Major Gift Director - Higher Ed. jobs in Maryland

About the position: We currently have a Major Gifts Officer (West Region) position available. The Major Gift Officer serves as the prospect manager for a portfolio of identified and prospective major gift donors within their applicable region. This individual is responsible for the cultivation, solicitation, and closure of gifts supporting organizational priorities in the range of $10,000 - $100,000. They help develop and implement solicitation strategies with the Foundation Fighting Blindness team and collaborates with leadership and staff to maximize fundraising strategy and revenue.

This person will have experience and expertise in all areas of the major gift work continuum/moves management including identification, cultivation, solicitation, gift closure and a basic knowledge of Planned Giving.

Essential Responsibilities Include:

• Establishing positive effective relationships internally and externally with a broad assortment of individuals, boards, volunteers, donors, external partners, and the communities at large.
• Developing and managing a portfolio of major gift prospects with a focus on sustaining and growing current funder relationships and building new donor relationships.
• Commitment to proactive personalized fundraising, including regular donor meetings, and building outstanding one-on-one relationships, Assuring the team maintains a donor retention rate of at least 80% and has at least 120 visits per year.
• Drive for Results – steadfastly pushing self and others for results with a focus on bottom-line results.
• Using key metrics to achieve higher retention rates and donor satisfaction. Monitoring and managing opportunities and new trends with technology and data analysis to determine which efforts have the greatest business impact; Using wealth screening and other research information to develop strategies and build the portfolio.
• Responsible for budgets, forecasts and projects, as well as accurate and timely plans, consistent with the strategic plan.
• Collaborating with peers across the organization to acquire and coordinate resources,
• Learning the science to present proposals to donors, and following research updates

The successful candidate will have:

• 5 years of professional development experience preferred
• A demonstrated track record of accomplishment in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing major gifts, and providing stewardship to donors
• Demonstrated abilities to partner successfully with staff, board, volunteers, high level donors and regional staff in creating new giving opportunities; Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently
• Ability to initiate and build long-term relationships with prospective individual donors
• Strong fundraising ethics; with discernible respect for confidentiality of donor information
• History of 5- and 6-figure personally solicited individual gifts; experience working on gift strategies
• Interest in making a significant contribution to a recognized world class health and science leadership organization.
• Excellent people skills with effective verbal and written communication abilities.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of database systems
• Initiative-taking, enthusiastic and have strong follow-up skills
• Fully proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Ability to work flexible week
• Valid driver’s license with driving record acceptable to the Foundation insurance carrier

Position specifics:

• Home-based position, located within region. Relocation is not provided.
• Budgeted Salary Range: $85k-$130k
  The range is what we reasonably expect to pay for this role. The range considers a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: geographic markets, business or organizational needs, skill sets, experience, training, licensure, and certifications.
• Reporting to: Sr. Director of Philanthropy

To apply: Please send resume with cover letter and salary requirements to HR@fightblindness.org. Please provide examples of personally solicited individual gift achievements.

We are one team collectively committed to driving research until the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases is eradicated. We offer a competitive salary and benefits, as well as an incredibly dynamic team to work with! The Foundation Fighting Blindness is an equal opportunity employer.