THE OPPORTUNITY 

• Are you excited by the opportunity to join a well-established nonprofit legacy institution, deeply committed to youth development and highly respected within the Cincinnati community?
• Are you looking for a hands-on role with a growing development team and a well-established donor portfolio?
• Are you inspired to contribute to a forward-thinking organization dedicated to strengthening communities and empowering youth through creative programs and diverse fundraising efforts?

ABOUT THE COMPANY

The Dan Beard Council, Scouting America is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which delivers the programs of Scouting America to the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. With a geographic area of 12 counties in Southwestern Ohio and Northern Kentucky and an average annual membership of 10,000 youth, the Dan Beard Council is one of the larger metropolitan councils in the country and the largest youth organization in the Cincinnati area. The Council administers the Scouting program through seven districts, providing volunteer support, training, program opportunities, fundraising and administrative services. Hundreds of Cub Scout Packs, Scout BSA Troops, Venturing Crews, Explorer Posts, and Sea Scout Ships make up the membership of the Council.

Four camp properties are operated by the Council including Camp Friedlander, Camp Craig, Cub World, and Camp Michaels. Each year, over 3,000 youth will participate in summer camp programs and thousands more will enjoy the camps at various seasonal events and unit outings. Council operations are funded by the Friends of Scouting annual giving campaign, corporate sponsorships, the popcorn sale, and special event revenue.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Reporting to the VP of Development, the full-time Major Gifts Officer is responsible for maintaining and growing a solid base of individual donors. This position is primarily responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts ($25K – $100K) through face-to-face visits and events. The Major Gifts Officer will manage a portfolio and retain, and increase, donor support moving them up the ladder of support.

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, close and steward major gifts through direct personal contact and visits
• Develop custom strategies for each donor to generate new and higher levels of giving, recording detailed relationship activities in CRM system (Raiser’s Edge CRM)
• Manage a portfolio of 150-200 individuals building and maintaining strong relationships leading to increased giving – re-acquire past donors and acquire new donors
• Coordinate an effective program for recognition, involvement, and stewardship of major and special gifts
• Meet annual goals for meaningful connections, solicitations, closed gifts, and amount raised
• Work with the Board, staff, and volunteer committee to achieve fundraising goals.
• Support all fundraising events

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate is an experienced, hands-on nonprofit fundraising professional who is adaptable and an exceptional communicator.

• Bachelor’s degree or high school diploma and commensurate experience preferred
• 3+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, specifically in major gifts or development roles
• Experience with portfolio management (identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors)
• Experience in developing fundraising strategies and contributing to campaign goals and objectives
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate ideas, concepts, and instructions clearly and effectively to stakeholders across multiple formats (written, verbal, and digital)
• Experience using a CRM system

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Dan Beard Council is seeking a motivated team player who is trustworthy, ethical, and demonstrates strong integrity

• Proven track record of building and maintaining relationships with donors and stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and communicate effectively across diverse groups
• High level of emotional intelligence, patience, and active listening to understand donors’ motivations and align them with the organization’s mission
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to adapt systems to keep pace with dynamic operations and changing information needs

THE PAYOFF

• Collaborate with a talented, enthusiastic, values-based team
• Work closely with an engaged and generous volunteer board comprised of the region’s top business and civic leaders
• See your efforts have a positive impact on youth and families in the Greater Cincinnati region
• Compensation includes a competitive base salary, benefits package, and PTO

OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities—and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration. You do not have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply. If you’re drawn to the position and believe your experience makes you a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This is a hybrid role with excellent work life balance and occasional attendance at large organizational functions held in the evenings or weekends. The corporate office is in Evendale.