JOB DESCRIPTION
The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) will manage a portfolio of approximately 125+ major gift donors. The MGO will be responsible for identifying strategic opportunities, developing and implementing initiatives to identify, cultivate and solicit high-net worth donors to ensure a strong base of perpetual financial support.
This position requires direct experience securing major gifts from high-net-worth individuals.
About UNCF
UNCF is one of the nation’s largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students' access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF awards more than 13,000 scholarships to more than 10,000 students totaling more than $64 million. The scholarships support students attending more than 600 US-based colleges and universities including 36 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in strengthening the pipeline of leaders and professionals who advance our society. Our logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and our widely recognized trademark is, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Designs and implements innovative strategies to identify, cultivate and solicit high-net worth donors for major gifts ($25K and above).
- Identifies and rates individual major gift prospects. Obtains information concerning financial capability, special interests, giving history, and current connections to UNCF and other causes.
- Effectively prepares meeting materials, stewardship reports and major gift solicitations including, but not limited to high-quality solicitation materials, proposals and investment decks. Manages communication and donor interactions with programmatic leadership, including the President and CEO.
- Make direct, face-to-face solicitations (local and national), and assist the CEO, board and leadership staff with their solicitation (e.g. provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications). 12 to 15 in person visits per month.
- Analyzes prospect research with a keen understanding of moves management to steward donors towards major gifts.
- Utilize Raiser’s Edge to track and manage donor/prospect portfolio and monitor individual results toward fundraising goal; adhere to timely reporting of results to ensure accuracy of the fundraising pipeline and year-end projection forecasts.
- Provides stewardship over existing and future individual major gift and planned giving donors.
- Identifies, recruits and services volunteers.
- Maintains current and accurate files on all individual donors.
- Ensures compliance with UNCF policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
- Other duties may be assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
No supervisory responsibility.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and/or Experience:
A bachelor's degree from four-year College or university and at least 8-10 years of experience in fundraising, with 3-5 years of specific experience in cultivating individual gifts.
Other Skills and Abilities:
Quantifiable experience conducting major fundraising activities at the half million dollar level and above that may include capital and annual giving campaigns; excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills; volunteer management skills; strong planning skills and the ability to multi-task; outstanding human relations and managerial skills; demonstrative initiative; the ability to work with minimal supervision; and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Raiser’s Edge.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Benefits include:
Medical, Dental & Vision
Vacation, Sick & Personal Leave
Life Insurance (Basic & Optional)
Flex Spending Accounts
403(b) Retirement Account
Holiday Savings Plan
Annual Incentive Pay
Salary Range: $87,400 to $105,000 (Salary is commensurate with experience.)
This is a hybrid position: 4 days in-person, 1-day remote work schedule, may be located in one UNCF’s Atlanta, Charlotte, New York, or Los Angeles offices.
Background checks required.
UNCF is EOE M/F/D/V
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university
- At least 8-10 years of fundraising experience
- 3-5 years of experience cultivating individual gifts
- Direct experience securing major gifts from high-net-worth individuals
- Quantifiable experience conducting major fundraising activities at the $500,000 level or above
- Experience with capital and annual giving campaigns
- Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
- Volunteer management skills
- Strong planning and multitasking skills
- Outstanding human relations and managerial skills
- Initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Raiser's Edge
What We Do
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is a nonprofit education organization that works to expand college access and success, particularly for students of color and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). It awards scholarships, provides financial support to HBCUs, and advocates for minority education and community engagement. Its programs help students overcome financial barriers, persist through college, graduate, and become leaders.
