Position Overview

The Senior Gift Officer leads the Louisiana SPCA's annual fundraising strategy and is the primary driver of mid-level and major gift revenue. This role manages a donor portfolio, supervises Gift Officer staff, and coordinates event sponsorship efforts in close partnership with the Chief Advancement and Marketing Officer (CAMO).

The ideal candidate is a seasoned nonprofit fundraising professional with a demonstrated track record at the mid- and major-gift levels, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to manage staff and campaigns in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Management & Accountability

 - Directly supervise Gift Officer staff, ensuring effective portfolio management across the Advancement team

 - Establish clear expectations, quarterly goals, and weekly scorecard metrics

 - Conduct regular portfolio reviews and provide moves management coaching

 - Deliver performance feedback, professional development, and accountability

 - Ensure portfolio management best practices are consistently followed

 - Recruit, train, and manage volunteer event sponsorship committees

 - Collaborate with the Volunteer Manager to engage corporate volunteer partners in annual fundraising efforts

Annual Fund Strategy & Execution

 - Lead and execute the Louisiana SPCA's annual giving strategy to achieve the organization's fundraising goals

 - Oversee annual fund performance metrics: donor acquisition, retention, upgrades, reactivation, and recurring giving

 - Build and manage the annual fundraising calendar in coordination with the CAMO, including seasonal campaigns, stewardship plans, and mid-level/major donor cultivation initiatives

 - Partner with Marketing and Communications to develop effective messaging, creative assets, and donor-centered storytelling for annual giving campaigns

Mid-Level and Major Gifts

 - Manage a portfolio of approximately 100–150 mid-level and major donors and prospects through all stages of the donor cycle: qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship

 - Secure and grow gifts at mid-level and major gift levels, including larger multi-year commitments when appropriate

 - Partner with the CAMO, CEO, senior leadership, and board members to advance the major gift pipeline and solicitation opportunities

 - Prepare tailored proposals and presentations for individual, corporate, and institutional donors, including customized recognition and impact communications

Major Event Sponsorship

 - Lead strategy and execution of corporate and major donor sponsorship for Louisiana SPCA fundraising events

 - Develop and manage a pipeline of prospective sponsors; cultivate relationships with corporate partners and community leaders

 - Recruit and manage volunteer sponsorship committees; collaborate with board members and leadership on identification and solicitation

 - Ensure all sponsorship benefits and recognition commitments are fulfilled in partnership with Marketing and event staff

 - Maintain sponsor relationships to encourage renewals, upgrades, and long-term partnerships

Prospect Research & Pipeline Development

 - Work closely with the Data, Analytics, and Operations Manager to strengthen the donor pipeline

 - Analyze giving patterns and donor segmentation

 - Identify and qualify prospects capable of mid-level and major gifts

 - Strengthen fundraising forecasting and reporting

 - Use research tools and internal data to develop cultivation pathways that move donors from annual giving into mid-level and major gift portfolios

Supporting Responsibilities

 - Donor Stewardship Systems: Partner with the Data, Analytics, and Operations Manager to scale stewardship systems; ensure donors receive timely acknowledgements, meaningful impact reporting, and personalized engagement

 - Institutional & Corporate Grants: Lead development of major corporate and institutional grant opportunities, including research, proposals, submissions, and reporting

 - Planned Giving: Identify and cultivate legacy gift prospects within the portfolio; work with leadership to integrate planned giving into major donor conversations

Qualifications

Education

 - Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, fundraising, business administration, marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience

 - Advanced fundraising training or CFRE certification is a plus

Experience & Skills

 - Minimum 5–7 years of progressive fundraising experience, including demonstrated success securing mid-level and major gifts ($5,000+) from individuals, corporations, and/or foundations

 - Proven ability to manage donor portfolios and execute moves management strategies

 - Experience leading fundraising initiatives — annual giving, major gifts, or event sponsorship

 - Demonstrated experience managing and coaching fundraising staff, including goal-setting and professional development

 - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including donor proposals, sponsorship materials, and stewardship communications

 - Strong organizational and relationship-building skills; ability to collaborate effectively with donors, volunteers, board members, and staff

 - Proficiency with donor CRM systems and prospect research tools

Working Conditions

 - Some evening and weekend availability required for donor meetings and events

 - Local travel required; occasional overnight travel may be needed

 - Must be comfortable working around animals and in a high-noise environment

 - Must not be allergic to animals or nuts; potential exposure to animal bites and scratches

 - Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds

Benefits

 - Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

 - 401(k) with employer match

 - Paid time off and paid holidays

 - Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility

 - The meaningful opportunity to make a daily difference in the lives of people and pets in our community