[Hiring] Major Gifts Officer @Native Forward Scholars Fund

Role Description

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and securing new major gift commitments while strengthening and expanding relationships with existing donors. The officer will develop strategies to acquire new philanthropic partners, increase giving among current donors, renew and upgrade existing commitments, and identify opportunities for sustained, multi-year support. The officer will manage a portfolio of approximately 120 qualified major gift prospects and donors, balancing new prospect development with the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of established relationships. Portfolio management will be guided by donor capacity, philanthropic interests, relationship readiness, organizational priorities, and the potential for meaningful philanthropic investment. The Major Gifts Officer will be accountable for achieving assigned fundraising goals through new gifts, renewed commitments, donor upgrades, and expanded philanthropic support. The officer will maintain a qualified solicitation pipeline, develop individualized relationship and solicitation plans, and provide regular revenue forecasts and portfolio performance reports to the Director of Strategic Partnerships. Success in this role requires a proactive approach to prospect identification, disciplined follow-through, strategic solicitation, and authentic relationship building that advances Native Forward's mission and long-term financial sustainability.

• Major gift strategy and revenue generation
• Portfolio and relationship management
• Strategic philanthropy and gift planning
• Executive partnership and collaboration
• Fundraising operations and accountability

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least five years of progressive experience in major gifts, individual giving, relationship-based fundraising, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience cultivating, soliciting, and closing significant philanthropic gifts.
• Experience managing a donor or prospect portfolio and developing individualized solicitation strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with high-capacity individuals and engage senior executives, board members, and philanthropic advisors.
• Experience preparing solicitation proposals, donor briefings, stewardship communications, and revenue forecasts.
• Proficiency with donor CRM systems (Blackbaud preferred), prospect research tools, and reporting applications.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex educational and community impact clearly.
• Valid Driver’s License is required. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation.

Requirements

• Knowledge of American Indian History, culture, and Tribes.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• A commitment to the mission and goals of the Native Forward Scholars Fund in providing scholarship funding and support services to Native students.
• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with coworkers at all levels.
• Ability to analyze progress and make necessary adjustments throughout the cultivation process.
• Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to demonstrate excellence in everything and continually seek improvement in results.
• Comfortable and confident, engaging at the highest levels, and adept at influencing opinion and securing commitments.
• Superior skills in building relationships and comfort in asking donors to commit their money, time, and/or energy to a shared vision.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills. Demonstrated ability to simplify complex themes and activities into a short, compelling presentation or written piece.
• Experience in grant writing and business proposals.
• Ability to discuss the role of education in promoting social justice and economic opportunity.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully on the phone, via email/text, and in person with donors, board members, volunteers, colleagues, and the general public.
• Proficiency with office technology and information systems.
• High ethical standards, strict adherence to donor confidentiality, and genuine interest in developing authentic relationships.
• Persuasiveness and perseverance in attaining goals.
• Skills in operating business computers and office machines, including various software applications, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software (such as PowerPoint).

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to walk.
• The employee occasionally is required to stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Work Environment

• Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level.
• Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.
• Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.
• Travel will be required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.