Major Gifts Officer

ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. 

The Major Gift Officer serves as a frontline fundraiser within a region or division. They will maximize the donor engagement process to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual and institutional prospects/donors capable of making gifts between $50,000 and $500,000 in support of ADL’s highest priorities. While Major Gift Officers may be assigned to a specific geographic area, they may also take on individual prospects/donors throughout the division. This role requires significant travel of up to 50%.

• Develop and implement identification, qualification, and cultivation strategies for a portfolio of individuals with the capacity to make major gifts (between $50,000 and $500,000), nurturing relationships through personalized communications, meetings, and engagement opportunities in accordance with ADL’s policies, procedures, and funding priorities.
• Lead the solicitation process for major gifts, including developing tailored solicitation proposals, presentations, and funding opportunities aligned with donor interests and ADL priorities.
• Maintain an active, current body of knowledge of ADL and its mission, programs, activities, institutional needs, and fundraising priorities.
• Work with prospect research team to identify new major gift prospects and understand their philanthropic interests, capacity to give, and inclination to give to ADL.
• Negotiate gift agreements and terms with donors, in collaboration with the Philanthropic Services team.
• Actively participate in Development team meetings to coordinate prospect review and discuss specific prospect strategies as they relate to prioritized fundraising needs.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the CRM database, documenting all interactions, proposals, and gift agreements related to major gifts in accordance with CSC policies and procedures.
• Collaborate and partner effectively across the organization to build and sustain the culture of philanthropy across ADL. 
• Serve as an effective and enthusiastic ADL spokesperson and representative.

This job description provides a general overview of the role and its key responsibilities. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, and ADL reserves the right to assign additional tasks as needed. 

• Outstanding strategic thinking and analytical skills, interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and experience handling highly confidential information.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with a diverse group of stakeholders including high net worth individuals, colleagues, and senior executives.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with superior attention to detail and strong storytelling skills.
• Display a positive attitude and show good judgment, common sense, and excellent listening skills; committed to transparency, accountability, and direct communication.
• Ability to anticipate and be responsive to multiple stakeholders' needs simultaneously, internally, and externally, including individual donors and prospects.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to see projects through to completion while meeting tight deadlines.
• Prior experience working with fundraising databases (Salesforce), MS Office applications and online collaboration tools.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team in meeting goals.
• Ability to successfully navigate and thrive in a complex organization.
• Committed to advancing the mission and goals of the ADL.

• Significant fundraising experience including a demonstrated record of soliciting and closing five-figure and six-figure gifts, including multi-year commitments.
• Experience in a national organization with an affiliate or chapter structure a plus

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required.

• ADL is a hybrid environment; this role may require 3 days in the office.