Major Gifts Officer - New York City

Helen Keller International, a 90-year old international non-governmental organization headquartered in New York City, is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to join its Development and Communications Department. HKI’s mission is to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged by combating the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition. HKI is a leader in creating and promoting evidence-based approaches to improve eye health and nutrition and in developing the technical and operational capacities of local governmental, non-governmental, private sector and community-based partners to increase the scope of effective health interventions and to advocate for policy change at the regional, national and international levels.

Scope of the Position:

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) manages all facets of an integrated Major Gifts Program initiated two years ago that includes appeals to individuals, corporate and private foundations; converting direct mail donors into major donors; and oversight of the planned giving program. The MGO stewards existing relationships with major, gifts-in-kind and planned giving donors, and identifies, cultivates and secures new prospects. In addition, the MGO ensures that members of the Helen Keller Centennial Society, HKI’s donor club, receive all relevant benefits, including program updates, breakfasts with the President, field trips, etc. A successful candidate has demonstrated proficiency in researching the giving potential of individuals and corporate and foundation prospects, soliciting different constituencies and securing major gifts.

As part of a 7-member Development & Communications team, the MGO helps develop and implement a broad fundraising strategy that raises necessary support through the Major Gifts Program as well as Direct Mail Campaigns, Special Events, and grant-writing efforts. This position reports to the Director of Development and Communications.

QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• At least 6 years comparable related experience with major gifts, preferably including some with an international organization;
• Demonstrated expertise in major gifts fundraising and major donor relationship development, including moving donors to higher gift levels; knowledge of major gift fundraising techniques;
• Excellent organizational skills to work independently, flexibly, and productively in a fast-paced environment; ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including writing, presenting, phone and e-mail proficiency; 
• Good computer skills with Windows (Word, Outlook, Excel), Raiser’s Edge (or similar database) and the Internet;
• Diplomacy and patience for managing diverse external and internal relationships; and a
• Personal commitment to HKI’s mission and goals.

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates are invited to send a cover letter and résumé, including current salary, and salary requirements to: MGO Search, Helen Keller International, 352 Park Avenue South, Suite 1200, New York, NY 10010, or email jklopp@hki.org, with a copy to hkihr@hki.org, noting “Dev Search-MGO” as the subject heading. HKI is an EOE.