LifeMoves: Senior Major Gift Officer

LifeMoves is looking for a Senior Major Gift Officer (SMGO) to develop and implement strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors who can contribute significantly to the organization’s mission. The SMGO will identify and engage prospective donors, building a portfolio aimed at achieving a minimum annual fundraising goal of $2 million. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of donor strategy, confidently make direct asks, and discuss various giving options while actively listening for opportunities to secure both cash and non-cash contributions. Additionally, the role involves fostering collaborative relationships with Development colleagues, accurately recording donor activities in the LifeMoves database, and effectively communicating the organization’s priorities to develop compelling funding proposals.

About LifeMoves:

LifeMoves is one of the largest and most effective providers of shelter and supportive services across Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Peninsula.  As a results-driven organization, since 1987, our mission has been to provide interim housing and supportive services that create opportunities for homeless families and individuals to rapidly return to stable housing and long-term self-sufficiency. Our successful therapeutic service model combines clean, modern housing with intensive supportive services that promote dignity and motivate our clients to achieve autonomy.  LifeMoves operates over 15 major sites from San Jose to Daly City.

Responsibilities

  • Build and manage a portfolio of donors and prospects in the Silicon Valley region.

  • Develop and implement strategies for MG prospects and donors to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors.

  • Advance toward annual revenue, solicitation, meeting, and outreach goals, with the expectation of ultimately achieving a minimum fundraising target of $2 million per year and additional goals for bequest intentions, in close collaboration with the supervisor to track progress and refine strategies. 

  • Partner with the Board of Trustees and agency leadership to support their engagement and fundraising efforts. 

  • Engage in regular donor meetings and local events, with travel within the region as needed.

  • Collaborate with program leaders and development staff to provide timely updates, acknowledgements, and recognition to donors, and to engage prospects more deeply.

  • Maintain a strong knowledge of LifeMoves’ mission, programs, and priorities in order to effectively communicate with donors.

  • Support the planning and execution of donor engagement opportunities, including events and site visits.

  • Accurately record donor interactions, strategies, and progress in donor databases.

  • Seek opportunities for ongoing professional growth and development.

  • Contribute to a culture of philanthropy and help foster a respectful, collaborative, and productive work environment.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree and at least four years of related work experience in fundraising, or equivalent.

  • Proven ability to build strong relationships with donors, volunteers, and colleagues at all levels through effective interpersonal skills, active listening, diplomacy, and tact. 

  • Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing gifts of $25,000 or more from individual donors.

  • Knowledge of and experience within the Silicon Valley philanthropic community.

  • Self-starter with the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and multiple stakeholders.

  • Collaborative team player with experience working closely with organizational leadership. 

  • Ability to absorb and synthesize complex program information and translate it into a compelling case for donor support. 

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in negotiation and organization.

  • Familiarity with current trends in charitable giving, particularly major gifts and planned giving. 

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience using donor databases.

  • Valid driver’s license required.

  • Demonstrated ability to design and implement fundraising initiatives, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.

  • Ability to assess donor interest, capacity, and inclination to support LifeMoves, and to connect those interests with organization’s priorities.

  • Strong judgement and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess situations using incomplete information; commitment to maintaining confidentiality. 

  • Ability to effectively manage a portfolio, prioritize competing demands, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

  • Comfortable working independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative and flexibility.

  • Commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive work culture that values partnership, active listening, and diverse perspectives. 

Compensation

  • $92,728.00 - $139,093.00 Salary/year

  • This rewarding role offers a competitive annual base salary and an opportunity to participate in the LifeMoves benefits package.

To Apply

To apply, please click here.