Major Gift Officer

World Relief

Major Gifts Officer managing a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects for World Relief California. Responsible for cultivating and soliciting significant philanthropic contributions to support the organization's mission.

Posted 6/24/2026full-timeSacramento • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $79,241 - $86,423 per yearWebsite

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

fundraisingprospect researchmoves managementdonor engagementportfolio managementdonor communicationsreport generationdata analysisdonor stewardshipplanned giving

Soft Skills

relationship buildingcommunicationcollaborationstrategic counselleadershippersonal faithcommitment to missionservice orientationadaptabilityorganizational skills

Tools & Technologies

donor databaseCRMMicrosoft Office 365reporting toolssolicitation packagesinvestment decksstewardship reportsportfolio development supportengagement materialscommunication tools

Industry Keywords

major giftshigh-capacity donorsChristian identitylegacy givingvulnerable communitiesWorld Reliefevangelicalsfundraising goalsdonor insightscultivation strategies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and implement innovative, data-informed strategies to identify, cultivate, and solicit high-capacity donors and prospects for major gifts ($10K+).
Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and prospects, applying strong prospect research and moves management principles to advance relationships toward major gift commitments.
Continuously analyze donor insights and engagement trends to inform cultivation strategies and maximize fundraising outcomes.
Lead direct, face-to-face donor solicitations and engagement opportunities, building authentic, long-term relationships with major partners.
Provide thoughtful stewardship to both existing and prospective individual major donors, ensuring meaningful and personalized engagement experiences.
Partner with legacy giving initiatives to identify and secure planned giving opportunities with long-term supporters.
Foster strong collaboration with World Relief California’s executive and programmatic leadership to align fundraising priorities and donor engagement strategies.
In partnership with the local advancement team, provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and guidance on donor communications.
Serve as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure cohesive and effective engagement.
Develop high-quality donor-facing materials, including proposals, solicitation packages, investment decks, and stewardship reports.
Prepare tailored meeting materials and communications that effectively convey organizational impact and inspire philanthropic investment.
Utilize the donor database (CRM) to track, manage, and optimize donor and prospect activity, ensuring accurate portfolio management.
Monitor progress toward individual fundraising goals and maintain timely, accurate reporting to support pipeline visibility and year-end revenue forecasting.
Maintain current, detailed, and organized records for all donor interactions and relationships.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Mature and personal Christian faith
Committed to the mission, vision, and values of World Relief
Desire to serve and empower the Church to impact vulnerable communities
Able to affirm and/or acknowledge World Reliefs Core Beliefs, Statement of Faith, Christian Identity and National Association of Evangelicals' For the Health of The Nation document
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
At least 8-10 years of experience in fundraising, with 3-5 years of specific experience in cultivating individual gifts.
Strong oral and written communication skills with proven track record of preaching that moves to action
Willingness to work with a wide variety of church denominations and theological positions
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office 365 suite, databases and report generation
Travel up to 25% domestically

Benefits

Comp & perks

competitive benefits package
employee discount program
drug-free workplace