Leadership Giving Manager

Watts of Love is a non-profit making a global impact by equipping families living in darkness and poverty with the knowledge and tools to build brighter futures. Through financial literacy programs and our patented solar light, we’ve impacted over 150,000 families in 55 countries. We are seeking passionate individuals to join our growing team and help advance our mission.

Position Summary:

The Leadership Giving Manager is a critical role within our Development Team, charged with securing 6- and 7-figure gifts that will power Watts of Love’s mission forward. This high-impact, high-visibility role for a tenacious, self-starter who thrives on building relationships, making the ask, and closing transformational gifts.

This role will own and grow a portfolio of high-net-worth major donors and prospects, working closely with organizational leadership to develop and execute aggressive strategies that align donors’ philanthropic passions with our mission. The Manager will focus on building authentic relationships, driving donor commitment, and achieving catalytic results that fuel long-term growth.

Essential Job Functions:

Major Donor Identification and Cultivation:

• Identify, research, and qualify major donor prospects with the capacity to make 6- and 7-figure gifts using donor database, wealth screening tools, and other resources
• Build and manage a dynamic portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, strategically expanding the organization’s base of philanthropic support
• Develop tailored cultivation strategies that align donor interests with Watts of Love’s mission and funding priorities, foster trust, and build long-term relationships

Solicitation and Stewardship:

• Lead the execution of compelling requests for leadership-level support through meetings, proposals, and presentations
• Personally solicit leadership gifts in collaboration with organizational leadership a nd board members as appropriate
• Ensure high-touch, meaningful stewardship that appropriately and effectively recognize donors, deepens donor engagement, and inspires long-term commitment

Strategic Planning and Reporting:

• Design and execute annual and multi-year strategies that align with organizational priorities and growth goals
• Establish clear benchmarks and regularly report on progress, pipeline development, challenges, and revenue outcomes.
• Maintain detailed records of donor interactions, giving history, and pipeline development in the donor database (CRM)
• Use data-driven insights to evaluate and refine fundraising strategies, ensuring effective performance and accountability

Collaboration and Leadership:

• Serve as a thought partner to organizational leadership on fundraising strategies and donor engagement
• Collaborate across teams - including programs, marketing, and operations – to craft cases for support and impact narratives
• Help foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization by supporting and advising staff and board of donor engagement efforts
• Represent Watts of Love at public events, donor meetings, conferences, and community outreach opportunities to build visibility and awareness

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, development, communications, business); advanced degree or CFRE certification is a plus
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in major gifts fundraising or leadership giving, preferably within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization
• Proven track record of securing 6- to 7-figure gifts through direct solicitation

Key Job Competencies:

• Bold and Tenacious: relentless in the pursuit of new opportunities and ambitious revenue goal
• Relationship-Driven: exceptional interpersonal skills, with a passion for building authentic, trust-based partnerships
• Strategic Thinker: skilled in planning and executing donors strategies that drive measurable results
• Strong Communicator: ability to craft compelling narratives and deliver persuasive, cutomized donor communications
• Results-Oriented: focused on metrics, outcomes, and closing gifts that advance organizational priorities
• Collaborative Leader: skilled at partnering across teams ad inspiring others towards a shared fundraising vision
• Resilient and Adaptable: thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and remains solutions-focused through challenges
• Mission-Aligned: deep, personal commitment to Watts of Love’s mission and values

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Experience with Zoho or similar CRM / donor management software
• Rigorous attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills; ability to multi-task and manage projects from concept through execution while meeting deadlines
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with diplomacy and tact to donors based on individual donor needs
• Independent worker capable of making decisions on their own; self-motivated, resourceful, flexible, and takes initiative
• Receptive to receiving and providing thoughtful feedback

Preferred:

• Familiarity with Canva or other graphic design tools for creating donor-facing materials
• Knowledge of planned giving strategies, donor-advised funds, and endowment campaigns

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Work Environment: This position is located in the near-west suburbs of Chicago, IL and offers a hybrid work environment. This position may require occasional evening or weekend work for donor events and travel to meet with donors.