Major Gifts Officer

Major Gifts Officer

Department: Development

Reports To: Chief Advancement Officer

ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA FOUNDATION: Founded in 1918, the Philadelphia Foundation strengthens the economic, social and civic vitality of Greater Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Foundation grows effective philanthropic investment, connects individuals and institutions across sectors and geography, and advances civic initiatives through partnerships and collaboration. A publicly supported foundation, the Philadelphia Foundation manages more than 900 charitable funds established by its donors and makes over 1,000 grants and scholarship awards each year. To learn more, visit PhilaFound.org.

STATEMENT OF EMPLOYER EXPECTATION: Each employee of the Philadelphia Foundation is expected to contribute directly to the organization’s growth and success by advancing its mission, strategy, and priorities, while adhering to the highest professional and ethical standards; to perform job duties capably and in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration; and to uphold our core values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.

POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) and working closely with the President & CEO (CEO), the Major Gifts Officer is an integral part of the Philadelphia Foundation team with the primary responsibility of growing and managing the major gifts and planned giving program. This position is responsible for the identification, cultivation and solicitation of individual major gifts prospects, and stewarding existing donors. S/he/they will develop and manage strong relationships with key professional advisors and stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In conjunction with the CAO, create, oversee and implement fundraising strategies to secure both restricted and unrestricted gifts.
• Working in collaboration with the CAO, establish and execute a plan for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors.
• Along with the CAO and Chief of Staff, work closely with the President and CEO to maximize his engagement with top prospects and donors. Proactively advance, support, and track the President’s fundraising contacts, accompanying President as appropriate. Develop strategy and coordinate briefing materials for the President’s visits.
• Conduct prospect research to identify new major gift prospects, leveraging internal and external data sources to inform cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Establish and meet mutually agreed upon annual goals for unrestricted and restricted contributed revenue.
• Work with colleagues in donor relations and the rest of the organization, including Finance, Grantmaking, Marketing and Communications, IT, and the Chief of Staff.
• Use Salesforce CRM to track all donor activities consistent with best practices.
• Represent the Philadelphia Foundation at community and Philadelphia Foundation-sponsored events as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree is required. Advanced degree is preferred.
• Five to seven plus years minimum of progressively responsible development experience with a demonstrated track record of soliciting and closing major and planned gifts from individuals. Must include gifts of $100K or greater.
• Results-oriented; organized and detail-oriented, and collaborative.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, and an ability to build trust-based relationships with prospects, donors, professional advisors, staff, and community leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and adhere to the highest standards of service excellence, responsiveness, confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity.
• Outstanding written and verbal communications and presentation skills; astute listener.
• Ability to work effectively with the President & CEO and other members of the management team to provide information to the Board of Directors as needed/requested.
• Familiarity with Salesforce CRM a plus.
• Ability to travel and valid driver’s license required.

** Other job functions may be assigned or changed as needed or to reflect position growth. **