Job Opening: Major Gifts Program Officer

5/20/2011

Type of Position

Full-time, salaried, exempt-staff, with a three to five year commitment expected. Compensatory time off for weekend or overtime work will be granted in variance of regular 37½ hour work week. The position is part of the larger Campaigns group within FCNL that includes development, communications, and campaigns work around the country.

Supervisor

Associate Executive Secretary for Campaigns

Background

FCNL works for social and economic justice, peace, stewardship of the environment, and good government. Since 1943, the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) has endeavored to bring Quaker values to bear on national policy through Congressional testimony, Capitol Hill visits, educational activities, publications, email and social media, a robust web site and grassroots lobbying. FCNL witnesses from a basis of spiritual and ethical purpose and seeks to change government policy and practice for the better.

In the last decade, tens of thousands of new people have been drawn to join the FCNL network to learn more about federal policy issues, lobby their elected representatives, and help to rebuild our democratic system. Today, our nationwide network of some 60,000 people includes people from many different faiths and backgrounds.

FCNL employees possess strong skills, and have high motivation, personal integrity, and a commitment to furthering FCNL's legislative priorities.

The Position

The Major Gifts Program Officer identifies and cultivates major gift prospects and solicits donors, capital gifts and planned gifts to advance the mission of Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) and FCNL's companion organization, the FCNL Education Fund. As a key member of FCNL's Campaigns team, the Major Gifts Program Officer travels nationwide to interpret FCNL programs, engage our network and find new supporters to strengthen FCNL's impact in Washington.

The Major Gifts Program Officer works with the Associate Executive Secretary for Campaigns and the Director for Leadership Development to set and meet agreed-upon metrics. The program officer assists other development and program staff and volunteers in building relationships with major gift prospects and donors, which constitutes a significant portion of FCNL's contributed income.

Responsibilities

• Solicit donors in a designated portfolio of major donors, in close coordination with the Director for Leadership Development, volunteers and staff. This includes research, planning, goal setting, visitation, travel, appreciation, record keeping, and effective donor stewardship to keep major gift donors apprised of their impact.
• Implement the annual program for current major gifts cultivation and solicitation, including “ask” theme, objectives, contents, calendar, and travel plans for development staff and volunteers.
• Solicit planned gifts in coordination with development staff.
• Participate in capital gifts program in coordination with development staff.
• Create and implement prospecting activities for identifying, attracting and maintaining new major gift donors, including assessment of existing donors’ capacity to be major gift donors.
• Assist in development of appropriate materials (print, visuals, other) for major gifts development, in coordination with other FCNL staff teams.
• Provide public interpretation of the organizations' goals and work, and represent the organizations in various settings, when these activities support cultivation of major gift prospects and donors.
• Provide staff support for the Executive Secretary and the Development Committee regarding major gifts and grants as requested.
• Keep abreast of current literature and professional development opportunities in the development field.
• Participate in staff meetings, Campaigns and Development Team meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Understanding of and commitment to the policies and programs of the Friends Committee on National Legislation and the FCNL Education Fund.
• Successful experience securing major gifts and experience in implementing development programs.
• Attention to detail in managing donor records and relationships.
• Excellent work management skills: ability to organize, determine priorities, and follow through promptly.
• Facility in applying software data base systems to major donor fundraising.
• Proven ability to work effectively with volunteers in fundraising.
• Good personal presentation and ability to work with diverse constituencies.
• Strong interpersonal skills of leadership and team building.
• Effective and creative communication in speech and writing.
• Willingness to listen to staff, volunteers, and, above all, donors.
• Professional and courteous presence on phone and in person; ease in initiating contacts with other individuals and groups; good sense of humor.
• Willingness to travel and good physical stamina.
• Five years of experience in professional level work in a non-government organization or equivalent experience in a faith community context.
• Preference will be given to an active member of the Religious Society of Friends or someone with comparable knowledge, experience, and ability to engage successfully with Friends in North America.

Remuneration

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Work Week: The schedule of the Major Gifts Program Officer is never routine and the work week is variable within a 37.5 hour average per week. Some compensatory time may balance evening and weekend work and travel.

Benefits: Health insurance; disability insurance; life insurance; paid holidays; vacation; sick leave; maternity/paternity leave; retirement plan.

Expected term of service: Candidates for this position should be available for at least a three to five year term of service. Continuation beyond five years is desirable.

To Apply

Send cover letter and resume to jobsdev@fcnl.org (only electronic submissions will be accepted). We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis as they come in, but will not accept applications after June 30. No phone calls please.