Major Gifts Officer/Principal Gifts Officer

About The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington 

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington mobilizes and inspires our community to strengthen and sustain Jewish life. We bring together partners, organizations, and individuals to address the most pressing needs facing our local and global Jewish community. Through philanthropy, strategic investments, and collaborative leadership, Federation drives impact, builds capacity, and ensures a vibrant Jewish future. 

As we enter a period of significant growth and transformation, Federation is expanding its development team to build a modern, relationship‑driven fundraising program that supports our mission and long‑term vision.

Position Summary 

The Major Gifts Officer is a frontline fundraiser responsible for building and managing a portfolio of high‑capacity donors and prospects, with a focus on major gifts, donor acquisition, principal gift pipeline development, and integrated giving conversations, including legacy opportunities. 

This is a builder role within a collaborative team environment. Federation is actively constructing the systems, structures, and strategies that will define our next decade of philanthropic success. This position will serve as a key partner within a coordinated development team, with specific leadership responsibility for acquisition, qualification, and principal gift pipeline growth—while partnering closely with colleagues who lead major gifts strategy and implementation. 

The ideal candidate is a strategic relationship‑builder who thrives in a metrics‑driven environment, understands donor motivation, and is excited to help architect a high‑performing development operation alongside colleagues.

Key Responsibilities 

Portfolio Management & Donor Strategy 

• Manage a portfolio of ~125 donors and prospects with capacity at the $25,000–$1M+ level. 

• Develop individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies using a structured moves‑management approach. 

• Partner with colleagues who lead major gifts strategy to ensure alignment, shared learning, and coordinated donor engagement. 

• Conduct regular portfolio analysis to ensure movement, balance, and growth. 

Infrastructure Building & Strategic Development 

• Help further build and implement Federation’s major gifts infrastructure, including systems, processes, donor pathways, and engagement models. 

• Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer and major and legacy gifts team to build a principal gifts framework that supports transformational giving. 

• Identify gaps in current systems and propose solutions that strengthen Federation’s long‑term fundraising capacity. 

• Partner with internal teams to refine donor‑ready materials, impact reporting, and engagement tools. 

Donor Acquisition & Pipeline Growth 

• Lead proactive prospect identification efforts using research, networks, and community engagement. 

• Serve as the team lead for donor acquisition and early‑stage pipeline development. 

• Convert mid‑level donors and new prospects into major gift donors through intentional outreach and personalized engagement. 

• Work closely with colleagues to ensure smooth handoff of qualified prospects into the broader major gifts portfolio. 

Cultivation, Solicitation & Stewardship 

• Leverage 120–150 meaningful donor interactions annually, including in‑person visits, small gatherings, and mission‑aligned experiences. 

• Partner with senior leadership to prepare and deliver compelling major gift proposals aligned with donor interests and organizational priorities. 

• Integrate legacy giving and multi‑vehicle philanthropic conversations (e.g., Endowments, DAFs, bequests, blended gifts) into donor strategies as appropriate. 

• Collaborate with senior leadership, colleagues, and lay partners on joint solicitations. 

• Ensure thoughtful stewardship that deepens donor commitment and sets up the next gift. 

Data, Reporting & Accountability 

• Maintain accurate and timely donor records in CRM. 

• Track progress toward goals and provide regular pipeline reports. 

• Use data to inform strategy, forecast revenue, and identify opportunities for growth. 

Skills and Qualifications 

Strategic Thinking & Judgment 

• Understands how donor strategy aligns with Federation’s mission, priorities, and impact goals. 

• Navigates ambiguity effectively and exercises sound judgment, even when information is incomplete or evolving. 

Relationship Building & Emotional Intelligence 

• Builds trust quickly with donors, colleagues, and lay leaders. 

• Listens deeply, reads nuance, and responds with clarity and empathy. 

Entrepreneurial Mindset 

• Thrives in a building environment; comfortable creating structure where it doesn’t yet exist. 

• Takes initiative, identifies opportunities, and drives work forward with minimal oversight. 

Collaboration & Influence 

• Works effectively across teams and levels; brings others along in strategy and execution. 

• Communicates clearly and persuasively in writing and in person. 

• Values shared ownership and collective success. 

Execution & Accountability 

• Manages time and priorities well; meets deadlines and goals consistently. 

• Uses data to guide decisions and measure progress. 

Mission Alignment 

• Demonstrates commitment to Jewish communal life and Federation’s values. 

• Understands the role of philanthropy in strengthening community. 
  

Success in This Role Looks Like 

• A strong, clearly defined major and principal gifts pipeline. Create new systems and processes that support repeatable, scalable fundraising success. 

• Increased number of six‑ and seven‑figure donor conversations. 

• Clear movement of prospects through the cultivation cycle. 

• Effective partnership with colleagues leading major gifts strategy and stewardship. 

• Integrated giving conversations — including legacy — that deepen donor commitment and long‑term investment. 

• A measurable contribution to building Federation’s long‑term fundraising infrastructure. 

How We Work 

• Across roles, our work is grounded in: 

• Clear priorities and shared goals  

• Accountability for outcomes, not just activity  

• Collaboration across teams and stakeholders  

• Consistent, aligned execution  
• A focus on impact and community need 

How We Support You 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage  

• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off, including Jewish holidays
• Up to 6 weeks of paid parental leave (after one year)
• Commuter bonus
• Hybrid work environment
• Ongoing professional development opportunities