The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is a non-profit health-advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., that focuses on improving nutrition, food safety, and public health.  CSPI publishes Nutrition Action Healthletter, the nation’s largest‑circulation health newsletter, and has led efforts that resulted in healthier diets, more nutritious school foods, and more honest food labeling and food safety.  CSPI provides objective information to the public and represents citizens’ interests before legislative, regulatory, and judicial bodies.  CSPI is supported largely by subscribers to Nutrition Action Healthletter, individual donors, and foundation grants.

CSPI is seeking a Major Gifts Officer (MGO) to complement a team of development professionals responsible for setting and meeting annual fundraising goals.  The MGO is responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of major gift contributors who have the capacity to give $10,000 or more annually.  The MGO reports to the Development Director and works in collaboration with the President, Board members, and CSPI senior staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and manage strong relationships with current and new major donors, Board members, donor advisors, partner organizations, and other stakeholders to create a portfolio of top fundraising prospects and donors.
• In consultation with the Development Director, create and implement a strategic plan for major-gifts fundraising that is aligned with department goals.
• Identify, research, cultivate, solicit and steward a growing portfolio of new high-capacity individual donors and prospective donors.
• Plan and execute introductory or cultivation events and meetings for donors and prospects under the direction of the Development Director.  Research and prepare briefs in advance of meetings.
• Engage President, Board members, and senior staff in the overall strategy for obtaining major gifts; provide comprehensive support to them in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop marketing materials to be used for solicitation of major gift donors and prospective donors.  Collaborate with the Communications and Marketing departments to ensure consistency in communications, messaging, and solicitations.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of CSPI, its mission, and current programs in order to communicate this information clearly and directly to donors and prospects.
• Monitor major gifts program performance, including oversight of income and expenses, and ensure accurate and timely recordkeeping and reporting.
• Ensure that all donors and donor interactions are tracked accurately, and that major gifts are acknowledged in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Assist with other duties assigned by the Development Director.

Qualifications

• Development experience in a nonprofit, with a minimum of five years of experience in direct donor solicitation and prospect management is required.
• Proven track record of fundraising success in performing personal solicitation of gifts in excess of $10,000.
• Demonstrated skill at identifying potential donors, and creating and implementing fundraising strategies to achieve goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on a team and to build and maintain positive relationships with all levels of the organization, including board directors, senior management and staff.
• Strong verbal communication skills, and demonstrated ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Strong analytic skills, and ability to apply strategic and creative thinking.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, high degree of initiative, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, maturity, tactfulness, and good judgment; and capable of handling confidential information with discretion.
• Experience in organizing and staffing donor-cultivation or stewardship events.
• Experience in planning and managing budgets.
• Willingness and ability to travel to meet with donors and prospects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and donor management programs. 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Commitment to CSPI’s mission and goals.

To Apply

Please send a cover letter indicating relevant experience and interest, résumé, and salary requirements to hr@cspinet.org, and include “MGO” in the email subject line. 

CSPI is an equal opportunity employer.  Minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.