Major Donor Engagement Officer - UnfoldingWord
Remote | Full-time, contract to hire
unfoldingWord seeks a strategic, relationship-driven Major Donor Engagement Officer to cultivate, solicit, and steward transformative gifts ($10,000 to seven figures) from high-capacity individuals, businesses, churches and foundations. Reporting to the CDO, this role advances our vision of a church in every people group and the Bible in every language.
Character
- Mission-Driven- Deep passion for unfoldingWord’s vision and ability to articulate its impact.
- Relationship-Oriented- Builds trust, listens actively, and cultivates long-term donor partnerships.
- High Integrity- Exercises ethics, discretion, and confidentiality with sensitive donor information.
- Strategic Thinker- Balances big-picture vision with attention to detail in portfolio management.
- Resilient & Self-Motivated- Works independently with high energy through the long arc of major gift cultivation.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute major gift strategies to meet annual and campaign fundraising goals.
- Manage a portfolio of 75–150 donors and prospects; conduct research, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship through face-to-face meetings, proposals, and presentations.
- Build and maintain relationships with high-capacity donors, business owners, family foundations, and church leaders.
- Collaborate with the CDO and program leaders to identify funding opportunities and build compelling cases for support.
- Lead moves management using Virtuous CRM, ensuring donor interactions and touchpoints are documented promptly and strategies are adjusted as needed.
Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or related field.
- 3–5 years of major gift fundraising in nonprofit, ministry, or higher education; proven track record closing gifts of $10,000+.
- Familiarity with CRM and prospect research tools (Virtuous, DonorSearch, WealthEngine, LexisNexis).
Ability to travel and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.- Preferred: CFRE certification (or in progress), experience with high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, and knowledge of planned giving vehicles.
Skills
- Exceptional verbal and written communication; credible with major donors and organizational leadership.
- Collaborative across development, marketing, and communications teams with a track record of providing good stewardship portfolios.