Senior Major Gifts Officer

This is a Full Time Job

Application Process: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Position Summary:

The Senior Major Gifts Officer plays a vital role in connecting supporters to our mission. This position is responsible for building and deepening relationships with major donors and prospects to secure gifts of $10,000 and above that sustain and grow LAist’s reporting and programming. The Senior Major Gifts Officer manages a portfolio of approximately 120–150 major and planned giving donors and prospects, focusing on personalized, mission-driven engagement.

You’ll spend much of your time out in the community or meeting virtually with donors — listening to their passions, sharing the impact of LAist’s journalism, and inviting them to invest in our work. As a senior member of the team, you’ll also mentor colleagues, help shape fundraising strategy, and collaborate closely with content leaders and executives on major solicitations and campaigns.

Key Responsibilities:
• Manage a portfolio of 120–150 major and planned giving donors and prospects, guiding them through thoughtful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop individualized engagement strategies that align donors’ interests with LAist’s mission and priorities.
• Conduct face-to-face and virtual meetings with donors and prospects across Southern California.
• Write and present persuasive proposals, reports, and donor communications that convey the impact of philanthropy.
• Qualify new prospects to expand LAist’s community of major and planned giving supporters.
• Partner with Development leadership, newsroom, and content teams to connect donors with LAist’s stories and journalists.
• Document donor interactions and track progress using Salesforce.
• Meet or exceed annual revenue and relationship goals.
• Mentor and support other major gift officers, sharing best practices and contributing to a positive, collaborative team culture.
• Participate in donor and community events, some of which occur during evenings and weekends.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 7–10 years of major gift experience, with a proven record of closing six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Demonstrated expertise in donor cultivation, solicitation strategy, and prospect management.
• Experience working with board members, senior leaders, and volunteers.
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and how to identify strong prospects.
• Experience using Salesforce or similar donor database strongly preferred.

Skills and Attributes:
• Passion for public media and community-centered journalism.
• Strategic, creative, and goal-oriented fundraiser with a track record of success.
• Excellent storyteller and communicator, able to inspire donors through compelling conversations and written materials.
• Strong relationship-builder with a collaborative and empathetic approach.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• Proactive mentor who enjoys supporting team growth and sharing expertise.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems.

Working Conditions
• Hybrid schedule with regular travel throughout Southern California for donor visits and events.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, personal vehicle, and clean driving record (mileage reimbursed).
• Typical office environment with moderate noise; prolonged sitting and computer use required.