Job Details

Senior Gift Officer

The Senior Gift Officer leads the Louisiana SPCA's annual fundraising strategy and is the primary driver of mid-level and major gift revenue. This role manages a donor portfolio, supervises Gift Officer staff, and coordinates event sponsorship efforts in close partnership with the Chief Advancement and Marketing Officer (CAMO).

The ideal candidate is a seasoned nonprofit fundraising professional with a demonstrated track record at the mid- and major-gift levels, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to manage staff and campaigns in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Management & Accountability

• Directly supervise Gift Officer staff, ensuring effective portfolio management across the Advancement team
• Establish clear expectations, quarterly goals, and weekly scorecard metrics
• Conduct regular portfolio reviews and provide moves management coaching
• Deliver performance feedback, professional development, and accountability
• Ensure portfolio management best practices are consistently followed
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteer event sponsorship committees
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Manager to engage corporate volunteer partners in annual fundraising efforts

Annual Fund Strategy & Execution

• Lead and execute the Louisiana SPCA's annual giving strategy to achieve the organization's fundraising goals
• Oversee annual fund performance metrics: donor acquisition, retention, upgrades, reactivation, and recurring giving
• Build and manage the annual fundraising calendar in coordination with the CAMO, including seasonal campaigns, stewardship plans, and mid-level/major donor cultivation initiatives
• Partner with Marketing and Communications to develop effective messaging, creative assets, and donor-centered storytelling for annual giving campaigns

Mid-Level and Major Gifts

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 100–150 mid-level and major donors and prospects through all stages of the donor cycle: qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Secure and grow gifts at mid-level and major gift levels, including larger multi-year commitments when appropriate
• Partner with the CAMO, CEO, senior leadership, and board members to advance the major gift pipeline and solicitation opportunities
• Prepare tailored proposals and presentations for individual, corporate, and institutional donors, including customized recognition and impact communications

Major Event Sponsorship

• Lead strategy and execution of corporate and major donor sponsorship for Louisiana SPCA fundraising events
• Develop and manage a pipeline of prospective sponsors; cultivate relationships with corporate partners and community leaders
• Recruit and manage volunteer sponsorship committees; collaborate with board members and leadership on identification and solicitation
• Ensure all sponsorship benefits and recognition commitments are fulfilled in partnership with Marketing and event staff
• Maintain sponsor relationships to encourage renewals, upgrades, and long-term partnerships

Prospect Research & Pipeline Development

• Work closely with the Data, Analytics, and Operations Manager to strengthen the donor pipeline
• Analyze giving patterns and donor segmentation
• Identify and qualify prospects capable of mid-level and major gifts
• Strengthen fundraising forecasting and reporting
• Use research tools and internal data to develop cultivation pathways that move donors from annual giving into mid-level and major gift portfolios

Supporting Responsibilities

• Donor Stewardship Systems: Partner with the Data, Analytics, and Operations Manager to scale stewardship systems; ensure donors receive timely acknowledgements, meaningful impact reporting, and personalized engagement
• Institutional & Corporate Grants: Lead development of major corporate and institutional grant opportunities, including research, proposals, submissions, and reporting
• Planned Giving: Identify and cultivate legacy gift prospects within the portfolio; work with leadership to integrate planned giving into major donor conversations

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, fundraising, business administration, marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience

Advanced fundraising training or CFRE certification is a plus

Experience & Skills

Minimum 5–7 years of progressive fundraising experience, including demonstrated success securing mid-level and major gifts ($5,000+) from individuals, corporations, and/or foundations

Proven ability to manage donor portfolios and execute moves management strategies

Experience leading fundraising initiatives — annual giving, major gifts, or event sponsorship

Demonstrated experience managing and coaching fundraising staff, including goal-setting and professional development

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including donor proposals, sponsorship materials, and stewardship communications

Strong organizational and relationship-building skills; ability to collaborate effectively with donors, volunteers, board members, and staff

Proficiency with donor CRM systems and prospect research tools

Working Conditions

Some evening and weekend availability required for donor meetings and events

Local travel required; occasional overnight travel may be needed

Must be comfortable working around animals and in a high-noise environment

Must not be allergic to animals or nuts; potential exposure to animal bites and scratches

Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds

Benefits

Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off and paid holidays

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility

The meaningful opportunity to make a daily difference in the lives of people and pets in our community