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Description
Position Overview
The Senior Gift Officer leads the Louisiana SPCA's annual fundraising strategy and is the primary driver of mid-level and major gift revenue. This role manages a donor portfolio, supervises Gift Officer staff, and coordinates event sponsorship efforts in close partnership with the Chief Advancement and Marketing Officer (CAMO).
The ideal candidate is a seasoned nonprofit fundraising professional with a demonstrated track record at the mid- and major-gift levels, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to manage staff and campaigns in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership, Management & Accountability
- Directly supervise Gift Officer staff, ensuring effective portfolio management across the Advancement team
- Establish clear expectations, quarterly goals, and weekly scorecard metrics
- Conduct regular portfolio reviews and provide moves management coaching
- Deliver performance feedback, professional development, and accountability
- Ensure portfolio management best practices are consistently followed
- Recruit, train, and manage volunteer event sponsorship committees
- Collaborate with the Volunteer Manager to engage corporate volunteer partners in annual fundraising efforts
Annual Fund Strategy & Execution
- Lead and execute the Louisiana SPCA's annual giving strategy to achieve the organization's fundraising goals
- Oversee annual fund performance metrics: donor acquisition, retention, upgrades, reactivation, and recurring giving
- Build and manage the annual fundraising calendar in coordination with the CAMO, including seasonal campaigns, stewardship plans, and mid-level/major donor cultivation initiatives
- Partner with Marketing and Communications to develop effective messaging, creative assets, and donor-centered storytelling for annual giving campaigns
Mid-Level and Major Gifts
- Manage a portfolio of approximately 100-150 mid-level and major donors and prospects through all stages of the donor cycle: qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
- Secure and grow gifts at mid-level and major gift levels, including larger multi-year commitments when appropriate
- Partner with the CAMO, CEO, senior leadership, and board members to advance the major gift pipeline and solicitation opportunities
- Prepare tailored proposals and presentations for individual, corporate, and institutional donors, including customized recognition and impact communications
Major Event Sponsorship
- Lead strategy and execution of corporate and major donor sponsorship for Louisiana SPCA fundraising events
- Develop and manage a pipeline of prospective sponsors; cultivate relationships with corporate partners and community leaders
- Recruit and manage volunteer sponsorship committees; collaborate with board members and leadership on identification and solicitation
- Ensure all sponsorship benefits and recognition commitments are fulfilled in partnership with Marketing and event staff
- Maintain sponsor relationships to encourage renewals, upgrades, and long-term partnerships
Prospect Research & Pipeline Development
- Work closely with the Data, Analytics, and Operations Manager to strengthen the donor pipeline
- Analyze giving patterns and donor segmentation
- Identify and qualify prospects capable of mid-level and major gifts
- Strengthen fundraising forecasting and reporting
- Use research tools and internal data to develop cultivation pathways that move donors from annual giving into mid-level and major gift portfolios
Supporting Responsibilities
- Donor Stewardship Systems: Partner with the Data, Analytics, and Operations Manager to scale stewardship systems; ensure donors receive timely acknowledgements, meaningful impact reporting, and personalized engagement
- Institutional & Corporate Grants: Lead development of major corporate and institutional grant opportunities, including research, proposals, submissions, and reporting
- Planned Giving: Identify and cultivate legacy gift prospects within the portfolio; work with leadership to integrate planned giving into major donor conversations
Requirements
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, fundraising, business administration, marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field - or equivalent professional experience
- Advanced fundraising training or CFRE certification is a plus
Experience & Skills
- Minimum 5-7 years of progressive fundraising experience, including demonstrated success securing mid-level and major gifts ($5,000+) from individuals, corporations, and/or foundations
- Proven ability to manage donor portfolios and execute moves management strategies
- Experience leading fundraising initiatives - annual giving, major gifts, or event sponsorship
- Demonstrated experience managing and coaching fundraising staff, including goal-setting and professional development
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including donor proposals, sponsorship materials, and stewardship communications
- Strong organizational and relationship-building skills; ability to collaborate effectively with donors, volunteers, board members, and staff
- Proficiency with donor CRM systems and prospect research tools
Working Conditions
- Some evening and weekend availability required for donor meetings and events
- Local travel required; occasional overnight travel may be needed
- Must be comfortable working around animals and in a high-noise environment
- Must not be allergic to animals or nuts; potential exposure to animal bites and scratches
- Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds
Benefits
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility
- The meaningful opportunity to make a daily difference in the lives of people and pets in our community
Compensation: $60,000 - $75,000 based on experience