Major Gifts Officer (Berkeley, CA; Cambridge, MA; New York, NY; Houston, TX)

Position Summary

We're looking for a Major Gifts Officer who will have an exceptional opportunity to enable Activate's mission by growing our major gifts program to provide a durable foundation for our organization’s next stage of scale and impact. Integral to our business development team, the Major Gifts Officer will develop and execute a strategic plan that harmonizes major gifts with our broader giving goals, identify and cultivate new major gift prospects, and build enduring relationships with and secure substantial donations from our most impactful donors. The Major Gifts Officer will report to the Senior Director of Development.

Primary Responsibilities

Cultivation and solicitation

• Identify and qualify new major gift prospects.
• Directly solicit major gifts and partner with the executive leadership team and board members on solicitations by providing prospect briefings, strategic guidance, and assistance with donor communications.
• Directly oversee and expand a diverse portfolio of 30-40 donors, strategically elevating mid-level donors to major donor status through personalized engagement strategies and meticulous relationship building.
• Engage directly with donors and prospects through calls and in-person meetings to build strong relationships. Strategically recommend individuals to the CEO and board for further outreach and engagement.
• Leverage HubSpot to identify and prioritize new donors for cultivation opportunities. Actively enhance the pipeline of existing donors for increased stewardship and investment.
• Support the development of and participate in strategic donor engagement opportunities, such as small events for select prospects in the portfolio.

Relationship management

• Serve as the primary contact for major donors (annual gift >$100,000), managing recruitment, engagement, and direct solicitations.
• Leverage events as opportunities to cultivate relationships with current and prospective donors, enhancing engagement and fostering a community of support.
• Work collaboratively with the senior director of development to devise creative tactics and long-term engagement strategies to strengthen donor alignment and increase philanthropic giving.

Strategy and planning

• Create a comprehensive strategy for major donor cultivation, solicitation, and retention based on the donor’s giving history and capacity.
• Design and implement tailored plans to cultivate and strengthen relationships with prospects and donors. Lead a proactive stewardship strategy that ensures all contributions are acknowledged promptly and personally, increasing donor satisfaction and long-term engagement.
• Utilize HubSpot to systematically track, analyze, and deliver comprehensive reports on donor activities and interactions. Provide the CEO and board actionable insights to support strategic decision-making in major gifts cultivation and solicitation.
• Assume responsibility for the integrity and functionality of HubSpot, working with the operations team as needed to support a solid foundation for fundraising activities.
• Collaborate with the CEO and business development team to develop annual fundraising goals, and outline fundraising plans and related activities.

Ideal Candidate

• 7+ years of experience in major gift fundraising, with demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating, and closing six and seven-figure gifts, including qualifying prospects and upgrading donors.
• Has strong listening skills and an ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders in a thoughtful, inclusive manner.
• Has exceptional oral, written, communication, and presentation skills, including the ability to listen and target communication to the specific interests of varied audiences.
• Has a proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of internal partners, donors, and board members while maintaining impeccable discretion.
• Is results-driven, flexible, self-motivated, intellectually curious, and able to manage multiple tasks efficiently while being a collaborative team player.
• Is comfortable maintaining the integrity of data management systems (e.g., CRM) and utilizing these systems to make data-driven and evidence-based decisions.
• Has the ability to work proactively and independently while seamlessly communicating with a team in a remote team environment.
• Takes the initiative to push a project forward or improve a process.
• Is passionate about Activate’s mission and its connection to different impact sponsors and donors.
• Is a self-starter and an entrepreneurial individual who is energized by the process of building relationships with new donors.
• Is innovative and responsive in your approach to identifying and cultivating donor prospects.
• Is service-oriented and establishes strong rapport. 
• Is collaborative and emotionally attuned.
• Has a strong sense of accountability.
• Has strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Has a positive attitude, sense of humor, and flexible working style.
• Is enthusiastic about the potential of scientists and the power of science innovation to combat climate change and create a sustainable, resilient, and equitable global economy.

About the Role

This is a full-time position with a competitive starting salary of $135,000 and a generous benefits package that includes professional development, $2,000 in annual wellness funds, unlimited paid time off, healthcare premiums covered for employees and dependents at 90%, and the opportunity to join a retirement plan with a 3% match beginning after 3 months at Activate. 

This position is available in one of our in-residence communities: Berkeley, CA; Cambridge, MA; New York, NY; and Houston, TX. For those interested in relocating to one of these locations, this role is eligible for a relocation stipend, subject to final approval and individual circumstances.