Major Gifts Officer, American India Foundation

Position Title: Major Gifts Officer, West Coast 

Reports to: Director of Development, West Coast

Position: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Remote, located in San Francisco or San Francisco Metropolitan Area

Salary: $80,000-$90,000

About American India Foundation

The American India Foundation (AIF) is a secular, purpose-driven organization dedicated to driving social change in India and strengthening the connection between the civil societies of the United States and India. AIF engages central and state governments, NGO partners, local communities, civil society, and technical experts to create systemic solutions for the most vulnerable communities. With a focus on poverty alleviation and gender equity, AIF has significantly impacted maternal and neonatal health, education, and livelihoods. Its fellowship program cultivates the next generation of social leaders, fostering leadership in thought and action. AIF has positively impacted nearly 16 million lives across 36 states and union territories in India. Guided by the values of transparency, secularism, and nonpartisanship, AIF is committed to promoting equity, inclusion, and opportunity for marginalized communities.

The Opportunity

The American India Foundation seeks an experienced Major Gifts Officer for San Francisco to lead fundraising and donor cultivation strategies. You will work with AIF leadership, board members, and program leadership in India, driving growth in the Boston chapter. Responsibilities include developing strategies for cultivating and stewarding donors, focusing on five-figure multi-year gifts, managing donor tracking systems and software, and overseeing a portfolio of 100+ donors. You will align efforts with the development department, create a donor pipeline plan, conduct face-to-face solicitations, and support the board and staff in their efforts. Acknowledging major donors and tracking progress using specific metrics are also key. If you have a proven track record in development and seek a meaningful role, we want to speak with you.

Responsibilities

Donor Prospecting (15%):

• Use AIF’s database to upgrade current donors and reengage lapsed ones.
• Create tailored strategies to increase giving and renew relationships.
• Build and leverage regional relationships to find new donor leads.
• Attend community events and network with local organizations.
• Utilize social media to expand the donor base.

Donor Cultivation (20%):

• Schedule meetings with potential donors to discuss AIF’s mission, programs, and impact.
• Provide detailed information and answer questions to build trust and interest.
• Engage in conversations to identify donors’ philanthropic interests and passions.
• Align donor interests with AIF’s goals to foster stronger connections.
• Build strong relationships and rapport with prospective donors.
• Ensure donors are well-informed and aligned with AIF’s mission for future funding requests.

Donor Stewardship (25%):

• Regularly update current donors on AIF programs, progress, and successes through newsletters, reports, and personal communications.
• Ensure donors feel connected to the organization and see the impact of their contributions.
• Identify and create meaningful opportunities for donor engagement, such as event invitations and site visits
• Ensure donors feel appreciated and valued for their support.

Proposing and Pitching (40%):

• Collaborate with cultivated donors to understand their investment interests in AIF.
• Discuss donors' interests and present opportunities aligning with their philanthropic goals.
• Prepare and deliver compelling funding proposals, both verbally and in writing, to secure donations.
• Clearly articulate the need, impact, and benefits of their contributions to encourage generous support.

Knowledge, Skills, and Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Communications.
• Passion for AIF’s mission to bring positive change to the people of India.
• Demonstrated success and progressive responsibility in fundraising, with 3-5 years’ experience.
• Proficiency in database management, preferably Raiser’s Edge.
• Ability to set strategic goals and oversee execution.
• High level of discretion and ethical approach to fundraising.
• Proven ability to interact with and influence philanthropic leaders.
• Experience in motivating and managing high-profile volunteer leadership and senior executives.
• Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously, with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Application Suites, with high general computer competency.
• Authorized to work for any US employer without restrictions.

The American India Foundation has retained the services of Charity Search Group to coordinate the search for this position. To apply, please complete this online application. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Sonia Sheechoria at sonia@charitysearchgroup.com or visit www.charitysearchgroup.com

The American India Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels of the organization. We recognize the importance of not viewing individuals based on a single identity, and we thrive on being equitable in our recruitment process as well as in our efforts to be inclusive of all employees.