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Major Gifts Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Major Gifts Officer

Southfield, MI · On-site

$66K - $85K/yr

About the Role The Major Gifts Officer plays a pivotal role in accelerating Make-A-Wish Michigan's philanthropic growth by engaging individuals who are new to the organization or newly capable of ...

Major Gifts Manager

New York, NY

$70K - $89K/yr

The Major Gifts Manageris a critical member of thedevelopment operations team within theNew Yorkdevelopment program.The Manager oversees the Development Operations team, which is responsible for ...

The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring a Major Gifts Officer to lead major gift fundraising efforts that support conservation, education, and the Zoos strategic priorities. Position Status: Full-Time, ...

Major Gifts Officer

Charleston, WV

$66K - $86K/yr

Job Title Major Gifts Officer Location United States of America Position Type Paid - Regular The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for building and managing meaningful relationships with donors to ...

Major Gifts Officer

Wallingford, CT

$72K - $93K/yr

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Major Gifts Officer will join a high-performing team working to expand philanthropic support from alumni and parent donors for Choate's educational ...

Major Gifts Officer

Philadelphia, PA

$68K - $89K/yr

About the Role WHYY's Major Gifts team is a high-performing, collaborative, and mission-driven group of 11 individuals that is deeply committed to building meaningful relationships with donors and ...

Major Gifts Officer

Boston, MA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

The Major Gifts Officer will develop and execute personalized engagement strategies, partner with senior staff and volunteers on solicitations, and represent Community Servings at donor events and ...

Major Gifts Officer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$68K - $89K/yr

About the Role WHYY's Major Gifts team is a high-performing, collaborative, and mission-driven group of 11 individuals that is deeply committed to building meaningful relationships with donors and ...

Major Gifts Officer

Reno, NV

$71K - $93K/yr

These major gifts will help extend healthcare services and programming when patient revenue is healthy, and help maintain a current level of service when patient revenue is not as robust. Without an ...

Major Gifts Portfolio Management * Manage a portfolio of individual major gift prospects and donors, with emphasis on securing gifts of $10,000+ * Conduct prospect research, including producing donor ...

Major Gifts Officer

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

The Director of Major Gifts will play a critical role in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors to support the university's strategic priorities. Major Responsibilities: * Donor ...

Major Gifts Officer

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

We are seeking an accomplished and savvy Major Gifts Officer to join our Development team. Reporting to the Director of Development, this position will be responsible for developing and implementing ...

Major Gifts Specialist

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Major Gifts Specialist Organization Information GrowNYC is a 54-year-old environmental nonprofit organization helping more than 3 million New Yorkers by providing essential services and taking action ...

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Major Gifts information

See salary details

$40K

$74.5K

$109K

How much do major gifts jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for major gifts in the United States is $74,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $82,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, some high-level executive roles such as CEOs, investment bankers, and certain specialized medical professionals can earn $500,000 or more annually. Additionally, successful entrepreneurs, top-tier lawyers, and senior partners in large law firms may reach this income level, often requiring extensive experience, advanced skills, and significant responsibility.

What is the difference between Major Gifts vs Fundraising Coordinator?

AspectMajor GiftsFundraising Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in donor relationsBachelor's degree, experience in event planning or outreach
Work EnvironmentHigh-level donor meetings, personalized outreachEvent planning, campaign support, community engagement
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, educational institutions, healthcareNonprofits, charities, community organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding high-level fundraising rolesEntry to mid-level fundraising roles

Major Gifts professionals focus on securing large donations from high-net-worth individuals through personalized engagement. Fundraising Coordinators support broader fundraising campaigns, organize events, and manage outreach efforts. While both roles are essential in nonprofit fundraising, Major Gifts roles typically involve more strategic donor cultivation and higher-level relationship management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Major Gifts Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Major Gifts Officer, you need expertise in fundraising strategy, donor relations, and stewardship, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as communications or nonprofit management. Familiarity with donor management databases (like Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce) and certifications such as CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) are commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, persuasive communication, and emotional intelligence help build lasting relationships with high-value donors. These competencies are essential for securing significant contributions, maintaining donor trust, and achieving organizational fundraising goals.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Major Gifts officers in fundraising can earn $10,000 or more per month through commissions and bonuses, especially when managing large donations and donor relationships. Success in this role depends on strong networking, communication skills, and experience, rather than formal education. High-level sales, real estate, and entrepreneurial ventures can also reach this income level without a degree.

What qualifies as a major gift?

In the context of Major Gifts fundraising roles, a major gift typically refers to a donation that exceeds a specific threshold set by the organization, often ranging from thousands to millions of dollars. Fundraisers in this field focus on cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals to secure these substantial contributions, requiring strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of donor management tools.

How does a Major Gifts officer typically collaborate with other departments within a nonprofit organization?

Major Gifts officers frequently work closely with colleagues in marketing, communications, events, and program teams to ensure that fundraising strategies align with the organization’s overall mission and messaging. They often partner with executive leadership and board members to facilitate donor meetings and cultivate high-level relationships. Successful collaboration is essential for identifying potential donors, developing compelling cases for support, and delivering coordinated stewardship activities. This teamwork helps maximize donor engagement and the overall effectiveness of fundraising efforts.

