The Major Gifts Officer will join a dynamic team to spearhead the development and execution of a comprehensive, strategic initiative to cultivate and expand a robust network of individual donors within the Palmetto Society ($1,000 and up) and Tocqueville Society ($10,000 and up). This role is pivotal in enhancing donor engagement and loyalty, leveraging strategic relationship-building and personalized stewardship to increase annual giving. The Major Gifts Officer will work in close partnership with leadership and cross-functional teams to foster, nurture, and secure high-impact donors, ultimately increasing philanthropic support for TUW’s mission. By employing innovative strategies and best practices in major gift fundraising, this position will significantly contribute to the sustainability and growth of our programs, ensuring lasting impact in the community.
Reports to: Chief Advancement Officer
Located in: Charleston, SC
Areas of Responsibility
Donor Identification and Cultivation
- Identify, cultivate, and steward multi-year top-tier donors ($10,000 and up), engaging them in structured multi-year step-up programs.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership gift donors ($1,000 and up) to achieve fundraising goals approved by the Board of Directors for outside workplace campaigns.
Volunteer Engagement and Committee Support
- Support and staff the Palmetto Steering Committee in identifying, cultivating, and stewarding key individuals to fill leadership positions, including regional chairs, leadership-level giving chairs, and at-large committee members, as outlined in the Palmetto Society Business Plan.
- Work with and effectively manage high level volunteers to engage prospects.
Strategic Leadership and Coordination
- Provide strategic guidance to the Events Coordinator to design and execute events aimed at recruiting, cultivating, and stewarding leadership-level gift donors and qualified donor prospects, as identified in the Advancement Plan.
- Support interdepartmental team leaders with strategy and project management.
Collaboration and Partnership Development
- Collaborate with Corporate Advancement Officers to identify leadership donor prospects emerging from workplace campaigns.
- Create and implement targeted engagement strategies to effectively reach out to these prospective donors.
- Collaborate with Communications and Advancement teams to develop fundraising materials and communications.
- Bring donor thoughts and reaction back to the organization and provide constructive feedback to the Community Impact and Marketing departments.
- Participate in all TUW events and activities demonstrating the ability to be a good colleague, proactive collaborator and team builder.
Reporting and Goal Tracking
- Monitor and report on progress toward fundraising goals, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and board directives.
- Analyze donor engagement data to inform strategy and optimize fundraising efforts.
- Bachelor’s Degree
- MarketSmart experience
- 5 years of previous fund raising experience, or 7-10 years of related experience (business or sales)
- Proven track record of soliciting and securing major gifts
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse audiences
- Excellent planning and time management skills with the ability to successfully manage multiple projects
- High-energy team player
- Effective analytical and problem solving skills
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office with good general computer skills
- Positive attitude and willing to be part of a team
