Description

Position Summary:

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is a key member of Seattle Humane’s development team, responsible for securing significant philanthropic support to advance our mission. Reporting to the Associate Director of Philanthropy, the MGO manages a portfolio of approximately 130 major gift prospects and donors, cultivating relationships, soliciting contributions, and providing exceptional stewardship. This position requires a strategic, results-oriented professional who thrives on building meaningful connections and inspiring generosity, leading to major gifts of $5,000 and above.

Key or Essential Functions: (85%)

Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of 130 major gift prospects and donors, focusing on individuals capable of giving $5,000–$10,000+ annually.
• Develop and implement individualized long-term cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each prospect.
• Collaborate with development team members on large projects and events.
• Oversee messaging for renewals, special mailings, and acknowledgment correspondence for donors giving $2,500+ annually.
• Proactively add prospects to the major gifts pipeline through research and donor prospecting tools.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions in the CRM (Raiser’s Edge).

Donor Cultivation & Solicitation

• Conduct face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and written communications to engage donors.
• Prepare, edit, and update cases for support, proposals, and other donor-facing materials.

Stewardship

• Ensure donors receive timely acknowledgment, impact reports, and recognition.
• Build long-term relationships to encourage sustained and increased giving.
• Implement creative and thoughtful strategies for donor engagement through personalized communications and experiences.

Collaboration

• Partner with leadership, board members, operations staff, and development colleagues to identify prospects and craft strategies.
• Support events and activities that advance major gift relationships.

Goal Achievement

• Meet or exceed annual revenue targets and activity metrics.
• Monitor progress toward goals and adjust strategies as needed.

Secondary Functions (~15%):

• Represent Seattle Humane at donor functions, receptions, webinars, and community events.
• Attend local and regional meetings to identify fundraising opportunities and donor prospects.
• Develop and track revenue goals and expense budgets.
• Perform data-driven analyses of program performance and make recommendations.

Complexity:

This position requires a high degree of judgment, analytical skill, and discretion. The role involves managing complex data systems, interpreting financial and fundraising metrics, and making recommendations that inform strategic decisions. Must be able to manage multiple priorities, respond to urgent requests, and ensure data accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

Working Conditions:

General Office Environment: Open office environment with hybrid work flexibility.

Chemical Interactions: Limited animal handling may occur, with potential exposure to animal bites, zoonotic diseases, dander, and noise.

Equipment use: Continuous use of desktop computer, printer, copier, and multi-line telephone.

Work Hours: Full-time, 40 hr. work week. Occasional evening/weekend hours required.

Location

Must be based in the greater Seattle area. Relocation reimbursement not available.

SEATTLE HUMANE CORE VALUES:

Candidate should be committed to Seattle Humane’s Core Values:

Compassion
Accessibility
Innovation
Responsibility
Teamwork

The Benefits:

At Seattle Humane, we believe in investing in our people, you'll receive competitive benefits and perks, including full health & wellness coverage, generous paid time off starting at three weeks, 10 paid holidays, an employer matching retirement plan, personal pet allowance, employee sabbaticals, discounts, and you get to work around cute animals!

Check out our LIST of benefits and perks HERE

Equal Opportunity:

As an equal opportunity employer, Seattle Humane is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Requirements

Knowledge/Experience/Education or Training:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of fundraising experience, with a focus on major gifts.
• Proven track record of securing gifts of $10,000+ and managing a portfolio.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Self-directed, proactive, and intrinsically motivated.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in a team-oriented setting.
• Experience managing and motivating volunteers, including board members.
• Working knowledge of annual giving, direct mail, digital fundraising, and planned giving.
• Ability to travel and work occasional evenings/weekends (<10%) with reliable transportation.
• Proficiency in CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

• Strategic thinker with strong relationship-building skills.
• Results-driven and goal-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.