The Batten Group has been retained to conduct this national search for a Major Gifts Officer. To visit the Position Description on their website where you can apply directly in confidence, please click this link. To contact the search lead, Jim Batten, call (704) 651-7858.


Position Title:  Major Gifts Officer     

Reports to:  Vice President & Chief Development Officer (VP & CDO)

Background

The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is the world’s leading non-governmental, non-profit funder of lupus research. Over the past 20 years, the LRA has invested over $220 million in lupus research in more than 540 research and clinical studies. More recently, the LRA established an affiliate organization, Lupus Therapeutics (LT), which is responsible for the coordination, conduct and management of a North American-based clinical trial consortium, the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN). LT through LuCIN is currently conducting Nine Phase I through III clinical trials.

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer serves as a member of the LRA Development Team to steward, renew, and acquire top-level individual donors with the goal of significantly increasing the financial support of the LRA. The Major Gifts Officer reports to the VP & CDO. This role identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards a portfolio of lead donors and top-level prospects for gifts of $10,000 and higher. The role is also responsible for prospecting and creating leads for new individual donors.

The ideal candidate should be creative, resilient, adaptable, and confident in creating meaningful connections with donors and the LRA mission.

Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a fluid portfolio of donors and prospects.
  • Steward and cultivate annual fund/direct mail donors in the $1,000-$9,999 range who have the potential to make a major gift.
  • Craft cultivation and solicitation strategies and proposals for prospects, in consultation with the VP & CDO, Sr. Director of Philanthropy, and other organizational leaders.
  • Research and identity planned giving and major gift prospects, and plan strategies for engagement and cultivation.
  • Recommend and facilitate strategic meetings for donors with LRA leadership as needed, e.g., CEO, and LRA Board of Directors.
  • Provide support and direction for cultivation and stewardship events.
  • Assist with other projects, activities, and events as requested by the VP & CDO.
  • Practice active portfolio management and document in contact reports. Use the Moves Management system to track development actions and next steps.
  • Assist with acknowledgment letters for optimal personalization where needed.
  • Provide a high degree of discretion and strong ability to represent the LRA, engaging in meaningful dialogue with prospects and donors.

Qualifications/Skills

  • BA/BS Degree required with a sales/marketing/PR focus preferred.
  • At least 3-5 of years of nonprofit fundraising experience and has shown an ability to secure individual and major gifts and meet objectives.
  • A solid understanding of finances and budgeting.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with development information systems and databases—i.e. Salesforce
  • A proven fundraising track record and experience in making cold calls.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to travel when required.
  • Can work independently.


    • Salary and Benefits

    LRA's core values include working toward health equity for all. As a reflection of our commitment to these values, we cover 100% of the cost of our employee's health, dental, and vision insurance from day one! Other benefits include a generous mix of paid time off, a flexible work environment, technology and internet stipend, and more.


    The Lupus Research Alliance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to equal opportunity for all regardless of race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/orientation/preference, class, or socioeconomic status, marital status, age, ability, or Veteran status.

    All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, in accordance with state and local laws.


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