Major Gifts Officer

Position Summary: 
The Major Gifts Officer is a
regular, full-time position responsible for the identification,
cultivation, and solicitation of contributions from major donors
and major donor prospects (in coordination with the Director, Major
Gifts, the Leadership Giving program and the other major gifts
officers).  This position will play an important role in
significantly growing an engagement strategy, building and managing
a portfolio of major gift prospects, prospect research, expanding
the scope and scale of HRC’s philanthropic efforts, and helping
formulate strategy and implementation of plans to achieve
fundraising goals. 

 

Position
Responsibilities: 

Implement programs and activities
to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors at the major
gift level ($5,000 level and above), with a specific emphasis on
growing the base of donors making gifts of at least $25,000
annually. The candidate will actively participate in the
identification. research and qualification of new major gift and
leadership gift ($100,000+) prospects. There shall be an emphasis
on identifying and cultivating prospects in the BIPOC
community. 

Cultivate and grow a visible
presence within the LGBTQ+ community in HRC communities and be seen
as a part of the engaged donor community in those
communities.  Regularly attend and represent HRC at important
events in the LGBTQ+, BIPOC and non-LGBTQ+ communities and build a
robust network of donors and prospects. There is an expectation
that this person will be visible in the community and attend a
significant number of community events throughout the
year. 

Develop and steward relationships
with HRC’s already robust and dynamic donor base in the
communities. Work strategically with the Board of Directors, major
donor committee, development. Foundation, political department
staff and other major gift officers to ensure donors feel connected
to the organization. 

Develop a comprehensive plan to
include upgrading current donors and identifying and soliciting new
donors to meet budgeted goals for the communities. 

Identify opportunities for
further engagement with donors and prospects to support HRC, the
HRC Foundation, the HRC PAC and the HRC Equality Votes Super PAC.
Additionally, identify prospects to become Equality Circle members,
a group of supporters of HRC’s Planned Giving program. 

As appropriate, assist in
identifying prospects that are potential matches with HRC’s other
development programs including corporate partnerships, foundation
fundraising and Federal Club giving. Work closely with the
respective staff in those programs to facilitate introductions and
meetings. 

Foster opportunities for other
HRC staff leadership with donors and other community leaders. 
Provide background for in-depth briefing documents in advance of
such meetings. Execute events and other fundraising activities that
advance HRC’s relationship with donors and prospects. 

Preparation and staffing of
principal and other senior leaders at events and individual
meetings, with a strong ability to represent HRC as
needed. 

Prepare written documents in
support of research, solicitation, cultivation and development
events, including correspondence, strategic plans, invitations,
reports and highly tailored proposals. 

Provide reporting to board
members and volunteers related to major donor fundraising
including, but not limited to, active major donor reports, prospect
reports and progress toward budgeted goals. 

Manage current donor and prospect
cultivation and solicitation plans by using donor
software. 

Work collaboratively with HRCs
major gifts team, participating in regular conference calls and
meetings, attend and participate in HRC board meetings in
Washington, DC and attend other events in Washington, DC as
needed. 

Actively share information on
planned giving opportunities as appropriate.  

 

Position
Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree preferred with
a minimum of five years of experience in fundraising. Emphasis in
the major donor arena, as well as experience in solicitation of
political contributions for federal candidates and/or party
committees.  

Preferred that the candidate will
have an emphasis on identifying and cultivating prospects in the
BIPOC community. 

Candidates should be comfortable
working independently but as part of a larger team.  

Candidates must be well
organized, detail-oriented and have a proven experience in securing
major gifts.  

Applicants must be able to
prioritize multiple assignments and be able to handle complex tasks
in a fast-paced environment. 

Individuals should have
demonstrated proficiency in writing and strong communications
skills. 

In particular, the individual
should have public speaking experience or skills, be able to
represent HRC in a variety of settings and exceptional strength in
the area of donor relations. 

Strong interest in the rapidly
changing LGBTQ+ equality movement and a working knowledge of LGBTQ+
issues. 

All positions at the Human Rights
Campaign may require travel on a regular basis or
periodically.  Where the need arises for business travel,
appropriate compensation as outlined by the Fair Labor Standards
Act will apply. 
 
Level Description: 
The HRC Staff Level Structure is
available on the HRC Staff Intranet.