Major Gifts Development Officer - Kidz2Leaders

Kidz2Leaders is a faith-based nonprofit working to end generational incarceration. Through a 10-year continuum of programming, beginning at age eight and provided at no cost to families, we provide stability, opportunity, and a Christian community for children of inmates. Each year we serve an average of 450 children and family members in the Atlanta Metro area through four distinct, ongoing program platforms, an effort that involves over 700 volunteers and a growing staff team. We are experiencing record-breaking growth within our ministry, and we plan to expand into new cities over the next several years. With our growing footprint and long-term commitment to students and families, we believe that we can truly end generational incarceration. 

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Major Gifts Development Officer to join our team and support our ministry’s growing budget of $1.8M. This important addition to our development team will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing a new major gifts program at Kidz2Leaders. Working in collaboration with the development team and leadership, this person will identify and cultivate a portfolio of major gift prospects, initiating and stewarding those relationships in order to secure substantial contributions in support of our ministry. We are looking for a strategic thinker and initiator with excellent relationship-building skills and a proven understanding of the principles of major gift fundraising. 

Responsibilities of the Major Gifts Development Officer will include: 

Responsibilities

Program Design

• Collaborate with the Director of Development to create and implement a comprehensive major gifts strategy in alignment with the organization’s fundraising goals and objectives

• Design a program that builds awareness of our work and moves potential donors  toward solicitation and closure

• Build a portfolio of major gift donors and proactively engage through an intentional process of discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship

Donor Identification and Cultivation: 

• Identify potential major gift prospects through research and networking, working closely with board members, community partners, church partners, and the Volunteer Manager

• Maintain a well-developed target list of potential large donors

• Develop and implement personalized cultivation strategies to build relationships with identified prospects

• Establish a platform for legacy gifts

Solicitation, Stewardship, and Events: 

• Prepare and execute effective solicitation plans, including writing proposals and making direct asks

• Ensure timely and appropriate acknowledgment of major gifts

• Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with major donors through regular communication, events, and reporting on the impact of their contributions

• Plan and execute donor recognition events and other activities to engage major donors and prospects

• Attend networking events and other fundraising opportunities

Database Management + Reporting: 

• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and contributions in the organization’s CRM system 

• Analyze donor data to inform strategies and measure progress towards goals.

• Prepare regular reports on major gifts activity and progress towards goals for the Director of Development and leadership

Team Collaboration: 

• Work closely with other members of the development team to ensure cohesive and coordinated fundraising efforts 

• Share other identified donation opportunities with colleagues on the development team, such as leads involving corporate giving, foundations, and grants

• Unquestioning alignment with K2L Statement of Faith 

• Bachelor’s degree, ideally in a related field such as Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business Administration

• A proven track record of securing significant gifts and bringing in new donors, not just expanding an existing portfolio.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Proficiency in using CRM systems 

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively about donor engagement and fundraising

• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality

• Ability and confidence to have C-suite conversations on philanthropy

• Passionate about the K2L’s mission and values

• Self-motivated, with a strong work ethic and positive attitude

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders

• Willingness to travel (primarily local) and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed

Additional Information

Position is salaried/non-exempt with a baseline 30-hour work week, Monday to Thursday, with some availability after hours and on weekends to attend programming and events. The K2L team works out of our office in Marietta/East Cobb. Benefits include over six weeks of paid leave, including vacation, sick leave, and holiday office closures, as well as a monthly benefits stipend intended to cover individual insurance/medical costs. 

This job posting is being managed by Forrest Johnson Recruiting on behalf of Kidz2Leaders.