Basic Function

Responsible for managing initiatives to strengthen and grow the base of contributed income from major donors. In partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Development, identify new prospects and initiate contacts, develop appropriate cultivation strategies to build relationships with potential donors, and move them in an appropriate and timely manner toward solicitation. Strengthen existing donor relationships, make solicitations, and ensure effective stewardship of donors.

Responsibilities

Collaborate closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer, the Board of Directors, and the Director of Development to build and execute a strategic development plan with primary focus on the development and implementation of a major gift and planned giving program.
Effectively identify, cultivate and develop/manage solicitation and stewardship strategies for a portfolio of major donors and prospects. Develop and implement strategies to cultivate ties with donors and move prospects toward established goals.
Initiate contacts with potential major and planned gift donors.
Develop moves management plan for current and prospective major donors and planned gifts. Track and schedule activities utilizing donor database.
Develop and implement new and creative engagement and cultivation strategies to effectively acquire, retain and upgrade donors. Make solicitations when appropriate.
Create opportunities for agency leadership to engage with donors. Partner with the events and marketing team to implement strategic cultivation and stewardship events in support of philanthropic giving.
Prepare and monitor short and long-term plans, timetables and budgets for major and planned donor giving. Report on progress throughout the year.
Maintain current knowledge of planned giving vehicles. Develop and implement a program for individuals to make planned and legacy gifts to the agency. Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer to identify, cultivate and steward potential donors.
Work with the marketing team to develop and implement marketing materials to increase awareness of ways to make major and/or planned gifts.
Represent the agency at select special events and external fundraising activities.
Present the agency, clients, and staff in a positive manner consistent with the agency mission, including public speaking, site visit tours and other avenues that will educate and familiarize donors and the community with the agency.
Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred. Seven to ten years of proven fundraising/development experience including at least 5 years soliciting major gifts (5+ figures). Proven ability to drive significant growth of a major gifts program. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long term relationships. The ability to generate a positive image of the agency with both internal and external audiences. Demonstrate perseverance, reflect an optimistic and cheerful outlook, and convey sensitivity to the needs of donors. Excellent organizational and time management skills and strong attention to detail required. Must have reliable transportation and a valid Ohio driver’s license with two (2) or less moving violations.

UCP of Greater Cleveland

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Director of Major Gifts