Major Gifts Officer

SPCA Cincinnati is creating a Major Gifts Officer position to help build the future of philanthropy for one of the country’s oldest animal welfare organizations. This is a frontline, relationship-driven fundraising role responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity individual donors while growing a sustainable culture of philanthropy.

The Major Gifts Officer will play a critical role in expanding SPCA Cincinnati’s major gifts program by establishing disciplined portfolio management practices, deepening donor engagement, expanding leadership-level giving, and securing philanthropic investments that advance the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability.

Success in this role requires a highly relational fundraiser who combines strong donor engagement skills with creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving ability. The ideal candidate is energized by uncovering opportunities, developing innovative strategies to connect donor passions with organizational priorities, and building meaningful partnerships that inspire transformational giving. This individual values collaboration and actively seeks diverse perspectives while demonstrating sound judgment, independent thinking, and the ability to discern and pursue strategies that best advance donor relationships and organizational goals.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Major Gifts Officer partners closely with executive leadership, members of the Board of Directors, and cross-functional colleagues to develop and execute donor engagement strategies, advance major gift solicitations, and strengthen SPCA Cincinnati’s philanthropic impact throughout the community.

Core Responsibilities

Portfolio Development and Management

• Build, qualify, and actively manage a portfolio of approximately 100-125 major gift prospects and donors.

• Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.

• Maintain accurate donor records, strategy notes, and moves management activity within Raiser’s Edge.

• Utilize research, analytics, wealth screening, direct response engagement, and community connections to identify new prospects.

Donor Engagement and Revenue Generation

• Conduct meaningful donor visits and engagement activities designed to advance relationships and philanthropic investment.

• Develop compelling proposals aligned with organizational priorities.

• Secure five-figure gifts independently and participate in leadership and six-figure solicitations.

• Partner with the Chief Development Officer, CEO, and Board members on strategic donor engagement and solicitation efforts.

Stewardship and Long-Term Philanthropic Growth

• Design and implement individualized stewardship plans that reinforce impact and encourage increased giving.

• Identify planned giving, blended giving, and multi-year commitment opportunities.

• Ensure donors receive timely, meaningful, and mission-focused reporting.

Executive and Board Partnership

• Collaborate with senior leadership and Board members to prepare for and execute strategic donor engagement opportunities.

• Represent SPCA Cincinnati professionally and effectively in community and donor-facing settings.

Performance Expectations

Success will be measured by:

• Managing a qualified portfolio of 100-125 prospects.

• Completing meaningful donor visits and engagement activities annually.

• Meeting or exceeding annual major gift revenue goals established in partnership with the Chief Development Officer.

• Submitting personalized proposals and solicitation strategies.

• Demonstrating measurable pipeline growth, donor retention, and gift upgrades.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

• Three to five years of successful fundraising, sales, business development, or relationship management experience.

• Demonstrated success securing gifts, sales, or investments through relationship-based strategies.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Experience managing multiple priorities and working independently.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Major gifts experience.

• Experience using Raiser’s Edge or a comparable CRM.

• CFRE credential.

• Experience working with volunteers or boards.

• Passion for animal welfare and community impact.

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is based at SPCA Cincinnati’s Sharonville campus and operates primarily from an in-office environment. Frequent face-to-face meetings with donors, prospects, volunteers, and community partners are expected, along with regular local travel throughout the Greater Cincinnati region.

The position requires flexibility to attend donor meetings, community events, volunteer activities, and fundraising functions during select evenings and weekends throughout the year.

SPCA Cincinnati encourages ongoing professional development through conferences, continuing education, professional associations, and opportunities to expand fundraising expertise.

While animal ownership is encouraged, a genuine appreciation for the human-animal bond is essential.

Salary: $75,000–$85,000, commensurate with experience

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