Major Gifts Officer

American Humane is seeking an experienced Major Gifts Officer to help support American Humane major gifts programs and fundraising initiatives. This position will be fully remote or may be based at one of the American Humane office locations, with preference given to candidates who live near a major airport.  American Humane is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. As we seek to fill this position, we highly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

For more than 100 years American Humane has been first in promoting the welfare and safety of animals and strengthening the bond between animals and people.  We are first to serve, wherever animals are in need of rescue, shelter, protection or security. Through our innovative leadership initiatives – from our “No Animals Were Harmed®” program in Hollywood to broad-based farm and conservation animal welfare certifications, to rapid response rescue and care across the country – American Humane sets the gold standard as the most visionary and effective animal welfare organization in the nation.

Position summary:  

The Major Gift Officer (MGO) is responsible for seeking out opportunities and developing initiatives to secure funding for American Humane. Responsibilities include identifying, cultivating and soliciting prospects to ensure a strong base of ongoing financial support that will allow the organization to achieve its aggressive, long-term growth goals.  The MGO will, in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer; Associate Vice President, Development; Director of Major Gifts and other fundraising staff, be responsible for developing and actively managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors capable of giving significant contributions, ideally five-figure(+) gifts, to American Humane
• Develop and implement management strategies and approaches aimed at advancing donors into higher levels of giving and ultimately planned gifts.
• Steward donors who have already made contributions to American Humane.
• Present regular updates to the Chief Development Officer and other executive and senior leadership as requested.
• Work and travel with program staff to plan, coordinate and conduct outreach, visits, presentations, and events.
• Attend and assist with American Humane fundraising events and activities.
• Build relationships with donors and ensure all major giving donors receive appropriate, consistent recognition and an accounting of the impact of their gift on the organization.
• Research and contact prospective donors and financial advisors to develop a pipeline of long-term support.
• Produce high quality proposals, reports and other cultivation, solicitation and stewardship materials as needed.
• Enter and track all activities, actions, call reports and deadlines in Raiser’s Edge database and other tracking systems.

Essential experience, knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 3-5 years fundraising experience in major gifts strongly preferred.
• Proven fundraising track record with experience identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding high-level donors.
• CFRE credential desired but not required.
• Demonstrate high levels of drive, ownership-mentality and self-motivation, while working collaboratively with larger team to achieve overarching goals.
• Self-directed to take action and resolve issues using good judgement.
• Flexibility to shift focus rapidly in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment; strong work ethic.
• Possess a client service attitude and ability to think on your feet as well as maintain positive demeanor when dealing with the unexpected.
• Conduct oneself with confidence on phone calls, video chats and in-person donor meetings.
• Ability to emotionally and colorfully describe the incredible work done by American Humane to help animals.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer technology including applications for project and data management and electronic calendars (Raiser’s Edge, Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook preferred).  Ability to quickly learn software specific to the department or institution.
• Strong written (including proof reading and editing) and oral communication skills, including the ability to briefly summarize the essence of issues and means to address them.  Use appropriate grammar in verbal or written form.
• Use sound judgment and discretion in handling and securing sensitive and confidential information, as well as the ability to conduct oneself in a highly professional manner.

Physical demands and work environment: 

• Position may be based at one of the American Humane office locations or be fully remote
• Must be o.k. with animals, particularly dogs, in the office and at events.
• National travel will be required, estimated up to 50% or more as needed, including frequent trips to specific target areas.
• Some evening and weekend hours will be required for outreach or event participation.

American Humane’s core values define our workplace, and these values serve as the cornerstone for interactions in advancing our mission and institutional goals. Employees are expected to adhere to all organizational policies and to act as role models, demonstrating American Humane’s core values:

Compassion – Being kind and caring in our interactions with others.

Accountability - Holding ourselves to the highest standards. Following through on commitments and owning our actions, behavior, and decisions.

Respect for All – Being professional, listening to others and honoring diversity in all its forms.

Loyalty to Mission  – Staying focused on our purpose and our mission – our nation’s most vulnerable depend on us.

Sustainability - Contributing to being a great place to work and achieving our shared mission and goals to make a difference, now and in the future.

Honesty, Integrity, Trust – Demonstrating transparency, as trusted stewards of donor resources, supporting our leadership and one another.

American Humane (AH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to fostering and growing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and the humane space.

To apply, click here to submit resume and cover letter.