Major Gifts Offer

Are you driven by the power of purpose? Do you strive to empower women, eliminate racism and promote peace, justice, and dignity for all? If so, YWCA of Metro St. Louis is the place for you!

YWCA of Metro St. Louis provides our employees with opportunities to make a positive impact in the community while gaining the skills and confidence to have a fulfilling and successful career. 

We are taking a responsible approach to create environments that allow us to do what we do best- serve our clients, children, and families. As part of our commitment to health and safety, all new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start date. 

*Please note a candidate is considered fully vaccinated if the following applies:

• Two weeks after the second dose in a 2-does vaccination series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna Vaccines, OR
• Two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Vaccine

If you believe you qualify for an accommodation due to a disability or sincerely held religious belief, please let Human Resources know. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Major Gifts Officer is to work with key agency leaders while building relationships, with the goal of cultivating and soliciting major gifts from donors in the St. Louis region. The candidate must be self-directed, highly motivated, and passionate about YWCA's mission. The position reports to the Chief Development Officer and works in close collaboration with the President & CEO, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Marketing Officer.

Job Duties:

• On an annual basis, identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at the five- and six-figure and above levels, meeting activity metrics and revenue goals.
• Integrate fully into the Development team, adding strategic value to the existing major gift efforts.
• Be proactive in identifying new prospects, building relationships, and networking to build a portfolio of qualified major gift prospects.
• With the support of the Marketing Department, prepare written materials such as visit briefing materials, solicitation proposals, and pledge documents.
• Maintain accurate records of activities in the Development department database (Raiser's Edge/Blackbaud). Monitor, evaluate, and report on progress and outcomes against agreed-upon goals.
• Respond to major gift leads in a timely manner. Work proactively to network and expand the portfolio.
• Adhere to professionalism and fundraising best practices as demonstrated by moves management industry standards and donor-centered methodology.
• Other duties as assigned.

 Formal Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree required Advanced Degree a plus.
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) is a plus. 
• Three to five years of experience working in major gift fundraising is required; five to seven years is preferred. 
• Experience working with high-net-worth donors and staff leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent, persuasive, and diplomatic communicator – in person, over the phone, and in writing – with the ability to prepare proposals, briefing materials, reports, and correspondence.
• Strong problem-solving and negotiating skills. Highly creative and innovative, with abilities to persuade and motivate others.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to analyze data and information to drive the strategic development of the portfolio – including the evidenced ability to research donor databases and historic giving for major gift potential.
• Self-starter, ability to work independently on complex donor strategies.
• Superior interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen, observe and interact well with diverse individuals and groups.
• Ability to understand the research and impact dimensions of a proposed project, conceptualize it, and make a compelling case to a donor for philanthropic support.
• Results-oriented with the ability to focus on and meet deadlines and goals.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively with YWCA staff and volunteers.
• High integrity and professionalism, respecting the confidential nature of donor information and YWCA's business practices.

YWCA of Metro St. Louis is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

To apply, visit our website at www.ywcastl.org and search the employment tab.