Major Gifts Officer

Since 1893, Helen Keller Services (HKS) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have combined hearing and vision loss. HKS serves the New York City/Long Island area from its new headquarters in dynamic downtown Brooklyn and the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults of Sands Point, New York, which has a network of regional offices that extends HKS’ reach across the United States. We currently have an exciting full-time career opportunity available to join the HKS team as a Major Gifts Officer. Responsible for executing HKS's Mission, goals, and objectives through fund development activities focused on major gift development. This role involves managing a portfolio of donors giving $2,500 and more, primarily sourced from HKS's donor base. The Major Gifts Officer will be instrumental in cultivating new major donors, renewing support from existing donors, family foundations, corporations, and businesses, and will play a vital role within the HKS Development Team.

The incumbent must demonstrate a sincere commitment to HKS's Mission and Values and maintain a high level of professionalism at all times, projecting a positive image of HKS both internally and externally. The Major Gifts Officer will also work on special projects and fundraising events and collaborate with Event manager, board members, volunteers, and staff leadership to ensure successful donor engagement and stewardship happens.

*Must have the ability to travel locally and out of town as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors ($2,500 and up) and prospects in collaboration with board members, volunteers, and staff leadership.
• Utilize research, experience, and relationships to establish connections and secure meetings with prospective donors.
• Accompany the HKSB and HKNC Executive Directors, Chief Development and Marketing Officer (CDMO), and President, CEO for approved interactions with donors.
• Maintain regular and meaningful communication and conduct face-to-face visits with prospective donors.
• Use multiple channels, including in-person, digital, and mail, to solicit donations from donors and prospects.
• Develop compelling engagement opportunities tailored to meet the needs and expectations of donors.
• Prepare strategy, briefing, and debriefing materials for meetings with donors and prospects.
• Draft highly personalized and substantive correspondence, proposals, and other written materials.
• Collaborate with the Development team, program, and finance colleagues to develop proposals and reports.
• Under the guidance of the CAMO, plan and manage four prospecting and stewardship gatherings annually.
• Track major donors and prospects using Raiser's Edge or a similar donor management system.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested by immediate supervisor and/or the CAMO.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Education and Experience: Associate degree required, Bachelor's degree preferred in social service, public administration, or a related field. 5+ years of fundraising or relevant sales/customer service experience.

Strong networking skills and experience in managing volunteers.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

CFRE Certification highly desirable.

At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees. We offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including:

• 4 week vacation package with additional paid holidays, personal days, and sick days.
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• Voluntary Ancillary benefits
• 403b plan w/employer match
• Career advancement opportunities