Major Gifts Officer

Role Description

The Major Gifts Officer is a full-time, on-site role based in Missoula, MT, responsible for securing significant philanthropic investments to advance Friends of the Children - Western Montana’s mission. This position manages a portfolio of major gift prospects, cultivates relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners, and develops personalized engagement strategies.

• Conducts donor meetings
• Prepares proposals and impact reports
• Collaborates with program staff to align donor interests with organizational priorities
• Creates and implements annual and planned giving strategies
• Oversight of prospect research to identify new funding opportunities
• Supports special campaigns or events

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in major gifts and philanthropy, with strong skills in cultivating and soliciting significant contributions
• Knowledge of planned giving strategies and annual giving programs, including the ability to design and implement comprehensive fundraising plans
• Proficiency in prospect research to identify, evaluate, and prioritize potential donors and funding partners
• Background in alumni relations or similar relationship-based development work, with a focus on engagement and stewardship
• Strong communication, presentation, and writing skills, with the ability to convey impact and inspire donor support
• Experience using CRM or donor management systems and comfort with data tracking and reporting
• Able to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and engage with diverse communities in a respectful, inclusive manner
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Prior fundraising or development experience in nonprofit or community-based organizations is highly beneficial