours of Operation: M-F 8am to 5pm
Hours vary occasionally
 

BACKGROUND
United Way of Pierce County has a rich history of community partnerships aimed at improving the lives of children, families, and individuals through community partnerships. While honoring this tradition, our focus has evolved to tackle the root causes of poverty in our region. With a bold goal of lifting 15,000 families out of poverty by 2028, we collaborate across sectors to mobilize resources, advocate for struggling families, and invest in poverty-alleviation programs. Our vision is to foster a just, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone can thrive. Guided by values of community, diversity, and inclusion, our organizational culture promotes collaboration, integrity, and respect. Join us in our mission to fight poverty and create a brighter future for all.

Position Summary
The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for developing, planning, and implementing innovative fundraising strategies for United Way's mid-level and major giving programs and Planned Giving. This position supports the Chief Development Officer and the Resource Development efforts to mobilize resources from individuals, corporates and other community partners, to raise approximately $5M annually. 
As a key member of the Resource Development Team, this role builds positive relationships with development volunteers, Board members, individual donors, corporate partners and community leaders to achieve ambitious fundraising goals and ensure positive donor and volunteer experiences. The MGO sets the vision for mid-level and major donor engagement, aligning near-term goals with future-oriented plans that prioritize United Way's commitment to lead with racial equity. Additionally, the MGO personally manages a donor portfolio of high net-worth individuals.

Compensation:
The pay range for this position is $70,000- 80,000 annually. 

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 15 vacation days and all public holidays, a 403(b)-retirement savings plan, and an annual performance bonus if funding allows.

Essential Duties:

Key Responsibilities:

• Major Donor Identification and Cultivation:
  • Identify and prioritize major donor prospects through research, networking, and analysis of donor giving history.
  • Develop and implement cultivation strategies to engage major donors and build strong, meaningful relationships with them.
  • Create personalized stewardship plans to recognize and retain major donors, ensuring ongoing engagement and support.

• Solicitation and Gift Closure:
  • Develop compelling solicitation materials, proposals, and presentations tailored to major donor interests and priorities.
  • Lead solicitation efforts, including face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and written communications, to secure major gifts in support of UWPC's initiatives.
  • Negotiate gift agreements and partnerships, ensuring alignment between donor expectations and organizational objectives.

• Donor Engagement and Events:
  • Collaborate with the team to plan and execute donor cultivation events, stewardship receptions, and other engagement opportunities.
  • Represent UWPC at community events, conferences, and networking functions to enhance visibility and expand the donor base.

• Data Management and Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the CRM database, documenting interactions, proposals, and gift agreements.
  • Generate regular reports on major gift activity, progress toward fundraising goals, and donor engagement metrics for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field OR Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a focus on major gifts and individual donor cultivation.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts of $10,000+, leadership gifts of $50,000+, and transformational gifts while meeting fundraising targets in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders, including donors, board members, and community leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling solicitation materials and presentations.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in CRM databases and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Understanding of social and racial justice and equity, with a commitment to apply racial and economic justice lenses.
• Lived experience and/or professional skills working within a diverse work environment.

United Way of Pierce County offers a rewarding workplace with opportunities to collaborate with smart, passionate team members and volunteers, ongoing engagement with diverse staff and constituents, a culture of high-performance expectations and accountability, exciting and challenging work, and opportunities to make a difference in the community's toughest problem

Technology Skills:

• Proficient in using desktop and laptop computers.
• Experienced in managing multi-line telephone systems.
• Skilled in utilizing the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proficient in email communication and familiar with various social media platforms for professional use.

Working Conditions:

• This position is based at the United Way of Pierce County office in Tacoma, Washington.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required for donor events and meetings.
• Travel within Pierce County and occasionally outside the region may be necessary for donor cultivation and stewardship activities.
  • The incumbent will need to use a personal vehicle for UWPC work and must possess a valid driver’s license.

NOTE:
Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of skills, experience, and knowledge.

Employee: ___________________________________              Date: _____________________
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Human services, social work, or communications experience is helpful.
• Call center experience is helpful.
• Possess strong customer service skills.
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Must have strong computer literacy skills and be confident with using multiple programs at once.
• Excellent listening and problem solving skills necessary.
• Must be incredibly reliable. Being on time for work and maintaining regular attendance is essential.
• Ability to work well in a team, good interpersonal skills and positive attitude.
• Must be able to work in a compassionate, fast-paced and efficient environment.
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply!

Submit cover letter and résumé to Dennise Cervantes at Dennisec@uwpc.org