Major Gifts Officer

THE ORGANIZATION

Founded in 1999, Center for Urban Families (CFUF) strengthens urban communities by helping fathers and families achieve stability and economic success. As a pioneer in responsible fatherhood, family strengthening, and workforce development, CFUF’s programs seek to help clients fully exit poverty and sustain themselves and their families. Our members (the term we use when referring to our clients) are 98% African-American, 60% male, 89% unemployed, 50% ex-offenders and homeless, and 30% without high school diplomas and live throughout Baltimore.

ALL In is the Center for Urban Families’ comprehensive strategy to accelerate social and economic opportunity and advocate for policies that promote equity and racial justice. Leveraging 20 years of positive impact and applied learnings, the ALL In strategy targets two critical areas: chronic unemployment and family instability. The approach links individual accountability, person-centered case management, and supportive networks with workforce development training, education, and civic engagement. ALL In dismantles poverty and builds long-term social and economic prosperity that results in brighter futures for our members, their families, and the communities in which they live.

National impact: CFUF’s Practitioners Leadership Institute (PLI) provides technical assistance, and promotes and extends best practices in family strengthening, responsible fatherhood and workforce development to practitioners and key stakeholders across the country. CFUF is also nationally renowned for its public policy work in the responsible fatherhood arena.

Culture and Practice

CFUF is an organization committed to high excellence and quality service to all of its stakeholders. Our culture thrives from a transparent, reflective, and creative environment. We are a highly autonomous workforce, and our staff embraces humor, food, fun, and a passion to serve our members. We believe in recognizing and rewarding high performers. All of these qualities and attributes makes a premier employer of choice.

Staffing and Governance  

CFUF is governed by a 19-member board of directors. The organization’s current budget is approximately $6.0 million, with 78% allocated to program services. CFUF maintains a staff of 32, and our leadership team is comprised of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Director of Programs, Director of Development, Director of Finance & Administration, and Director of Family Strengthening & Community Engagement. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Center for Urban Families (CFUF) seeks a skilled and experienced major gifts officer to join our team in achieving our annual and major giving program objectives. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Major Gifts Officer is an integral member of the CFUF Development team in our effort to secure philanthropic support for CFUF’s mission which is to strengthen urban communities by helping fathers and families achieve stability and economic success. Our team is dedicated to connecting the interests of our donors to the needs of the organization to realize our mission.

The Major Gifts Officer will be responsible for identifying and cultivating relationships with prospective major donors. This involves prospect research and developing effective solicitation strategies as well as stewarding donors throughout the major giving process. The Major Gifts Officer will maintain a donor portfolio of 100-150 prospects.  CFUF defines a major gift as $1,000 or more.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a major gift prospect pool of current and new donors from throughout the United States for major gifts.
• Build and manage a portfolio of 100-150 prospects with the capacity to make major gifts.
• Plan and execute solicitation strategies leading to major gifts; contact donors to pursue these strategies and build enduring relationships, completing 125-150 virtual and in-person visits per year.
• Prepare proposals, solicitation letters, gift agreements and other development materials for prospects and donors that articulate CFUF’s needs, values, and goals.
• Communicate with major prospects and donors about specific ways to give, both current and deferred, to maximize gift and tax benefits.
• Build a strong network of collegial partnerships with development and departmental representatives in the organization.
• Seek and participate in opportunities to raise the profile of CFUF.
• Track and assess major gift fundraising metrics.
• Work collaboratively with members of the Major Gifts Committee to develop cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Work evenings and weekends when necessary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• At least five years related experience required.
• One to two years of management or program implementation experience.
• Ability to work in an environment that places a strong emphasis on fundraising metrics.
• Ability to work in a hybrid work environment.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to adhere to high ethical standards such as the Association of Fundraising Code of Ethical Principles and Standards.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral communications, writing, and editorial skills.
• Superior problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to manage projects and determine priorities.
• Significant experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access and donor management databases,
• Basic knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Social Media platforms.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter detailing the applicant’s fit with the position’s requirements with salary requirements, a résumé, and three (3) writing samples.

CFUF is an equal opportunity employer.