A Better Chance, headquartered in New York City, is in search of a passionate and highly skilled Major Gifts Officer (MGO) with proven success in cultivating and managing relationships with new and existing donors.

Over the last 54 years, A Better Chance has been a driving force in the effort to increase educational attainment among youth of color. With its historic signature program, the College Preparatory School Program, A Better Chance identifies, recruits, and annually places more than 500 academically talented students into over 300 of the most rigorous and prestigious independent day schools, boarding schools, and public schools in the country. Over 15,000 alumni nationally contribute to leadership positions in their respective communities.

In an effort to grow and expend its philanthropy across the county, A Better Chance seeks an independent starter to fill the position of MGO at its headquarters and to manage a portfolio of 125-150 donors, who primarily reside on the east coast. The MGO will create gift strategies for each donor in an assigned portfolio; develop and implement a communications strategy for segmented parts of the portfolio and work in close collaboration with peer MGOs and development staff to carry out overall department initiatives.

This position offers a competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.

A Better Chance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria.

Specific Requirements Include:

• Passion for the mission of A Better Chance, as well as a strong commitment to the growth of the organization.
• Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree and/or CFRE preferred.
• Minimum of four years of experience in a nonprofit fundraising role, with a proven track record of major gift success and a strong working knowledge of strategy success in moves management systems in the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship processes.
• Highly effective interpersonal, conversational and presentational skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and maintaining positive relationships with diverse individuals, including executives, high-level volunteers, wealthy donors, and internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Great comfort level with direct donor interaction is a must, including discussions of personal and family finances and asking for major financial commitments.
• Willingness and ability to travel on a regular basis. Valid Driver’s License required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, hands-on experience with donor management software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, MyEmma and Eventbrite), and savvy in the maintenance of current contact and activity tracking reports.

 To Apply:

Candidates must complete the online application at http://alfordexecutivesearch.applicantstack.com/x/openings and thereon submit their cover letter and resume.

To assure confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email. ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.

This search is being managed by Sue Bultman, Consultant, and Heather Eddy, President and CEO of KEES. Questions may be addressed to sbultman@kees2sucess.com.

KEES (Kistner Eddy Executive Services) is a retained search firm that builds transformative teams and leaders in the nonprofit and public sectors. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.