Wisconsin Community Services, Inc.
Major Gift Officer
Wisconsin Community Services, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53244
Major Gift Officer
Wisconsin Community Services (WCS) is seeking a dynamic Major Gift Officer to join our Development and Communications Team. In this vital role, you’ll cultivate and steward a portfolio of major donors and prospects who are inspired by our mission to serve individuals and families impacted by behavioral health challenges, justice involvement, and systemic barriers.
Job Summary The Major Gift Officer is responsible for cultivating, managing, and stewarding a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects to secure philanthropic support for WCS. This role focuses on engaging donors passionate about WCS’s programs, particularly in behavioral health, justice involvement, and family and child well‑being. The officer will help shape and grow our Major Gifts program, deepening donor connection and expanding support. The position collaborates with the CEO and organization-wide partners to align donors’ passions with WCS’s life‑changing programs.
Essential Functions
Donor Portfolio Management – Actively manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, focusing on individuals at varying levels of giving. Develop and implement personalized engagement strategies tailored to each donor’s interests, giving history, and philanthropic goals.
Discovery Calls and Cultivation – Conduct discovery calls and meetings with new prospective donors to assess their philanthropic interests and identify potential for major gifts. Qualify prospects, build relationships, and cultivate them into major donors over time through personalized outreach and engagement strategies.
Major Gifts Solicitation – Lead the solicitation process for major gifts, collaborating closely with the CEO and other colleagues. Tailor proposals and engagement strategies to align with donors’ passions and WCS’ funding priorities, ensuring donors feel deeply connected to the organization’s mission.
Giving Societies and Donor Engagement – Cultivate, engage, and steward members of WCS giving societies. Develop tailored stewardship plans, recognize members, and create opportunities for deeper involvement, including special events, communications, and donor recognition.
Prospective Donor Engagement and Qualification – Actively engage new prospective donors to assess their philanthropic interests, identify potential for major gifts, and qualify capacity and readiness to contribute. Build relationships with individuals at all engagement levels, moving them through the cultivation cycle with personalized strategies aligned with WCS priorities.
Donor Stewardship and Retention – Develop and implement comprehensive stewardship strategies for major donors and giving society members. Provide analysis and regular impact reports, organize special donor events, and create opportunities for ongoing engagement so donors remain committed to WCS’s mission.
Job Qualifications
Strong interpersonal skills – ability to engage and build trust with donors, prospects, and colleagues in a positive and meaningful way.
Clear and persuasive verbal and written communication skills – ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
Exceptional organizational skills – strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage donor portfolios and maintain accurate records.
Leadership – ability to lead projects and people effectively.
Technological aptitude – ability to use general technological skills throughout the daily job (e.g., Email, Internet, company‑specified systems).
Managing priorities and deadlines – ability to maintain schedules, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects.
Problem‑solving skills – ability to think critically and be solution‑oriented in a fast‑paced environment.
Adaptability – ability to manage change, deal with situations as they arise, and work independently or as part of a team.
Teamwork – ability to collaborate productively while also managing independent duties and responsibilities.
Interpersonal skills – ability to work with others and relate to persons we serve, establishing rapport and building relationships at various levels in a diverse setting.
Required Qualifications
Education – Bachelor’s degree.
Three years’ experience working in a professional fundraising role with individual donors, foundations, and corporations.
Experience with advancement Customer Relationship Management software (CRM) and Microsoft Office tools to track, analyze, and manage donor information, and a willingness to learn new technologies as needed.
Proficiency with the process of donor engagement and moves management.
General knowledge of the metro Milwaukee philanthropic community and opportunities for fund development.
Personal Attributes
Relate to others with dignity and respect.
Embrace the mission and purpose of WCS.
Embrace service provision to underserved communities and serve as a role model for accountability and commitment to excellence.
Adhere to WCS Code of Conduct.
Maintain professional and respectful relationships with staff, people served, and community leaders.
Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Demonstrate high levels of ethical behavior and integrity at all times.
Working Conditions Frequent travel required. Noise levels range from low to medium. Work is performed in an office and in the community visiting program locations. The schedule is flexible to meet the needs of staff and the people served. May require more than 40 hours per week.
Physical Demands Must be able to sit and work on a computer for long periods, frequently stand, walk, and lift 10–25 pounds. Must be able to reach and bend as needed, frequently sit while driving and work in community settings, climb stairs, and manage changing weather conditions and extremes.
