Major Gifts Officer

The Role

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh (BBBS PGH) is seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven leader to serve as our first-ever Major Gifts Officer. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer and working in direct lockstep with the CEO, this role will be the face of our mission to the region's most influential philanthropists and corporations.

This is a high-visibility, high-reward role designed for someone who wants to take a blank slate and turn it into a masterclass in donor stewardship. You aren't just joining a team; you’re pioneering a function that will change the trajectory of mentorship in our city.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of individual donors, alumni, and prospects.
• Cultivate and steward relationships, with a primary focus on securing gifts of $10,000 and above.
• Meet established annual fundraising goals through strategic outreach, proposal development, and gift solicitation.
• Collaborate with the Chief Advancement Officer, CEO, staff, and volunteers to implement coordinated donor strategies, including prospect identification, moves management, and relationship mapping.
• Develop and execute strategic donor engagement plans that strengthen relationships, increase donor retention, and encourage growth in giving levels.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective supporters, ensuring sustainable philanthropic support that advances the mission and long-term impact of the organization.
• Operate and lead within the limitations outlined by BBBS PGH.

Experience and Education Requirements

• 3+ years of direct fundraising experience with individual donors required.
• Demonstrated success closing gifts at the $10K+ level required; experience securing gifts of $25-$100k highly preferred.
• Experience managing a portfolio of 75+ donors or prospects required; experience managing portfolios of up to 150 donors highly preferred.
• Past, relevant experience in a related non-profit sector highly preferred.
• Experience working with board members or senior leadership on fundraising strategy highly preferred.
• Past demonstrated ability to independently manage the full donor cycle (identification through stewardship).
• Knowledge of planned giving or complex gift structures including multi-year commitments, blended gifts highly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including donor proposals and reports.
• Ability to meet revenue goals and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of professionalism and discretion in handling donor relationships.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends in order to meet the needs of the role required.
• Travel of up to 50% locally and regionally (day travel) required.

Qualifications

• Base salary for this role is $60,000-$80,000, depending on relevant experience and fitness to the role.