Major Gifts Officer

Major GIfts Officer

Reporting to the Development Director, the Major Gifts Officer serves as a frontline fundraiser within Tampa Bay Watch. They are responsible for identifying, cultivating, and maintaining relationships with high-level donors, typically individuals or corporations capable of making large financial contributions of $10K or more. They play a vital role in stewarding these donors and ensuring their continued engagement and loyalty to Tampa Bay Watch.

The position, in collaboration with the Executive, Development, and Communications team, raises funds, builds strategic partnerships, and raises awareness of Tampa Bay Watch priorities while helping our donors accomplish their philanthropic goals through our organization. The Major Gifts Officer works closely with the Development Director, CEO, Program Directors, the Board of Directors, and other stakeholders to secure major gifts and align donor opportunities with TBW’s mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, identify, qualify, and cultivate major gift strategies for a portfolio of 100+ donors and prospects capable of making major gifts, and build a robust pipeline to increase revenue at the $10,000-$1M+ level.
• Lead the solicitation process for major gifts, including developing tailored solicitation proposals, presentations, and funding opportunities aligned with donor interests and TBW priorities.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with high-net-worth individuals, major donors, and family foundations.
• Must be able to foster an environment of teamwork within the development department and the organization’s management team.
• Create and deliver tailored proposals and grant applications for foundations, gift agreements, and impact reports aligned with donor interests and TBW programs.
• Partner with the CEO, Development Director, and Board members to plan and execute donor engagement and solicitation strategies.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors, ensuring timely follow-up, reporting, and personalized acknowledgment of support.
• Plan and oversee donor cultivation events, in-person visits, and site tours with TBW leadership to deepen donor engagement.
• Collaborate with the Development, Restoration, and Education Directors to identify fundable opportunities and articulate compelling cases for support.
• Maintain accurate activity records in the donor management system and communicate with and track Moves Management strategies for donors.
• Track and analyze major giving trends to inform strategy and forecast revenue.
• Prepare and present regular progress reports and updates for the CEO, Development Director, and Development Committee Chair.
• Demonstrate excellent listening, writing, and presentation skills.
• Support the execution of major fundraising events by developing compelling sponsorship proposals and monitoring the receipt of benefits.
• Coordinate with Development team members to ensure consistent communication and aligned strategies across all existing appeals and campaigns.
• Ensure correct donor recognition in all publications.
• Maintain a shared electronic calendar that outlines current fundraising activities and is accessible to the CEO and Development Director.
• Adhere to gift acceptance policies and procedures, demonstrating commitment to transparency, accountability, and direct communication.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Development Director.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, sales, communications, public relations, business, or other related areas. CFRE desired.
• Experience:
• Minimum five years’ experience in development and fundraising.
• Demonstrated experience in securing major gifts, meeting fundraising goals, developing, and implementing an annual fund campaign.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, sales, communications, public relations, business, or other related areas. CFRE desired.

Experience:

• Minimum five years’ experience in development and fundraising.
• Demonstrated experience in securing major gifts, meeting fundraising goals, developing, and implementing an annual fund campaign.