Major Gift Officer

Starr Commonwealth has one powerful mission - to lead with courage to create positive experiences so that all children, families, and communities can flourish.

Our roots date back to 1913, when a young man named Floyd Starr purchased a barn and 40 scrub-covered acres in Albion, Mich., to create refuge for "homeless, dependent, neglected and delinquent boys." In his heart he held a revolutionary belief, that "there is no such thing as a bad child," and with steadfast conviction and the support of his family he sought to help every child see and believe in their greatness.

Today, Starr Commonwealth continues to build on the legacy the tenets we still hold true. Operating programs across the country and globe, Starr offers community-based programs, educational and behavioral health services, and professional training and coaching to heal trauma and build resilience in all children, adolescents, and the professionals that serve them.

Starr believes, as it founder did, that when you treat a child with dignity and respect, it changes a child's heart. And that, in the end, is what changes a child's life. It's a powerful story, and we hope you will be part of writing the many success stories that are waiting to be told.

We are driven to heal. And together, we are building a bright future for all.

You will be a big part of an established nonprofit that is making a huge impact in the lives of children and families every day in communities around the globe!

The purpose of the Major Gift Officer is to obtain donations for use by Starr Commonwealth.  As the Major Gift Officer you will build successful, strong, lasting relationships with donors.  You will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects where unique tailored steps are taken to contact donors, cultivate donor interest, present a case for philanthropic support, solicit mutually agreeable gifts, provide donor recognition as desired, and steward donor generosity.  

Responsibilities:
*Offer prospect strategy counsel to the Director of Development as well as fellow Advancement staff who are managing other prospects.
*Create gift planning strategies for all prospective donors that match the donors’ philanthropic intent, interest in supporting Starr Commonwealth, and giving capacity.
*Work with program, finance, and communications staff to secure appropriate project and organizational information, including budgets, statistics, and stories to write effective appeals, proposals and individual asks.
*Oversee and manage Starr's portfolio of approximately 150 major gift prospective donors. A major gift is $10,000 or more. Ensure that timely steps of moves management are taken toward solicitation, closure and stewardship.
*Establish and maintain a donor cultivation cycle and gift stewardship program to ensure that major donors are developed, have opportunities to increase their level of support annually, and enjoy a close relationship to the station.
*Create a personal contact/stewardship (phone calls, face-to-face visits, engagement opportunities, tours, etc.) and solicitation plan for each donor that will serve as a foundational communication and marketing plan for each person on the portfolio.
*Develops an understanding of the annual budget plan in consultation with leadership to ensure alignment with solicitations and the organization’s budgetary needs.
*Promote a collegial atmosphere within the Advancement team to help them and the team to attain their overall financial budget responsibilities.
*Plans effective correspondence, phone calls and personal visits, including effective planning and use of the CEO's and CAO's time, to solicit and steward gifts.
*Assist in identifying potential connections to strengthen the organization’s volunteer network.
*Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
*Bachelor's Degree from an accredited academic institution
*5 years of experience in major gifts or a closely related area, involving the solicitation of major gifts


Benefits:

*Remote with routine travel throughout Michigan and nationally
*Health insurance 
*Health savings account with employer contribution
*Dental insurance
*Vision insurance
*Short term and long term disability
*Life and AD& D insurance
*403(b) retirement savings plan with company match
*Paid time off including paid  parental leave
*Employee assistance program
*Full time, hybrid in office and remote
*As a 501c(3) organization, Starr Commonwealth employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program for student loans.

COVID Considerations:
*COVID-19 vaccination required

Starr Commonwealth EEO:
Starr Commonwealth is an equal opportunity employer.
 
Starr Commonwealth's Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Starr Commonwealth recognizes the past and current struggles of identity groups who have been historically marginalized, impacted by toxic hierarchy, and taken by violence. We believe that equitable environments create opportunities for effective problem solving, sustainable growth, and, in general, a more holistic understanding of the world. As such, Starr Commonwealth is building a culturally diverse and pluralistic staff committed to working in a multicultural environment where differences are valued and respected. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and intersectional individuals are encouraged to apply.