Senior Philanthropic Gift Officer

Manage the relationships of our high-level donors and prospects as part of a major gifts program.

The largest guide dog school in North America, Guide Dogs for the Blind, is looking for an experienced fundraiser to join us as a Senior Philanthropic Gifts Officer. Serving as a strong advocate of our mission, you will manage a portfolio of high-level donors and prospects for our major gifts program. Donors and prospects reside mainly in California, with clusters of donors scattered throughout the U.S. and Canada. This position will be based at our San Rafael, CA campus, with possible hybrid work opportunities. Travel is up to 50%. 

What You’ll Love:

• We are a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization supported entirely by private donations, so your expertise will be valued and recognized
• You’ll enjoy being part of our enthusiastic team of Development experts as you brainstorm and discover new ways to attract donors
• You’ll feel personal pride in supporting our mission that means so much to so many
• This role offers autonomy and room for your ideas, bolstered by the support of experts and specialists
• You can bring your dog to work!

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and manage identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for individual donors and prospects
• Qualify major donor prospects and develop specific strategies for each donor and prospect
• Leverage board and other volunteer relationships and program leaders to maximize development opportunities, including designing and executing high-level solicitations
• Practice best-in-class stewardship of donors in portfolio to increase gift size, secure multi-year gifts, and maximize retention
• Utilize and update the donor database by recording activities, contacts, and strategies on an
• ongoing basis
• With the help of the special events manager, create and execute intimate cultivation or donor-hosted fundraising events when necessary
• Track and report on overall major giving activity and results; develop and utilize tracking model; provide monthly and quarterly income forecasting

What You’ll Need:

• 10+ years of experience soliciting and successfully obtaining major gifts in the five- to seven-figure range
• Strong track or performance record of attaining challenging annual fundraising goals
• Bachelor’s degree desired
• Working knowledge of fundraising or philanthropy guidelines, structure, and theory as well as principles of gift planning
• Demonstrated experience using effective communication and interpersonal skills, patience, active listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong and engaging relationships with donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff
• Willing and able to undertake overnight travel anywhere in North America up to 50% of the time
• Current driver’s license and insurability at normal risk rates
• Proficient in MS Office; working knowledge of SalesForce highly desirable
• Ability to perform basic administrative support duties and ability to work proactively and function independently
• Knowledge of and experience with people with disabilities or animal issues is a plus

Guide Dogs for the Blind

At Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), we believe that everyone deserves to move through the world safely and confidently – to live the life they want to live. As the largest guide dog school in North America, we have graduated more than 16,000 guide dog teams from across the U.S. and Canada since our founding in 1942. GDB not only improves mobility for our clients, we further inclusion. Join our team of more than 300 employees and share your passion for our mission.

Apply

https://app.jobvite.com/j?cj=o4hfufwO&s=Idealist

At Guide Dogs for the Blind, we respect, value, and appreciate all differences. We welcome all qualified candidates irrespective of your race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Individuals with disabilities, especially those who are blind or visually impaired, are encouraged to apply.  If you have a disability and need assistance and/or accommodation with applying for a job, please feel free to contact our Human Resources department.

Pay Range

$166,000-$184,000/year