The Major Gift Advancement Officer is responsible for the development and management of a comprehensive, strategic, integrated effort to build the base of individual philanthropic supporters who are capable of donating $5,000 or more and increase their level of support to Trident United Way (TUW).
Essential Function 1: Major Gift Revenue & Portfolio Management
Drive major gift revenue by managing a portfolio of current, lapsed, and prospective donors. Develop and execute individualized relationship strategies that include prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, proposal development, and meaningful recognition and appreciation.
Essential Function 2: Stewardship & Donor Experience
Partner with the Senior Vice President and Individual Philanthropy team to design and implement best-in-class stewardship strategies that deepen donor relationships, demonstrate impact, and inspire sustained and increased investment.
Essential Function 3: Leadership &; Legacy Giving Programs
Collaborate with the Senior Vice President and Individual Philanthropy team to build, grow, and steward Leadership Giving and Legacy Societies, strengthening donor loyalty and advancing long-term philanthropic commitments.
Essential Function 4: Strategic Events & Donor Engagement
Provide strategic direction to the Director of Events to design and execute events that effectively recruit, cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership-level donors and qualified prospects, aligned with the Advancement Plan.
Essential Function 5: Cross-Team Collaboration & Prospect Pipeline Development
Work closely with Corporate Advancement Officers to identify leadership-level donor prospects emerging from workplace campaigns and develop targeted engagement strategies to move these donors toward deeper individual investment.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Cultivate and steward strong relationships with key donors, prospects, and volunteer leaders, ensuring thoughtful recognition, consistent communication, and an exceptional donor experience.
- Accurately track donor engagement, giving activity, and outcomes in the Andar database; analyze data and prepare reports to inform strategy and measure progress.
- Partner with Marketing & Communications to develop clear, compelling, and consistent messaging for major gift proposals, donor communications, and fundraising materials.
- Support Advancement efforts in Workplace Campaign meetings and initiatives, as requested.
- Actively participate in Trident United Way events and activities, demonstrating professionalism, collaboration, and a strong commitment to teamwork.
- Serve as an integral member of the Advancement team, contributing to planning, solicitation, implementation, and evaluation of fundraising strategies.
- Maintain flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and additional hours during peak fundraising periods as needed. Complete Andar training and ongoing professional development opportunities to ensure best practices in donor management and reporting.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree and/or Experience
- 5 years of previous fundraising experience, or 7-10 years of related experience (business or sales)
Skills
- Proven track record of successfully soliciting and closing major gifts through relationship- based fundraising
- Strong donor strategy and moves management skills, including portfolio planning and long-term cultivation
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate mission, impact, and value clearly and persuasively
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence; ability to build trust with diverse donors, volunteers, and colleagues
- Strong planning, prioritization, and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple relationships and projects effectively
- Strategic thinker with solid analytical and problem-solving skills; comfortable using data to inform decisions
- High-energy, collaborative team player with a strong sense of accountability and initiative
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing meaningfully to team goals
- Experience using CRM systems (e.g., Andar or similar) to track donor activity and manage portfolios
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general technology tools
- Professional judgment, discretion, and integrity when handling confidential donor information
- Positive attitude, growth mindset, and willingness to learn and adapt
- Sense of humor and ability to bring joy to the work—have fun!
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF JOB
- This job requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
- Worker must frequently use typical office equipment (telephone, copier, printer, fax, etc.).
- Worker sits most of the time.
- Worker communicates with constituents, clients, and/or partners by phone and in person.
- Routinely required to navigate other facilities and regularly travel by car.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is a hybrid position. Primarily works in a climate-controlled office-based setting. The opportunity to work remotely two days a week is available.
Please Note: Requirements, skills, and abilities described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Title VI: NO PERSON in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.