Position Summary: The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for developing strategies to attract and retain donors to the mission of the House of Ruth Maryland. As such the Major Gifts Officer is responsible for the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of gifts valued at $5,000 or more from a portfolio of high net worth donors and prospects. In concert with the Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, Board of Directors and contracted external consultants, the Major Gifts Officer will lead the agency’s capital campaign, create a House of Ruth Legacy Society and develop and coordinate a Planned Giving Program for the agency.

• Lead capital campaign, working with contracted consultants, Board of Directors and House of Ruth Executive staff.

• Coordinate the House of Ruth Legacy Society through the cultivation of membership, and planning an annual recognition event

• Develop and coordinate Planned Giving Program by developing a process for accepting planned gifts, keeping donors connected to House of Ruth over time, and providing donor recognition

• Manage a portfolio that includes high net worth donors and prospects

• Develop individual donor strategies to renew and upgrade large gifts

• Work in partnership with Executive Director to coordinate cultivation of major gifts

• Collaborate with members of HRM’s Board of Directors to develop and implement fundraising strategies that target individuals, family foundations and corporations

• Create and send donor correspondence such as letters, emails, funding proposals, and reports

• Maintain accurate records of donor outreach and solicitation plans through regular upkeep of donor database and submission of call reports

• Participate in departmental portfolio review process

• Meet or exceed the expected level of donor activity each week and month, i.e., number of face-to-face visits, asks, calls, personal correspondence, etc.

• Become familiar with House of Ruth’s programmatic needs for the purpose of effective donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, using available resources and opportunities

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years relevant development experience

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• High degree of attention to detail and organization

• Ability to simultaneously prioritize multiple projects successfully

• Proven ability to think creatively

• Work well both independently and with others, including board members, donors and prospects, volunteers and staff

• Must possess a strong work ethic and have confidence in their abilities

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and be self-motivated as well as an enthusiastic team player

• Ability to understand intimate partner violence and how it affects the client population

• Ability to pass a criminal background check