Advancement Officer

Put your heart to work at AbleLight!

AbleLight is currently hiring an Advancement Officer in St. Louis, MO.

At AbleLight, we believe the world shines brighter when people with developmental disabilities achieve their full potential. We pioneer life-changing services that empower the people we serve to thrive.

The Advancement Officer reports to the Manager of Advancement.and focuses on managing donors contributing $2,500 or more across all AbleLight areas, with particular emphasis on cultivating major gifts of $10,000+. This role develops relationships with individuals, foundations, corporations, and religious organizations while creating acquisition strategies, securing major gifts, analyzing giving metrics, and collaborating on projects aligned with the Advancement Plan. The Officer will drive organizational growth through regional campaign planning, secure revenue in their primary markets and identify new market opportunities supporting AbleLight's strategic expansion initiatives. Maintaining a regular presence in the community is essential to building the AbleLight brand and expanding the donor network. 

Requirements:

• Bachelors’ Degree in related field, Masters’ Degree preferred. 
• Minimum five (5) to seven (7) years of successful fundraising experience with demonstrated success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Experience with corporate giving, foundation relations, and high net worth donor engagement preferred.
• Experience with IDD/DD and/or human services organizations is a plus. 
• Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office Suite (including video conferencing), and wealth screening tools. 
• Ability to travel regularly throughout their market, with occasional out-of-state travel.
• This is a hybrid role with an expectation of regular engagement in local office. The individual in this position should be on-site one pre-determined day each week to collaborate with operational staff.
• Must be able to pass a State Background Check.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary.
• Health and Wellness: Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits starting the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Financial Wellness: 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with 3.5% matching contributions, Health Savings Account, Flexible Savings Account, and Basic Life, AD&D, STD, and LTD insurance.
• Work/Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO), Tuition Reimbursements.

Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 mid- and major-level donors and prospects (individuals, corporations, foundations, religious institutions) with a focus on donors who have the inclination and capacity to give $2,500 or more annually, with emphasis on cultivating major gifts of $10,000+.  
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts ranging from four- to seven-figures through tailored engagement strategies.  
• Identify and engage new high-capacity prospects using network mapping, referrals, events, and research.  
• Establish a consistent and visible presence in the community by attending and hosting networking events, faith-based convenings, civic forums, and philanthropic gatherings.  
• Establish a collaborative partnership with market-based team members (Faith Integration Liaison and Area Vice President) to raise brand visibility and develop new community partnerships.  
• Collaborate with the local AbleLight Market Advisory Council to expand the reach of AbleLight's mission and message.  
• Represent AbleLight at external events as a regional ambassador to raise brand visibility and build new partnerships.  
• Convene small-group cultivation opportunities, such as mission briefings, to deepen regional engagement with prospective donors/supporters.  
• Design and present compelling funding proposals that align donor priorities with AbleLight's strategic initiatives (supposed by grant writers).  
• Evaluate and recommend optimal vehicles and philanthropic instruments.  
• Document all activity in CRM and leverage its features for tracking, workflow, wealth screening, and portfolio optimization.  
• Meet performance metrics related to donor visits, solicitations, and secured gifts as established by organizational leadership. 
• decisions and results, and promoting our vision, mission, and values.
• Contribute donor insights and regional intelligence to the Senior Director of Advancement to inform broader fundraising strategy.  
• Support organizational revenue goals by aligning regional fundraising activity with strategic priorities and campaign needs.  
• Collaborate with Senior Director of Advancement and market AVP to identify, cultivate, and engage community partners, organizations, and individuals with a focus on enhancing AbleLight's brand while driving philanthropic and operations growth. 
• Facilitate engagement between high-net-worth donors/corporate partners and AbleLight's executive leadership.  
• Maintain awareness of business, philanthropic, and social sector trends to strengthen prospect engagement and institutional relevance.  
• Collaborate on short-term funding initiatives and participate in planning discussions to ensure frontline alignment with long-term goals.  
• Report on major gift portfolio performance and contribution to pipeline forecasting.

Be part of a team who enhances the lives of our individuals in every way possible. Apply today and make a difference in your community!

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