Director of Major Gifts

About People Working Cooperatively

People Working Cooperatively (PWC) is a unique, non-profit organization serving very low-income homeowners, including those who are elderly, people with disabilities, and veterans. PWC serves 18 counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, strengthening communities as the region's leader in providing professional, critical home repairs, energy conservation, accessibility modifications, and maintenance services to help residents live independently, safely, and healthily in their own homes. 

PWC has proudly provided more than 320,000 services to eligible homeowners over our 48-year history. Typically, these individuals face challenges due to illness, disability, job loss, or other circumstances. Services are provided by our professionally trained and licensed tradespeople, along with one of the largest dedicated volunteer groups in the region.

In 2019, PWC successfully launched the PWC Whole Home Innovation Center, a first-of-its-kind space focused on the relationship between our homes and our health. The Innovation Center is a national leader in convening the healthcare, construction, education, and non-profit sectors to jointly solve problems related to the home-built environment. Our programs focus on prevention and wellness while addressing multiple social determinants of health (fall prevention, asthma, lead poisoning). It is designed to learn how to make our homes healthier and safer while strengthening and serving our communities. 

Position Summary

People Working Cooperatively has created an exciting new opportunity for a Director of Major Gifts (DMG) to join our Development Team. In this pivotal role, the DMG will collaborate with the VP of Development in the creation and implementation of the Major Gifts program and strategy to support the mission growth of PWC. The DMG is responsible for executing and managing the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and planned gifts from high-net-worth individuals as well as gifts/sponsorships from corporations. PWC is supported by a large number of donors and volunteers, and the strengthening of these relationships is important to furthering our mission.

The ideal candidate will have an understanding of the trends impacting the fundraising industry; be capable of cultivating and managing relationships with high-value donors; be a strategic thinker; and be able to leverage internal and external resources to maximize relationship-building outcomes.

Essential Job Functions

• Identify, qualify, solicit, close, and steward major and planned gifts from high net-worth individuals as well as gifts/sponsorships from corporations through visits and other forms of direct contact
• Independently maintain a schedule to support a portfolio of 100+ relationships, tracking the number of meaningful visits, increases in support from existing donors, number of new donors, and stewardship efforts
• Execute a moves management approach to the portfolio and a custom strategy for each donor to develop approaches to generate new and higher levels of giving
• Enlist senior management, volunteers, and board members in the cultivation and solicitation of major donors and prospects that integrate into the overall department goals and plans
• Promote and close complex gifts such as campaigns, endowments, and sponsorships
• Collaborate with team members to analyze portfolios, strategize upgrades, and establish goals for outright and planned gifts
• Work with communications and development staff to develop customized communications to donors and supporters in order to deepen their understanding and support for People Working Cooperatively
• Coordinate cultivation, recognition, and stewardship activities, as needed, with other staff members

Qualifications

With the understanding that no one person will offer every desired skill and characteristic outlined below, compelling candidates will offer much of the following:

Education + Experience

The following are among the strengths and experiences People Working Cooperatively is seeking in this position:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional work experience
• Minimum of five years of successful portfolio management experience in a nonprofit organization with a proven success record in major, corporate, and/or planned gift fundraising

Skills + Competencies

• Build and manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects to deepen their engagement and relationships with PWC and increase their giving, aligned with the organization’s fundraising priorities
• High emotional intelligence; able to understand the needs and concerns of donors, partners, and colleagues
• Resourceful, proactive, and self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Ability to function autonomously yet work collaboratively across all departments and teams
• Strong critical thinking to align organizational needs and donor opportunities
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to multi-task, handling many relationships at once
• Highly organized with excellent time and project management skills, including the ability to anticipate tasks, set priorities, meet deadlines, and function smoothly under shifting priorities
• Strong listening and interpreting skills in order to respond to donor needs
• Strong written, oral, and presentation communication skills with demonstrated ability to inform, influence and persuade others
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to learn Donor Perfect and maintain current and accurate records
• Understanding of PWC's mission, programs, services, and events with the desire to be an effective spokesperson and representative
• Requires some nights/weekends

Reporting Relationships

The Director of Major Gifts reports to the Vice President of Development and has no supervisory responsibilities.

Location

The Director of Major Gifts must be in the Greater Cincinnati Region and works from the office located at 4612 Paddock Road, Cincinnati, OH 45229

Travel Statement

Some local/regional travel is expected, including donor meetings and events.

EEO

People Working Cooperatively does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, or disability.

Background Checks

Before sending your resume for this position, please read it over for accuracy. Cooper Coleman verifies its candidates' employment and academic credentials at the time of offer, and will conduct a background check before finalizing an offer.