Major Gift Officer at National Geographic

Responsibilities Include:

Fundraising (80%):   

• Move a portfolio of 125 donors and prospects through quality, strategic contacts and face-to-face visits to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to successfully close gifts ranging from $25K to $1M+;
• Work with the Director of Major Gifts to meet or exceed dollar and visit goals, with a focus on new, increased and multi-year gifts;
• Develop, execute, evaluate, and refine strategies for the organization’s priority projects;
• Work with donors, and organizational leaders to position Advancement to take full advantage of related organizational events and networks;
• Plan and execute at least one regional event in each assigned market annually in partnership with the Global Special Events team;
• Collaborate with the Major Gift Team, Annual Giving Team, Principal Gifts Team, Campaign Team, and Global Special Events Team to engage donors and prospects regionally through pipeline movement, special events and other engagement opportunities.

Administration (20%):

• Develop and maintain a thorough and accurate understanding of NGS programs and funding priorities in order to effectively connect donors and prospects to NGS priorities and content;
• Effectively communicate NGS priorities and successfully match donor’s philanthropic interests to funding needs;
• Provide and/or review written materials, including briefings, solicitations, and acknowledgements in a quality consistent with NGS and Advancement team standards;
• Serve as a Point of Contact for the Advancement team with one or more programs, initiatives, or teams at NGS;
• Utilize and update the Raiser’s Edge database by recording activities, contacts, and strategies on an on-going basis consistent with department policies.

What You’ll Bring 

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

• 5+ years of development experience with donor/donor candidate management and gift solicitation, including a proven track record of closing gifts $25,000+ and stewarding donor relationships.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills 

• Sophisticated communication skills and demonstrated ability to increase current donor support, and to attract new donors.
• Success managing high-visibility projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and capable of working proactively and independently.
• Strong oral and written communication skills are necessary with a demonstrated ability to write effectively for business/philanthropic communication purposes.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office.
• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain high standards of confidentiality. 
• Proactive and professional demeanor when interacting with NGS staff, senior executives, high net worth individuals, and donors.