Leadership Gifts Officer

Leadership Gifts Officer

Introduction

Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes’ mission is to distribute donor human milk to premature and sick infants; support families who donate milk after loss; and increase access through education, research, and advocacy. Since its founding in 2011, Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes’ (Milk Bank WGL) has become a national and international model of innovation, service, and scientific excellence. Milk Bank WGL takes great pride in sharing best practices with the milk bank movement, as well as efforts to achieve equity in the area of infant nutrition.

In the fall of 2024, Milk Bank WGL’s debuted its new state-of-the art, FDA-registered, site; increasing its footprint by 250%. As a continuously fast-growing food manufacturer and infant nutrition nonprofit, Milk Bank WGL offers a family friendly environment, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits package.

A newly created position—and the inaugural permanent, full-time Development role at Milk Bank WGL—the Leadership Gifts Officer will be a key member of the leadership team, with opportunities for advancement. As importantly, this presents a unique opportunity to significantly impact and grow a young philanthropic program for one of the largest food centers of its kind globally. The Leadership Gifts Officer will play a central role in raising funds supporting safe and innovative milk banking to save tiny lives and improve pediatric health.

Primary Function

This role reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for developing a permanent Development program encompassing the art and science of philanthropy. With some foundational elements already in place, expand Milk Bank WGL’s Development practices inclusive of frontline donor cycle best practices and the establishment of a CRM.

Lead the annual campaign to raise approximately $1 million annually in unrestricted and restricted funding for general operating support as well as institutional priorities from individuals, foundations, government agencies, and corporations. Additionally, and in partnership with Milk Bank WGL’s Executive Director, Board Chair, and Philanthropic Consultant, support the successful conclusion of the Building Our Future Capital Campaign.

Duties & Responsibilities

· A self-starter, serving as the lead frontline fundraiser, conducts robust donor cycle activity for prospects/donors.

· Directly closes Major Gifts ($10K+) and Principal Gifts ($100K+) as well as provides support to the Executive Director and Board Chair for solicitations.

· Actively manages a portfolio of 20 – 30 Major/Principal Gift prospect/donors.

· Develops strategies for managed donors that continually advance gift conversations.

· Initiates and conducts proposal research and writing with grants submitted to foundations; compelling sponsorships presented to corporations; and of course tailored opportunities for individual philanthropists.

· Instills a steady culture of donor stewardship throughout Milk Bank WGL.

· Recommends a philanthropic CRM, manages its installation [with a vendor partner], coordinates training [also with vendor partner], and executes its utilization.

· Segments philanthropic constituencies (for prospects/donors <$10K) and develops sustainable Annual Fund strategies.

· Periodically prepares philanthropic presentations to and collaborates with the Board of Directors.

· Contributes to Annual Report writing.

· Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree. Master's degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum 5-7 years track record of progressively responsible experience in Development, including experience closing $50K + gifts.

SKILLS

· Experience with direct, one-on-one solicitations of significant gifts.

· Comfort level of being a direct solicitor as well as, at times, being behind the scenes supporting the Executive Director and Board Chair in their philanthropic relationship building and solicitations.

· Experience in managing a donor portfolio preferred.

· Excellent writing, oral, and overall communication skills.

· Outstanding project management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

· Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Ability to hit the ground running with an entrepreneurial and team-centric mindset.

· Proficiency in Word, Excel, Google Workspace, Raiser's Edge (or similar system) and demonstrated ability to learn new computer software.

· Must be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

· History of experience working with medical and/or social service nonprofits, a plus.

· Knowledge of the greater Chicago area, Illinois, and/or Wisconsin philanthropic communities, a plus.

· Knowledge of local, state, and/or federal government agencies and stakeholders, a plus.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position to:

Jennifer A. Moran

[email protected]

Pay: From $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• development: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person