Development Officer - Major Gifts

Job DetailsJob Location: HOUSTON, TX 77054Position Type: Full Time
Organization Overview
Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC) is dedicated to preventing domestic violence for all—women, children, and families throughout the Greater Houston Area. We provide survivors with the tools for long-term stability and success through comprehensive services that empower individuals and work to end the cycle of violence
 

POSITION SUMMARY 

In collaboration with the Chief Advancement and Public Strategies Officer (CAPSO) and the Director of Development (DOD) the Development Officer, Major Gifts (DOMG) provides strategic leadership for HAWC’s comprehensive advancement efforts. This position is essential to the growth and sustainability of HAWC, as it involves building our donor base, securing funding, and increasing community visibility to advance the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. 

The primary focus of the DOMG is to identify, qualify, cultivate and solicit prospects and donors for gifts $10,000 or more. This position works closely with the DOD on various fundraising activities including developing and executing cultivation and solicitation strategies, preparing proposals and reports, and cultivating, stewarding and soliciting major donors and prospects.

Local Travel: 25% - 35% - Donor meetings, special events, and various meetings

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Donor Cultivation, Solicitation, and Stewardship

Under the guidance of the DOD, conduct frequent site visits, meetings, and meaningful contacts to cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of assigned donors and prospects with a minimum giving capacity of $10,000 or more.
Serve as a frontline ambassador for HAWC by responding to the needs and interests of major donors and members of philanthropic groups, strengthening relationships and encouraging continued investment in the mission.
Serve as the key point of contact and relationship manager for the Monthly Giving Program.

Fundraising Strategy and Performance

Achieve annual fundraising and performance goals as established by the CAPSO and the DOD, including dollars raised, donor contacts, solicitations, and other key performance metrics.
Work with the DOD and CAPSO to identify and prioritize annual fundraising initiatives, creating strategies, timelines, and resources to support measurable outcomes.
With guidance from the DOD and CAPSO, oversee and support annual giving strategies across multiple revenue streams, including major gifts, online giving, direct mail, special events, planned giving, and recurring gifts.

Donor Communications and Proposal Development

In collaboration with the DOD and CAPSO, develop tailored, donor-centric proposals and reports.
Assist in drafting, editing, and reviewing acknowledgments, fundraising materials, and other donor communications.

Reporting, Data Management, and Governance Support

Under the direction of the DOD and CAPSO, prepare materials and reports for presentation to the Board of Directors and relevant Board committees.
Serve as the lead on maintaining data integrity within the Raiser’s Edge donor database.
Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all donor interactions, proposals, and gifts within Raiser’s Edge.

Collaboration and Organizational Support

Collaborate with the Advancement and Public Strategies team on special events and campaigns throughout the year, including public speaking and donor engagement activities as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the goals of the Advancement and Public Strategies team and the organization.
QualificationsQualifications

Education:
•    Bachelor's degree.

Experience:
•    Minimum of five years of progressive experience in fundraising, development and/or advancement
•    A minimum of 5 years of experience working with a direct service agency
•    Solid knowledge and understanding of Houston’s philanthropic community, including individuals and foundations.
•    A strong working knowledge of the major gift area, including securing multi-year commitments, capital campaign experience is highly desirable.
Computer Skills:
•    Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams).

Certificates & Licenses:
•    Texas driver’s license with a good driving record; reliable transportation; ability to travel to off-site locations utilizing personal transportation, if applicable
•    CFRE preferred.

Physical Demands
•    The ability to stand and walk around for extended periods of time is required. Employees will also need to squat or bend, reach outward or upward to effectively discharge job duties.
•    Job incumbent must be able to lift/carry and/or push/pull up to 40 lbs.

Essential Function Statement
The Houston Area Women’s Center has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions are included with the tasks. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the esse