Major Gifts Officer

North Shore Animal League America has saved the lives of more than 1.2 million animals.

As the world’s largest and longest running no-kill animal and adoption organization, we are dedicated to our mission to Rescue, Nurture, Adopt and Educate.

Our innovative programs reduce animal cruelty and advance the highest standards in animal welfare. We reach across the country and around the world to rescue animals from overcrowded shelters, commercial breeding facilities, natural disasters, and other emergencies and find them responsible, loving homes.

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of high-level donors and prospects, building long-term relationships to secure significant contributions that align with the organization’s mission and goals.

They are responsible for leveraging data analytics and managing proposal processes, to ensure strategic alignment with donor engagement strategies. They will work collaboratively with the Development Team, leadership, and volunteers to advance the national fundraising initiatives of the organization.

In addition, you will:

• • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 100–150 high-capacity donors with a focus on gifts of $10,000 or more.
  • Develop personalized engagement strategies and proposals based on donor interests, capacity, and giving history.
  • Conduct frequent donor meetings and tours (in-person and virtual) to deepen relationships and advance giving discussions.
  • Collaborate with leadership to establish annual fundraising goals.
  • Plan and execute strategies to move donors through the pipeline, from identification and cultivation to solicitation and stewardship.
  • Partner with planned giving officers to integrate planned giving opportunities, where appropriate.
  • Use donor analytics tools and CRM system to track:
  • Donor engagement metrics (e.g., number of touchpoints, response rates).
  • Donor lifecycle stages (e.g., acquisition, retention, upgrade potential).
  • Pipeline performance, forecasting, and goal achievement.
  • Monitor trends in donor giving behavior to inform segmentation and targeted strategies.
  • Provide reports on portfolio activity, progress toward revenue goals, and areas for growth. Function as the primary point of contact for major donors, ensuring they feel valued and connected to the organization’s mission.
  • Engage leadership, executives, and key stakeholders in donor cultivation and solicitation efforts as appropriate.
  • Represent the organization at events and donor gatherings to build relationships and promote initiatives.
  • Work with colleagues on the Development Team to develop impactful donor materials and recognition opportunities.
  • Collaborate with shelter, adoption, rescue, and medical services teams to ensure major donors receive updates and insights into the impacts of their contributions.
  • Participate in Development Team meetings, training, and strategic planning efforts.
  • Participate in departmental meetings by sharing insights about improving Animal League America’s content and its distribution.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

What you need for the role:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent life experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in major gift fundraising.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts of $10,000 or more and achieving fundraising goals.
• Excellent people skills that build valuable relationships. You are attentive to people; you listen a lot; you are courteous; you follow up. You combine relationships with strategy to create value for NSALA.
• Ability to travel nationally for donor visits and events; approximately 30% travel.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a car to visit local and regional donors.
• A flexible work schedule that will include some evening and weekend visits, tours, and events.

This job is based at our Port Washington, NY office with up to 2 days remote after a period of training.

Salary-$90,000.

We offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, and much more.