Philanthropy Officer, Major Gifts (San Diego, CA)

• The San Diego Food Bank feeds approximately 400,000 people every month in partnership with 450 nonprofit community partners.
• We are the fourth largest independent food bank in the country.
• We distributed 52 million pounds of food in fiscal year 2024-2025; almost 45% of that food being fresh produce.
• We have a 99% rating on Charity Navigator.

• Manages and grows a portfolio of 100-125 individual major donors to meet or exceed annual revenue targets. Maintains disciplined moves management practices to advance donor relationships.
• Creates and implements individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies based on donor interests, capacity, and giving patterns.
• Identifies, solicits, and secures major gifts through in-person meetings, written proposals, and personalized communications, often in partnership with the Executive Team and Senior Director of Philanthropy.
• Prepares and staffs organizational leadership and board members for key donor interactions by providing strategic briefings and recommendations.
• Provides high-quality, customized stewardship to major donors, collaborating with program and development colleagues to demonstrate impact and deepen engagement.
• Partners with Campaign leadership to ensure major gift donors are actively engaged in campaign initiatives and appropriately stewarded for their campaign contributions.
• Develops and contributes to the creation of custom campaign-related stewardship materials, including tailored reports, impact updates, and donor communications.
• Collaborate with Development colleagues to plan, coordinate, and execute donor salon events and campaign-related gatherings to deepen donor relationships and build momentum for campaign success.
• Drafts, reviews, and advises on donor communications, including proposals, reports, and correspondence. Supports strategic donor communications on behalf of Food Bank leadership.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of San Diego Food Bank programs and funding priorities to align donor interests with organizational needs.
• Participates in soliciting gifts and sponsorships for special events such as the Gala and Golf Tournament in collaboration with Development colleagues.
• