Major Gifts Officer

Major Gifts Officer

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major individual donors to support the mission of Lighthouse of Broward. This role plays a critical part in advancing philanthropic support for programs serving individuals who are blind and visually impaired throughout Broward County and beyond.

The Major Gifts Officer will manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, develop long-term relationships, and secure significant gifts to meet annual and campaign fundraising goals. This position reports to the Vice President of Public Affairs & Government Relations.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Cultivation & Solicitation

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors

• Develop and implement individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies

• Conduct regular face-to-face visits with donors and prospects

• Prepare and present compelling funding proposals and gift requests

• Close major gifts in support of organizational priorities

Planned Giving & Legacy Giving

• Identify, cultivate, and steward planned giving prospects, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, and other legacy gifts

• Engage donors in conversations about legacy giving opportunities aligned with their philanthropic goals

• Partner with legal and financial advisors, when appropriate, to facilitate planned gift discussions

• Promote and grow the organization’s legacy giving society and recognition programs

• Integrate planned giving messaging into donor cultivation and stewardship strategies

Stewardship

• Ensure consistent and meaningful donor recognition and engagement

• Provide timely impact reports and updates on funded programs

• Strengthen long-term donor relationships to encourage recurring, upgraded, and legacy giving

Fundraising Strategy & Collaboration

• Work closely with the CEO, Vice President of Public Affairs & Government Relations, development team, and board members on donor engagement strategies

• Support planning and execution of fundraising campaigns and events

• Identify new funding opportunities and philanthropic trends

Pipeline Development

• Research and identify new major gifts and planned to give prospects

• Maintain accurate donor records and activity tracking in CRM system

• Develop strategies to move donors through the giving and legacy pipeline

Community Engagement

• Represent Lighthouse of Broward at community and donor events

• Build relationships with civic leaders, foundations, and philanthropic networks

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 2–3 years of experience in major gifts fundraising, development, or related advancement role

• Proven track record of securing significant individual gifts

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

• Experience with donor CRM systems (Bloomerang, Raiser’s Edge or similar preferred)

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities

• Passion for nonprofit mission-driven work, especially services for individuals with disabilities

Preferred Attributes

• Knowledge of the Broward County philanthropic community

• Experience working with boards and volunteer fundraisers

• Strong presentation and storytelling skills

• Strategic thinker with a donor-centered approach

• Familiarity with planned giving and estate gift conversations

PTO, 403B, Tuition Reimbursement, Sick Leave, Medical, Dental, Paid Holidays

English and Bilingual