Major Gifts Officer

About the role

The Major Gifts Officer plays a key role in strengthening and growing the relationships that fuel Variety's impact. Working closely with the Director of Development and a dedicated development team, this position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors ($10,000+) while creating meaningful opportunities for supporters to engage with our mission.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of approximately 125 major gift donors ($10,000+).
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, foundation, and corporate donors, strengthening engagement through thoughtful relationship management.
• Support planned giving efforts through proactive donor conversations and collaboration with professional advisors.
• Work in close collaboration with the Director of Development to advance major gift strategy and overall fundraising priorities.
• Directly supervise and develop one development team member, setting goals, monitoring performance, and supporting professional growth.
• Collaborate with development team members, board members, and volunteers to execute donor strategies, campaigns, events, and engagement efforts.
• Participate in special projects, campaigns, and fundraising initiatives as needed to support organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three years of experience in major gift fundraising.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts, including gifts in the six-figure range.
• Experience managing a donor portfolio and achieving annual fundraising goals through strategic moves management.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices.
• Familiarity in the St. Louis philanthropic community.
• Proficiency in donor databases.
• Exceptional relationship-builder with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Possess a proven track record of identifying and cultivating new donors.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented professional with strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Genuine passion for Variety’s mission and a commitment to advancing its impact.

Preferred Qualifications

• CFRE preferred.
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and strategies.
• Experience working in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge.

Schedule & Location

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), primarily on-site position based at Variety’s office near Westport Plaza in St. Louis, Missouri. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings or weekends as needed.