Major Gifts Officer

Just a few of the Benefits enjoyed by PPIL employees…

-Company subsidized premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

-Up to 12 weeks Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees

-Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays

-Mission focused work

-401k with employer matching

-100% company-paid Life Insurance

-100% company-paid Short- and Long-Term Disability Coverage

-Robust Employee Assistance Program

-Professional Development awards and opportunities

-Flexible Spending Accounts

-Free Medical Services at PPIL

-Pet Insurance

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for inspiring, broadening and deepening the support of individual donors to Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). This role executes the strategy and management of an assigned portfolio with the responsibility of maximizing unrestricted and restricted major gift funds raised annually and for longer-term efforts. The Major Gifts Officer is an articulate spokesperson for PPIL and its programs and priorities in the philanthropic community. This role reports to the Director of Major and Individual Giving.

Essential functions:

1. Establish long-term goals and annual objectives for a major gift and planned giving portfolio of individuals in collaboration with the Director of Major and Individual Giving. Conduct regular and ongoing portfolio analysis, communicate outcomes and challenges, suggest portfolio adjustments as needed, and project results as needed for reports and planning.

2. Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward the assigned portfolio of individual prospects for major and planned gifts. Ensure that the assigned portfolio is managed with the highest professional and ethical standards.

3. Ensure that major and planned giving donors receive appropriate, on-target, and timely proposals, budgets, and other information needed for cultivation and solicitation. As needed, prepare the strategy for such communications and participate in crafting outlines, drafts, budgets, and final products.

4. Maintain timely and accurate records on individual donors and potential donors to support ongoing activity and future fund raising—including plans, tracking, and reporting.

5. Support the President/CEO, Chief Development Officer, and other senior staff members in fundraising activities, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.

6. Support collaborative fundraising efforts with Planned Parenthood Federation of Americaand other Planned Parenthood affiliates as needed.

7. Establish a strong “feeder program” for the Major Gifts portfolio by: 

a. implementing an effective system for identifying, qualifying, and cultivating individuals with interest and capacity; and 

b. developing and implementing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for midlevel program donors who have the capacity to transition to the major gifts program.

8. Work with fundraising volunteers to increase their involvement and success in the solicitation process.

9. In collaboration with the Director of Major and Individual Giving, work to sustain, expand, and coordinate the role of the Board of Directors in development activities.

10. Implement strategies that will increase the number and size of planned gifts on an annual basis and over the long term. Improve tracking and stewardship of donors who have made a planned gift or a commitment for a planned gift.

11. Collaborate with PPIL and PPFA staff members on planning and implementing strategic stewardship activities, including donor events and communications.

12. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to remain informed about PPIL protocols, policies, and procedures.

13. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to PPIL core values of access, activism, care, confidentiality, diversity, excellence, integrity, respect, self-determination, and stewardship; practice these values in relations with internal and external customers.

Other responsibilities:

1. Play a role in the planning, launch, and successful completion of any future PPIL capital campaigns.

2. Train and supervise staff as assigned.

3. Other duties as assigned.

Physical demands/Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear and use the phone. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to key in data, handle, or feel and reach. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Supervisor: Director of Major and Individual Giving

Status: Full time, exempt from the overtime provisions of the wages and salary regulations.

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.

• Demonstrated record of meeting professional goals and guiding staff to meet team goals.
• Interest in reproductive health, education, and rights and ability to understand and explain PPIL programs and funding priorities to current and potential individual donors.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build relationships with donors and secure gifts.
• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others (management, trustees, faculty and staff) to accomplish goals.
• Must be willing to maintain a flexible work schedule including evening and weekend hours and state-wide travel.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Aptitude for analysis, interpretation, and translation of information.
• Creativity and experience in the development of gift strategies, programs, and solicitation materials that will inspire donors.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Flexible enough to handle multiple projects in a fast paced, understaffed environment.
• Curious and thoughtful approach to work characterized by a desire to solve problems and continuously improve quality of work.
• Discretion in handling confidential information and materials.

Planned Parenthood works affirmatively to include diversity among its workforce and does not discriminate in the selection of its staff based on factors including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, income, marital status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. We know that BIPOC and women identifying candidates are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every requirement. Please do not be deterred if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting.