Major Gifts Officer

WHAT WE DO

Since 1977, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank has pioneered innovative programs to meet the community’s evolving needs, with a focus on sustainability and the environment. As the largest hunger-relief organization in the region, we are a vital safety net for the 1 in 4 San Diegans facing food insecurity. With a $20M operating budget, supported by our generous donors and dedicated team of 97 staff members, we serve over 400,000 individuals and families every month, offering not just food, but also programs and initiatives to empower individuals to overcome food insecurity and build brighter futures. This incredible impact is made possible through the 50K+ hours contributed each year by volunteers and our close partnerships with over 500 organizations region-wide.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

At the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, we take great pride in our supportive culture that allows our employees to thrive both personally and professionally. Our leadership team is equally focused on our mission and fostering an environment that is positive, inclusive, and fun. The Food Bank is led by CEO Casey Castillo, who joined the Food Bank in 2008 as CFO and was appointed CEO in April of 2022. The newly created Major Gifts Officer position will report to Kimberley Layton, Chief Advancement & Communications Officer. An accomplished civic and corporate trailblazer, Kimberley has more than 30 years of experience in fast-paced environments with a commitment to leadership and service. Before joining the Food Bank in 2023, Kimberley spent 23 seasons with the San Diego (now Los Angeles) Chargers, serving as Vice President of External Affairs. The Major Gifts Officer will join a collaborative and growing development team passionate about raising funds to support our mission.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary – $80,000 - $100,000

Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance

403(b) with a 200% matching contribution up to 3% of annual pay

PTO: 15 paid days off, 10 paid sick days, 14 paid holidays

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

LOCATION

This is a hybrid role with an office located at 9850 Distribution Ave., San Diego, CA 92121.

POSITION SUMMARY

This new team member will be set up for success, as they will assume responsibility for the Food Bank’s prequalified portfolio of over 500 donors and prospects. The Major Gifts Officer will develop and implement creative and innovative strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major, planned, and leadership gifts from current and prospective donors. This is a highly collaborative role, working in partnership with the development team and cross-departmentally to optimize donor cultivation and support. The Major Gifts Officer will provide strategic and tactical support for overall fundraising and organizational activities and operations. This is an excellent opportunity for a creative, charismatic, relationship-builder who is passionate about serving the San Diego region!

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and execute a major gifts fundraising plan with a focus on individuals capable of making gifts at the $25,000-$100,000 level.

Collaborate with executive leadership and board members to engage donors and secure major gifts through personalized solicitations, proposals, and presentations.

Manage a robust portfolio of warm leads and assigned major donors, ensuring timely and meaningful communication and stewardship activities.

Collaborate with the development and communications teams to ensure consistent messaging and teamwork on fundraising strategies.

Utilize donor database systems to track interactions, manage donor relationships, and generate reports on major gifts activity.

Attend events, meetings, and other networking opportunities as needed and/or required.

Stay informed about trends and best practices in fundraising, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

Successful nonprofit fundraising experience with a solid understanding of fundraising strategies, systems, and processes.

Experience managing a portfolio of donors including qualification, cultivation, and stewardship.

Strong organization and prioritization skills with the ability to manage several projects simultaneously.

High attention to detail and initiative-taking with excellent follow-through.

Superb people skills: exceptional listening and strategic communication skills, including writing and public speaking, with the ability to connect with and inspire a wide range of stakeholders.

Strong analytical skills and use of data to drive fundraising, partnership decisions, and forecasting. Experience with Blackbaud RE-NXT preferred.

A positive, can-do personality with a desire to learn and grow!

COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY

Vaccination is preferred but not required.