Equal Opportunity Employment Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Position Details
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Other
Industries: Non‑profit Organizations
Reports to: Director of Development and Communication.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Wisconsin Community Services, Inc. by 2×.
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Job Summary The Major Gift Officer is responsible for cultivating, managing, and stewarding a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects to secure philanthropic support for WCS. This role focuses on engaging donors passionate about WCS’s programs, particularly in behavioral health, justice involvement, and family and child well‑being. The officer will help shape and grow our Major Gifts program, deepening donor connection and expanding support. The position collaborates with the CEO and organization-wide partners to align donors’ passions with WCS’s life‑changing programs.
Essential Functions
Donor Portfolio Management – Actively manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, focusing on individuals at varying levels of giving. Develop and implement personalized engagement strategies tailored to each donor’s interests, giving history, and philanthropic goals.
Discovery Calls and Cultivation – Conduct discovery calls and meetings with new prospective donors to assess their philanthropic interests and identify potential for major gifts. Qualify prospects, build relationships, and cultivate them into major donors over time through personalized outreach and engagement strategies.
Major Gifts Solicitation – Lead the solicitation process for major gifts, collaborating closely with the CEO and other colleagues. Tailor proposals and engagement strategies to align with donors’ passions and WCS’ funding priorities, ensuring donors feel deeply connected to the organization’s mission.
Giving Societies and Donor Engagement – Cultivate, engage, and steward members of WCS giving societies. Develop tailored stewardship plans, recognize members, and create opportunities for deeper involvement, including special events, communications, and donor recognition.
Prospective Donor Engagement and Qualification – Actively engage new prospective donors to assess their philanthropic interests, identify potential for major gifts, and qualify capacity and readiness to contribute. Build relationships with individuals at all engagement levels, moving them through the cultivation cycle with personalized strategies aligned with WCS priorities.
Donor Stewardship and Retention – Develop and implement comprehensive stewardship strategies for major donors and giving society members. Provide analysis and regular impact reports, organize special donor events, and create opportunities for ongoing engagement so donors remain committed to WCS’s mission.
Job Qualifications
Strong interpersonal skills – ability to engage and build trust with donors, prospects, and colleagues in a positive and meaningful way.
Clear and persuasive verbal and written communication skills – ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
Exceptional organizational skills – strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage donor portfolios and maintain accurate records.
Leadership – ability to lead projects and people effectively.
Technological aptitude – ability to use general technological skills throughout the daily job (e.g., Email, Internet, company‑specified systems).
Managing priorities and deadlines – ability to maintain schedules, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects.
Problem‑solving skills – ability to think critically and be solution‑oriented in a fast‑paced environment.
Adaptability – ability to manage change, deal with situations as they arise, and work independently or as part of a team.
Teamwork – ability to collaborate productively while also managing independent duties and responsibilities.
Interpersonal skills – ability to work with others and relate to persons we serve, establishing rapport and building relationships at various levels in a diverse setting.
Required Qualifications
Education – Bachelor’s degree.
Three years’ experience working in a professional fundraising role with individual donors, foundations, and corporations.
Experience with advancement Customer Relationship Management software (CRM) and Microsoft Office tools to track, analyze, and manage donor information, and a willingness to learn new technologies as needed.
Proficiency with the process of donor engagement and moves management.
General knowledge of the metro Milwaukee philanthropic community and opportunities for fund development.
Personal Attributes
Relate to others with dignity and respect.
Embrace the mission and purpose of WCS.
Embrace service provision to underserved communities and serve as a role model for accountability and commitment to excellence.
Adhere to WCS Code of Conduct.
Maintain professional and respectful relationships with staff, people served, and community leaders.
Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Demonstrate high levels of ethical behavior and integrity at all times.
Working Conditions Frequent travel required. Noise levels range from low to medium. Work is performed in an office and in the community visiting program locations. The schedule is flexible to meet the needs of staff and the people served. May require more than 40 hours per week.
Physical Demands Must be able to sit and work on a computer for long periods, frequently stand, walk, and lift 10–25 pounds. Must be able to reach and bend as needed, frequently sit while driving and work in community settings, climb stairs, and manage changing weather conditions and extremes.
Equal Opportunity Employment Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Position Details
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Other
Industries: Non‑profit Organizations
Reports to: Director of Development and Communication.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Wisconsin Community Services, Inc. by 2×.
#J-18808-Ljbffr