Major Gifts Officer

The Major Gifts Officer supports The Lawrence Hall of Science’s fundraising efforts by cultivating, stewarding, and soliciting a portfolio of donors and donor prospects.

This position reports to the Head of Development and works collaboratively with The Lawrence’s Director, Resource Generation Leadership Team, Program Leadership Team, and Advisory Council.

We welcome candidates who have demonstrated capacity to create inclusive work environments, work effectively on diverse teams, and serve the diverse communities with whom we currently work and want to attract. We are committed to hiring and retaining racially and gender diverse, culturally competent leaders at all levels of the organization who reflect the demographics of our community and continually deepen their skills and competencies.

The Lawrence Hall of Science embraces flexible working arrangements for its employees. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with the supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change. This role is eligible for a hybrid work plan, which will include some on site work and may include some evenings and weekends.

This is a one-year, full-time, renewable contract position eligible for full UC benefits.

• Identifies potential donors from The Lawrence’s community of visitors and members, UC Berkeley’s community of educators and alumni, and unaffiliated science and education focused philanthropists.
• Cultivates, stewards, and maintains relationships with portfolio of existing and prospective donors.
• Creates individualized proposals for donors, tailored to their interests and priorities, and crafts individualized solicitation timelines.
• Solicits major gifts, including 4- to 6-figure donations, in support of The Lawrence Hall of Science’s programs and in fulfillment of annual fundraising goals.
• Collaborates with Head of Development to develop fundraising goals, align vision and strategy, and set donor engagement and solicitation quotas.
• Collaborates with and supports other Development staff on projects relevant to Major Gifts Officer’s work, such as special events and donor recognition.
• Records activities in donor database and liaises with other UC Berkeley fundraisers to ensure cooperative approach to shared prospects.

• 5+ years experience in donor relations or non-profit fundraising.
• Strong interpersonal skillset to facilitate relationship-building with donors, including ability to converse comfortably with strangers, curiosity about others, demonstrated emotional intelligence, and strong memory for personal details.
• Strong written communication skillset, including ability to personably engage individuals through e-mail.
• Strong organizational skillset, including ability to prioritize one’s own task-load and maintain/manage a rigorous schedule of timely donor communications.
• Interest in The Lawrence Hall of Science’s programs and activities, and ability to effectively and enthusiastically articulate a compelling case for support.
• Comfort discussing finances, and commitment to confidentiality and respect while handling donor information.
• Ability to travel locally within the San Francisco Bay Area for in-person meetings with donors and donor prospects in person.
• Availability for occasional evening or weekend work.
• Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

• 3+ years experience in major gifts solicitation.
• An understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in a business, organization, or public university setting.
• Experience with donor management software (Tessitura or similar).

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.