WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 400 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded locally in 1911, the Northern California & Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America (VOA-NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs including housing, employment services, substance abuse, and recovery services to families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services. Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada inspires self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope by providing critical health and human services to thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across Northern California & Northern Nevada.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA-NCNN, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for a full-time Major Gifts Officer (Reno) position in Northern Nevada. This position is a hybrid role with some days in the Reno office and some days working from home. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage.

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for performing daily activities to achieve fundraising objectives of the organization.

1. Develop and implement a donor-centric strategy to build the organization’s donor base of individual donors and increase annual gift revenue from those donors.
2. Work with other Development staff and colleagues to generate funds to support key service activities, program enhancements, and provide stewardship and ongoing contact with donors to engage them as steady contributors to the organization.
3. Work with the Marketing representatives to create high-quality donor communications, collateral materials, and reports to keep donors engaged in events, programs, or projects they have helped fund.
4. Create and implement a strategy outside direct mail designed to engage mid-level donors, cultivate those donors, solicit those donors, and provide stewardship.
5. Work with the VP of Development and Marketing to set fundraising goals for mid-level giving, and major gifts, and create a cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategy to increase individual giving at all levels steadily.
6. Stay consistent with donor journeys for a portfolio of 75-100 major gift donors to build Volunteers of America, Northern California Northern Nevada’s major gift revenue.
7. Input records of calls and notes on all calls and personal visits in the donor data system.
8. Work with the Development team to ensure all donor records accurately reflect conversations and gift purposes.
9. Take a prominent role as VOA’s representative at signature events, both hosted by VOA and other community organizations, engaging donors and stakeholders and facilitating meaningful conversations with program participants.
10. Other responsibilities as assigned.

B. Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Attend staff meetings.
3. Participate in both internal and external training as needed for growth and development.

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s Degree is desired. Three to five years of experience in fundraising with at least two years of proven success in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors, including face-to-face relationship building and solicitation is required. Must have experience using a donor database to manage donor relationships, record and build donor interests, and identify prospects for increased giving potential. Demonstrated ability in requesting and obtaining financial support. Fundraising certification is desired. Experience with human services nonprofits is preferred. The candidate must have a strong desire to work for an organization dealing with issues unique to homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health. A valid Nevada driver’s license and the ability to meet the organization’s insurance carrier guidelines are required.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Excellent oral and written communication
Strong organizational skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Demonstrated management skills
Even temperament and patience
Ability to multi-task and to respond quickly and positively to solve unexpected problems
Ability to meet goals and deadlines
Proficient with Google platforms
Teamwork skills
Ability to interact professionally with donors and clients
Demonstrated leadership skills
Analytical and decision-making ability

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Lift and move up to 30 pounds
Physically able to safely maneuver weight distribution for event set-ups
Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently
Kneel occasionally