How much do major gift officers make?

Major gift officers typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, with total compensation often including bonuses and commissions based on fundraising success. Salaries vary depending on experience, organization size, and geographic location, and many roles require strong relationship-building and fundraising skills.

What are major gifts in fundraising?

Major gifts are significant donations made to nonprofit organizations, typically considered to be the largest individual contributions a charity receives. These gifts often come from individuals, families, foundations, or corporations and can play a crucial role in funding key projects or operational needs. The exact definition of a 'major gift' varies by organization, but it usually refers to contributions that are much larger than average annual gifts. Major gifts often result from ongoing relationships and personalized engagement with donors.
More about Major Gifts jobs
What cities are hiring for Major Gifts jobs? Cities with the most Major Gifts job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Major Gifts jobs? The most popular types of Major Gifts jobs are:
What states have the most Major Gifts jobs? States with the most job openings for Major Gifts jobs include:
Infographic showing various Major Gifts job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,530 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

$10K/mo

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio is seeking a mission-minded Associate to join us as full time (37.5 per week) Major Gifts Officer. *Please note: Applicant must reside in the state of Ohio, preferably in the Central Ohio region. 

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer leads the strategy and relationship management that drives leadership-level giving at $10,000 and above, building a strong and sustainable base of support within an assigned region. This role manages a portfolio of 50 to 100 major donors through all stages of the relationship, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and long-term stewardship. The Major Gifts Officer also provides strategic direction for community engagement efforts and leads the development of Affinity Groups that deepen relationships, foster connection, and expand organizational reach.

Union Status: Union Eligible

Cultural Awareness

Associates are expected to demonstrate ethical and cultural awareness aligned with PPGOH’s In This Together ethos by:

  • Treating all individuals with respect, empathy, and dignity

  • Protecting confidentiality and sensitive information

  • Valuing diverse cultures, identities, and lived experiences

  • Seeking to understand the communities we serve and delivering inclusive, culturally responsive services

  • Supporting equitable access to the highest attainable standard of health for all, regardless of background or identity

Duties and Responsibilities

Major Gifts Strategy & Portfolio Management

  • Develops and implements a comprehensive Major Gifts program strategy in collaboration with the Development team

  • Manages a dynamic portfolio of major donors through all stages of the donor lifecycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship

  • Prepares compelling, donor-centered proposals and reports that align donor interests with organizational priorities

  • Conducts in-person meetings, attends events, and provides meaningful outreach to maintain and deepen donor relationships

  • Sets annual goals, builds actionable plans to achieve them, and tracks progress to increase giving and expand reach year over year

Affinity Group Development & Community Engagement

  • Designs and launches Affinity Groups in partnership with leadership that bring supporters together around shared interests and identities

  • Shapes the vision, builds implementation plans, and guides Affinity Groups as they grow and evolve

  • Serves as an organizational connector in the community, with particular focus on engaging supporters historically underrepresented in traditional philanthropy

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Partnership

  • Partners across the Development team to align major gifts efforts with midlevel giving, annual fund, campaigns, and planned giving

  • Collaborates with other departments, including health services, to understand programs and develop strong cases for support

  • Ensures donors experience a seamless and cohesive engagement at every touchpoint across the organization

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

  • Strong face-to-face solicitation skills with demonstrated ability to close leadership-level gifts

  • Professional writing experience, including donor proposals and reports

  • Ability to translate complex program information into persuasive, donor-centered cases for support

  • Skilled at representing an organization and building trust with a wide range of stakeholders, including high-level decision-makers

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Canva, and constituent or CRM database management

  • Ability and willingness to travel across the state as needed

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

  • Knowledge of trends in charitable giving and ability to apply them in practice

  • Genuine commitment to sexual and reproductive rights and broader social justice work

  • Sound judgment, professionalism, and ability to handle complex, fast-paced situations in a mission-driven environment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience raising six-figure gifts

  • Experience with grant writing and reporting

  • Demonstrated ability to manage donor portfolios and match donor interests with organizational priorities

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree required

  • Minimum of five years of professional development experience, including donor proposal preparation, report writing, and direct face-to-face solicitation

  • Experience managing donor portfolios and raising six-figure gifts highly valued

Work Schedule and Availability

This role requires availability during core business hours of 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Eastern Time and requires occasional work during evenings and weekends based on operational needs, project timelines, or system implementations.

Travel Requirements

Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, community engagement activities, or project-related activities. The ability to travel within the service area is required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Work is primarily performed in a remote, home-office based environment and requires prolonged periods of sitting or standing, computer use, screen time, and attendance at in-person and/or virtual meetings, trainings, and events. The role requires regular and timely attendance at virtual and in-person meetings, trainings, and/or events, reliable internet access, maintenance of a private and secure workspace, and compliance with confidentiality and data-security requirements. Work involves frequent collaboration with colleagues through scheduled and unscheduled virtual meetings and communication tools. Occasional travel to organizational worksites and sites operated by third-parties will be required for meetings, training, or operational needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job.  While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks to be performed when circumstances change.