Cincinnati Nature Center

Reporting to the Director of Development and as a member of the Development team, the full-time Major Gifts Officer is responsible for maintaining and growing a solid base of individual donors. During the transformative $60 million From Great to Extraordinary campaign, the Major Gift Officer (MGO) plays a crucial role in securing the philanthropic leadership necessary to realize CNC’s long-term vision., this position is responsible for managing a portfolio of approximately 85 high-potential prospects. The MGO will deploy a strategic, full-lifecycle fundraising approach, from identification and qualification through cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, including legacy and planned-giving engagement.

Direct reports: None

KEY RESPONSBILITIES

MAJOR GIFTS (80%)

• Manage a portfolio of 85+ individuals building and maintaining strong relationships leading to increased giving—re-acquire past donors and acquire new donors
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, close and steward major gifts through direct personal contact and visits
• Execute moves management approach to your portfolio and develop custom strategies for each donor to generate new and higher levels of giving, recording detailed relationship activities in CRM system (Altru)
• Offer tailored giving options that align with donor interests and financial goals
• Organize and support donor recognition events and legacy society gatherings.
• Coordinate an effective program for recognition, involvement, and stewardship of major and special gifts
• Meet annual goals for meaningful connections, solicitations, closed gifts, amount raised
• Work collaboratively with senior leadership, board members, and volunteer committees to align donor strategy with campaign goals.
• Maintain meticulous donor records and engagement tracking in the CRM system.
• Partner with Senior Major Gift Officer, Director of Development, and campaign leadership to shape and refine major-gift and legacy-giving strategies.
• Provide input on prospect research, wealth-capacity assessments, donor segmentation, and pipeline development.
• Participate in campaign planning, gift-pipeline forecasting, and periodic review of portfolio performance.

PLANNED GIVING (20%)

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• Manage the legacy-giving program (e.g., Rowe Legacy Society), including planning and executing stewardship, recognition, and donor cultivation specific to planned gifts.
• Engage with prospective legacy donors to discuss and cultivate planned gifts, such as estate gifts, bequests, donor-advised funds, and other long-term giving vehicles.
• Work with leadership and legacy-giving committees to develop and implement a comprehensive legacy-giving strategy, tailored to donor interests and the long-term needs of CNC.
• Create and maintain legacy-donor communication and stewardship plans to deepen donor commitment over time and ensure appropriate recognition and engagement.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

• Partner with Senior Major Gift Officer, Director of Development, and campaign leadership to shape and refine major-gift and legacy-giving strategies.
• Provide input on prospect research, wealth-capacity assessments, donor segmentation, and pipeline development.

These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position.

This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned herein.

SKILLS

• Understanding of (or willingness to learn) planned and legacy giving vehicles, such as estate gifts, bequests, donor-advised funds, etc.
• Proficient in Word, Power Point, Excel, and other related software
• Experience with MS Office products required and experience with Blackbaud software a plus, willingness to learn other software as needed
• Use of copy machines, postage machines, telephone, and other general office equipment
• Collaborative working style utilizing strong organzational and customer service skills
• Demonstrated and thorough knoweldge of current development practices
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; high emotional intelligence; professionalism and excellent judgment.
• Strategic thinker: capacity to assess donor capacity, craft moves-management strategies, and steward long-term donor relationships.
• Self-driven, organized, and able to work autonomously while collaborating as part of a small and dynamic, mission-driven team.
• Demonstrated experience or strong potential in major gift fundraising, with ability to manage a portfolio, build relationships, and close gifts.

ABILITIES

• Be a passionate advocate for nature to articulate the mission of Cincinnati Nature Center

• Engage with high-net-worth individuals or families; ability to develop and articulate compelling, donor-centered proposals.
• Communicate effectively and professionally including oral, written, and listening methods
• Manage time and multiple priorities to meet deadlines
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts
• Exhibit good judgement, honesty, integrity, and responsibility
• Flexible and resilient working in a dynamic campaign environment, including willingness to participate in off-hours events, donor meetings, tours, and stewardship activities.

• High school diploma and commensurate experience or Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Prior major-gift or high-net-worth donor experience strongly preferred but not strictly required, ideal for early- to mid-career fundraisers with demonstrated potential.

• This position requires the following physical activities: pushing, pulling, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity.

• Combination of office-based work and occasional fieldwork: donor site visits and tours may involve walking on nature trails and other field related activities.
• Ability to engage in donor outreach and stewardship events, possibly outside typical office hours (evenings/weekends).
• Local, in-town travel required. Some travel to regional conferences may be required. When a Nature Center vehicle is not available, the use of personal vehicle (reimbursed at IRS recommended rate) may be needed for Cincinnati Nature Center business.

• Mission Support: Inspiring Conservation through personal experiences, education, and care for the land.
• Essential Qualities: Must enjoy nature, be energized by finding creative solutions, and possess a sense of humor, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Background Checks: Employment is contingent upon the successful outcome of BCI and FBI background checks.  Background checks are conducted in compliance with applicable federal and state law, under code 5104.013.
• CPR & First Aid: Certification must be obtained and maintained throughout employment.
• Professional Learning, Development, and Required Training:  Employees shall engage in ongoing professional learning and development as well as shall complete ongoing required training relevant to safety, certification, and best business practices.
• Special Events: From time to time, employees shall be required to support special events which may fall outside of the normal work schedule including weekends/evenings.