Position Summary
The Major Gifts & Sustainability Officer is responsible for developing strategies for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors with special focus on the cultivation of Covenant House Alaska’s (CHA) direct mail donors, planned giving, and related programs. The Major Gifts & Sustainability Officer is also responsible for co-managing the annual Sleep-Out event with the Communications & Sustainability Officer, which is geared at engaging current and new donors. This position has direct impact on the department’s reputation among all levels of donors, sponsors, and other community partners, as well as impacts the financial and operational performance of the department and the organizations vision to end youth homelessness. This position will also work with Covenant House International’s (CHI) Development Team.
Essential Functions
· Demonstrate a clear understanding of the Covenant House Mission, philosophy, history and tradition(s) and the underlying values upon which the Agency is founded to the staff, youth and the community we serve.
· Work in collaboration with the Development Team to achieve CHA’s community presence and promotional goals.
· In collaboration with the Communications & Sustainability Officer plan and execute Sleep-Out events, including Executive Edition and Spring Sleep Out from conception through post event follow-up (creating and monitoring timelines, logistics, budgets, and all communication both internally and externally.
· Oversee portfolio of 150-200 donors and prospects.
· Attend various community and CHA events outside of regular business hours.
· Create a plan of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship and then faithfully and, on a timely basis, execute that plan to retain and upgrade constituents based on annual KPIs
· Build, maintain, grow relationships with donors and ask them to name CHA as a beneficiary in their estate planning, and when appropriate, ask them to make contributions aligned with annual individual fundraising goals.
· Ensure that information regarding donors and prospective donors are recorded in CHA’s and CHI’s database. Provide CHA and CHI with summary data, as requested.
· Attend fundraising seminars and or trainings that are relevant to the position.
· Collaborate with the CHA & CHI Development Teams to enhance relationships and create greater fundraising and outreach possibilities.
· Participate in departmental portfolio review process and be a partner in maintaining an organized system for donor stewardship by updating constituent records, as appropriate.
· Under the direction of the development leadership team provide special event support and actively assist during the event from start to finish.
· Participate in overall planning and execution of CHA individual and major gift fundraising.
· Identify ways to increase the cultivation and involvement of donors in corporation visits, meetings, events, and activities as appropriate
· Participate in CHI-led meetings in support of CHA’s participation in CHI’s Major/Planned Giving Donor Cultivation Program
· Keep supervisor fully informed at all times.
· Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree required in communications, commerce, marketing, administration or related areas.
Experience
Minimum three years of fundraising or sales experience and a proven track record of raising major gift funds are preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
· Strong ability to relate effectively with staff, youth, and community agencies of varied cultural backgrounds and behaviors.
· Demonstrated ability to relate to, connect with and variety personality types both internal and external.
· Ability to inspire anyone about our mission and provide them with a unique experience as a supporter.
· Willingness and ability to work outside of normal business hours, and Holidays and/or weekends as needed.
· Maintain a high level of confidentiality and ethical standards.
· Ability to navigate and become proficient with multiple software products including: Microsoft Office Suite, Raiser’s Edge, DonorDrive, SharePoint, Every Action and other software platforms as needed.
· Outstanding oral and verbal communication skills, articulate and persuasive, with well-honed relationship building skills
· Ability to navigate and manage multiple projects consistently
· Possess a current Driving License
· Have a clean driving record
· Pass federal, state, and local background investigation
Working Conditions
· Position works in an office setting within the Youth Engagement Center.
· Noise level is mild to moderate, consistent with office and residential environments.
· Must have the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
· Must have the ability to observe details within close range.
· Must be able to remain in stationary position for extended periods of time.
· Must be able to move within the office to access files and office equipment.
· Consistently operates a computer and related office machinery.
· Must be able to ascend/descend stairways within a wide variety of facilities with and possibly without the assistance of an elevator
· Occasionally moves items up to 40 pounds while ascending/descending stairways.
Covenant House is an Equal Opportunity Employer