Description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Philanthropy Officer serves as a key ambassador for the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, building and strengthening relationships with major gift donors, with major gifts defined as contributions of $25,000 or more.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record in major gift fundraising, strong relationship-management skills, and a commitment to long-term donor engagement. Continuity is important; the organization seeks a professional who views this role as a multi-year commitment.

Requirements

Major Gifts Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 50 major donors and prospects, moving them through individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies toward successful gift closure.
• Ensure all gifts are stewarded in accordance with donor intent.

Planned Giving Program Management

• Actively market planned giving program through various communication methods.
• Respond to inquiries and initiate planned giving conversations, working in coordination with donors’ professional advisors.
• Document and steward planned gift intentions.

Donor Engagement and Collaboration

• Partner with the Senior Director of Colonel Relations to transition qualified donors into the major gifts portfolio.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of cultivation and stewardship events, including the organization’s major annual events and other key initiatives.
• Collaborate with the organization’s marketing partners to develop donor-focused communications.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Attend Board of Trustees meetings and support Development Committee activities, as assigned.
• Maintain accurate and current donor records in the database, Donor Perfect.
• Provide regular (quarterly) reports on portfolio activity and progress.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Core Competencies

• Relationship Management and Discretion
  Builds trust-based relationships and handles confidential information with professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
• Communication and Influence
  Communicates clearly and persuasively, engaging a wide range of audiences.
• Results Orientation
  Demonstrates the ability to develop strategies and close major gifts.
• Organization and Execution
  Manages multiple priorities effectively with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Collaboration and Initiative
  Works effectively across teams while demonstrating accountability, initiative, and a proactive approach
• Working knowledge of planned giving vehicles (e.g., bequests, beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, trusts), or the ability to quickly acquire such knowledge.
• Please submit a letter of interest & CV.