The Major Gifts Officer works to build and enhance relationships with all constituents for the purpose of increasing philanthropic support to Sidwell Friends School. The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting major ($100,000+) and planned gifts and Annual Fund leadership gifts ($10,000-$50,000), seeking commitments in support of a comprehensive capital campaign and for specific initiatives approved by the Board of Trustees.
The Major Gifts Officer will work with prospective donors to determine their philanthropic interests related to the school’s fundraising goals through the Annual Fund, Endowment, Capital, and Planned Giving Programs.
Responsibilities:
- Partner with the Senior Director of Individual Giving to determine strategies and action steps needed to identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit major gift donors ($100,000+).
- Manage a personal portfolio of approximately 120+ prospective donors (current parents, alumni, and parents of alumni) to ensure that timely steps are taken toward qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and closure of gift proposals.
- Plan and execute a target of 120+ prospective donor visits per year.
- Manage and engage the volunteer solicitor engagement for assigned affinity / constituent groups and campaign committees.
- Develop and implement individual strategies for cultivating and soliciting major gift and planned giving prospects; utilize specialized gift planning knowledge to evaluate donors’ financial situations and goals to recommend optimal gifting options.
- Create inspiring gift proposals through a working knowledge of Sidwell Friends School’s educational programs in order to effectively articulate the School’s priorities and fundraising objectives to donors.
- Document all activity in the database; prepare and submit moves management goals that contain specific timelines, projected results, and outcomes.
- Collaborate with the Engagement Team to oversee prospect stewardship through correspondence, donor engagement, professional proposals, mailings, and acknowledgements.
- Achieve personal fundraising and activity goals monthly, quarterly, and annually.
- Attend all appropriate Advancement meetings as well as other school-related events as appropriate.
- Work collaboratively with the School Advancement staff to ensure appropriate coordination and communication.
Qualifications:
The position requires a bachelor’s degree or higher and a candidate with strong interpersonal, oral and written communication, and database skills. Two years of experience in successfully cultivating and personally soliciting major gifts is preferred. Experience engaging and managing volunteer partners with a volunteer management software is also preferred. Knowledge of educational fundraising culture is an asset and experience with higher education moves management systems is preferred. This staff person should have the ability to work independently and as a member of a team in a fast-paced environment and be able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively and efficiently. Occasional travel is required.
Salary & Benefits
Sidwell Friends School offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, well-being, and long-term financial security. Benefits include multiple medical, dental, and vision plan options; school-paid life and long-term disability insurance; wellness programs; and flexible spending accounts.
Sidwell contributes 7% of gross salary to a 403(b) retirement plan, with a 3% employee contribution, along with generous paid time off including school breaks, federal holidays, personal days, and paid family leave. Additional benefits include free lunch and parking, public transportation support, access to campus facilities, childcare and summer program discounts, and other community-focused resources.
Salary: $95,000-$105,000 per year. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications
To Apply
To be considered, qualified candidates must upload a cover letter, a resume , and three references through our applicant tracking system (ClearCo). To learn more about our school and current openings, please visit our website.
Diversity Statement
Sidwell Friends School affirms the centrality of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and campus life. Honoring a multiplicity of voices, we celebrate shared joys and address tensions productively. Together, we are guided by Quaker testimonies and seek to answer the question, “How do we nurture a sense of belonging in our community and demonstrate our commitment to a just world?"
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- Strong oral communication skills
- Strong written communication skills
- Strong database skills
- Two years of experience successfully cultivating and personally soliciting major gifts
- Experience engaging and managing volunteer partners using volunteer management software
- Knowledge of educational fundraising culture
- Experience with higher education moves management systems
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively and efficiently
What We Do
Sidwell Friends School is a dynamic pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educational community with campuses in Washington, DC, and Bethesda, Maryland. Deeply committed to the intellectual, social, and spiritual growth of its students, the school is grounded in Quaker values of equity, justice, and community, striving to help students discern deeper truths about themselves and their common humanity while fostering ethical leadership.
