Major Gifts Officer

Position Summary

The Major Gift Officer (MGO) is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects capable of making significant philanthropic contributions to Knights of Columbus Charities. This role plays a critical part in advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the Order by building strong, mission-aligned relationships with donors, increasing philanthropic revenue, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of charitable programs.

Reporting to the Vice President, Charitable Giving, the MGO manages a defined portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, working collaboratively across the organization—including the Supreme Council, Charitable Giving team, Programs, Communications, and Finance—to develop effective donor strategies and ensure a high-quality, donor-centered experience.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Management & Donor Engagement

• Manage a portfolio of 100–150 major gift prospects, including Knights, families, councils, and aligned Catholic philanthropists.

• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each prospect.

• Conduct ongoing donor outreach, including in-person meetings, cultivation events, virtual interactions, and on-site visits.

• Identify donor interests and align them with Knights of Columbus Charities programs, initiatives, and funding priorities.

• Meet or exceed annual goals for both dollars raised and donor outreach.

Major Gift Strategy & Solicitation

• Solicit major gifts ($5,000 and above) with increasing goals as the portfolio matures.

• Recommend giving opportunities that support the charitable priorities of the Order.

• Identify and recommend giving opportunities for blended gifts and other donor-centric offers.

• Work closely with leadership and program directors to develop stewardship plans and portfolio revenue goals.

Collaboration & Internal Alignment

• Partner with the VP of Charitable Giving on strategy, donor segmentation, and pipeline development.

• Coordinate with the Director of Operations to ensure timely donor recognition, reporting, and event support.

• Collaborate with Communications, Fraternal, and Marketing to create donor-centric materials, impact stories, and strategic messaging.

• Maintain strong, mission-centered teamwork with Field Management team, State Deputies, and key fraternal leaders when appropriate to advance major gift relationships.

Data, Reporting & Compliance

• Document all donor interactions and moves-management steps in the CRM system (MicroSoft Dynamics or relevant platform).

• Track performance metrics and prepare regular progress reports.

• Ensure compliance with gift policies, ethical fundraising standards, and Knights of Columbus values.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree.

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in major gift fundraising, planned giving, or related philanthropic engagement.

• Proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts.

• Strong understanding of donor cultivation cycles and relationship-based

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; confident in presenting to high-capacity donors and Catholic leaders.

• Ability to travel regularly (approximately 30–40%) for donor meetings and events.

Preferred

• Experience working within Catholic organizations or ministries.

• Familiarity with Knights of Columbus mission, structure, values, and charitable priorities.

• Proficiency with CRM platforms (e.g., Virtuous, Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, Dynamics).

• Knowledge of planned giving concepts

Competencies & Attributes

• Mission-driven, values-oriented, and aligned with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Strong relationship-building skills with a high degree of emotional intelligence.

• Strategic thinker with excellent organizational and project-management abilities.

• Professional presence, discretion, and sound judgment.

• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.

Location & Work Environment

• Based at Knights of Columbus Headquarters in New Haven, CT, or remote with frequent travel, depending on organizational need.

• Includes evening/weekend work for donor meetings, events, and mission activities as required.