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Major Gifts Officer

Illinois

About Us: Golden Apple is a non-profit organization that works to inspire, develop and support teacher and school leader excellence, especially in schools-of-need. Our leading-edge preparation delivers exceptional teachers who make an impact. We help students thrive in the classroom and in life. Since our beginning, we have recognized master educators annually; and, these master educators help prepare the next generation of teachers. To date, Golden Apple has recruited over 5,000 diverse, aspiring teachers into the teaching profession and is actively expanding to deliver an annual impact that systematically improves schools.

Visit: www.goldenapple.org for more information.

Major Gifts Officer

The Golden Apple Foundation

Salaried / Exempt, Full-time Position

Summary:

The Major Gifts Officer at Golden Apple plays a critical role in advancing the organization’s mission by strategically engaging high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners to strengthen and expand philanthropic support. This position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a dynamic portfolio of major gift prospects and donors across the country.

Working closely with the CEO and development consultant, the Major Gifts Officer develops and executes tailored fundraising strategies that align with organizational priorities and donor interests. In addition, this role partners with the Chief of Staff and the development operations team to ensure accurate, timely, and strategic use of the donor client management system. This includes maintaining comprehensive documentation and records of donor interactions to support personalized stewardship by the CEO and other development leaders, and to ensure data-driven decision-making across all donor engagement efforts.

This is a highly collaborative role requiring strong relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, discretion, and a commitment to advancing educational equity through impactful philanthropy.

Reports to: CEO of the Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

Engaging with external audiences to support and expand fundraising efforts by:

  • Serving as an ambassador and advocate for Golden Apple’s mission, fostering relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.

  • Manage and grow a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, including identifying new leads, deepening relationships, and driving successful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that result in significant philanthropic support.

  • Collaborate closely with the CEO, President, and Senior Leadership Team to design and execute strategic fundraising plans that align with organizational goals, emphasizing national expansion and sustained donor engagement.

  • Leading donor engagement efforts, including meetings, events, and personalized outreach.

  • Partnering with the marketing and communications team to craft compelling messaging and donor materials.

  • Prepare strategic briefing materials and donor profiles to support the CEO and senior leadership in high-level donor meetings and cultivation efforts.

Building a sustainable development infrastructure by: 

  • Developing and implementing a comprehensive major gifts strategy to grow philanthropic support.

  • Establishing systems and processes to track donor engagement, gift solicitations, and stewardship activities.

  • Leverage and manage the donor client management system (CRM) in partnership with the Chief of Staff and development operations team to ensure data-driven development practices, including:

    • Maintaining accurate and comprehensive records of donor interactions, gift history, and engagement strategies.

    • Tracking progress toward revenue goals and monitoring donor movement through the pipeline.

    • Generating timely and actionable reports to inform leadership and enhance donor strategy.

    • Supporting moves management and segmentation strategies to maximize major gift potential.

  • Collaborating with program and leadership teams to align fundraising efforts with programmatic impact and organizational needs.

  • Supporting the CEO and board members in donor cultivation and solicitation efforts.

Expanding the organization's reach and impact by: 

  • Leading major fundraising initiatives and campaigns to support Golden Apple’s growth.

  • Identifying and pursuing opportunities for new funding sources and donor partnerships.

  • Representing Golden Apple at networking events, conferences, and philanthropic gatherings.

  • Working with the development consultant to ensure seamless execution of fundraising strategies.

  • Stay abreast of trends in major gifts fundraising, including philanthropic interests, donor motivations, and sector benchmarks, applying insights to refine strategies and enhance outcomes.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Proven track record in major gift fundraising, donor cultivation, and relationship management.

  • Experience developing and executing successful fundraising strategies.

  • Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, corporate partners, and foundations.

  • Excellent communication, storytelling, and public speaking skills.

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

  • High degree of initiative, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Knowledge of donor management systems and fundraising tools is a plus.

  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and a passion for supporting education.

Pay Range: $85,000 -105,000 - This represents the Golden Apple’s pay range for this position. Actual pay is based on various factors, including but not limited to experience.

Available Benefits for the Position Include: 

  • Medical, dental, vision, short-term, and long-term disability insurance benefits

  • Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Spending Account

  • Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

  • A defined contribution 403(b) plan in which Golden Apple may match up to a maximum of 5% of your eligible compensation if you choose to invest 5% of your gross pay.

  • 3 weeks of paid vacation per year are accrued per pay period.

  • 13 paid holidays for which you are eligible immediately upon hire.

  • 12 sick/personal days per year accrued at a rate of one day per month

To Apply:

 

Complete the corresponding application link in Greenhouse: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/thegoldenapplefoundation/jobs/4880886008

 

 

GAF is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of all types. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Consistent with state and federal law, GAF provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process or to perform the essential functions of the job, please contact @Garecruiting@goldenapple.org.

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