Major Gifts Officer

We strongly encourage people of color, transgender and non-binary people to apply. HRC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone, including non-LGBTQ+ people, to join our team.

Implement programs and activities to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors at the major gift level ($5,000 level and above), with a specific emphasis on growing the base of donors making gifts of at least $25,000 annually. The candidate will actively participate in the identification and qualification of new major gift and leadership gift ($100,000+) prospects. There shall be an emphasis on identifying and cultivating prospects in the BIPOC community. Cultivate and grow a visible presence within the LGBTQ+ community in Greater New York and Western New York areas and be seen as a part of the engaged donor community in the state of New York.  Regularly attend and represent HRC at important events in the LGBTQ+, BIPOC and non-LGBTQ+ communities and build a robust network of donors and prospects. Develop and steward relationships with HRC’s already robust and dynamic donor base in the state of New York.  Work strategically with the Greater New York and Western New York Board of Directors, major donor committee, development and political department staff and other major gift officers to ensure donors feel connected to the organization.  Develop a comprehensive plan to include upgrading current donors and identifying and soliciting new donors to meet budgeted goals for Greater New York and Western New York. Identify opportunities for further engagement with donors and prospects to support HRC, the HRC Foundation, the HRC PAC and the HRC Equality Votes Super PAC.  Identify prospects to become Equality Circle members, a group of supporters of HRC’s Planned Giving program.  Assist in identifying prospects in the Greater New York and Western New York areas that are potential matches with HRC’s other development programs including corporate partnerships, foundation fundraising and Federal Club giving.  Foster opportunities for other HRC staff leadership with donors and other community leaders in the Greater New York and Western New York areas.  Provide background for in-depth briefing documents in advance of such meetings. Execute events and other fundraising activities that advance HRC’s relationship with donors and prospects. Preparation and staffing of principal and other senior leaders at events and individual meetings, with a strong ability to represent HRC as needed.  Prepare written documents in support of solicitation, cultivation and development events, including correspondence, strategic plans, invitations, reports and highly tailored proposals. Provide reporting to board members and volunteers related to major donor fundraising including, but not limited to, active major donor reports, prospect reports and progress toward budgeted goals. Manage current donor and prospect cultivation and solicitation plans by using donor software. Work collaboratively with HRCs major gifts team, participating in regular conference calls and meetings, attend and participate in HRC board meetings in Washington, DC and attend other events in Washington, DC as needed. Actively share information on planned giving opportunities as appropriate.  Other duties as assigned. 

Bachelor’s degree required with a minimum of five years of experience in fundraising. Emphasis in the major donor arena, as well as experience in solicitation of political contributions for federal candidates and/or party committees required.  Preferred that this candidate will have an emphasis on identifying and cultivating prospects in the BIPOC community. Candidate should be comfortable working independently but as part of a larger team.   Candidate must be well organized, detail-oriented and have a proven experience in securing major gifts.   Applicants must be able to prioritize multiple assignments and be able to handle complex tasks in a fast-paced environment. Individuals should have demonstrated proficiency in writing and strong communications skills.  In particular, the individual should have public speaking experience or skills, be able to represent HRC in a variety of settings and exceptional strength in the area of donor relations. When travel is safe, if the candidate lives in DC, the ability to travel up to 50% of the time is required. If the candidate lives in NY, the ability to travel up to 25% of the time is required. This includes potential evening and weekend travel.  Strong interest in the rapidly changing LGBTQ+ equality movement and a working knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues. 

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to queries about application status.