THE OPPORTUNITY

• Are you energized by building something—not simply inheriting it? Do you enjoy uncovering new opportunities, developing donor relationships from the ground up, and creating long-term fundraising success?
• Are you excited by a highly visible, relationship-driven role where you’ll spend your time in the community meeting donors, identifying prospects, and advancing a transformational $55 million campaign?
• Are you inspired to help shape the future of an organization committed to preparing young people for lifelong success through innovative programs, leadership development, and community partnerships?

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 11,000 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, and Explorer Posts 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 Vice President of Development, the Major Gifts Officer will play a key role in expanding the Council’s major gifts program during an exciting period of growth. This is a highly relationship-focused, externally facing position for someone who enjoys building donor pipelines as much as cultivating existing relationships. Success requires curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to identify new prospects, conduct your own research, and spend significant time in the community meeting with donors, volunteers, and supporters.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys creating opportunity as much as managing it. While you’ll steward existing donor relationships, you’ll also be expected to identify new prospects, conduct research, and continuously expand the Council’s major gift pipeline.

• Proactively identify, research, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors capable of making gifts of $10,000 and above through consistent face-to-face engagement.
• Develop custom strategies for each donor to generate new and higher levels of giving, recording detailed relationship activities in CRM system (Raiser’s Edge NXT CRM).
• Build and strategically manage a portfolio of approximately 125-150 current and prospective donors, developing individualized engagement strategies and continuously expanding the pipeline of qualified prospects.
• 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.
• Conduct your own donor and prospect research using available internal and external resources, translating information into thoughtful cultivation strategies and next steps.
• Represent the Council throughout the community by actively networking, attending events, and creating new connections that expand awareness and philanthropic support.
• Help establish sustainable major gift fundraising practices by documenting donor activity, maintaining accurate records in Raiser’s Edge, and strengthening institutional knowledge for future growth.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• 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 building, growing, and managing a portfolio of major gift prospects through all stages of the donor lifecycle.
• 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.
• Demonstrated success creating donor strategies independently rather than relying solely on assigned prospect portfolios.
• Comfortable conducting prospect research, identifying new opportunities, and developing cultivation strategies with limited dedicated research support.
• The ideal candidate is an experienced, hands-on nonprofit fundraising professional who is adaptable and an exceptional communicator.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• 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.
• Self-starter who takes initiative and enjoys creating structure where one does not yet exist.
• Naturally curious with the persistence to uncover new donor opportunities.
• Comfortable balancing strategic planning with day-to-day execution.
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to navigate differing perspectives while maintaining positive relationships.
• Highly organized and disciplined in managing multiple donor relationships and long-term cultivation strategies simultaneously.

THE PAYOFF

• Join the team during a transformational comprehensive campaign that is reshaping the future of Scouting in the region.
• Help build and influence a growing major gifts program with significant opportunity to leave your mark.
• Develop meaningful relationships with community leaders, volunteers, and philanthropists who are passionate about investing in youth.
• Experience a collaborative culture that values flexibility, family, and mission-driven work.
• 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.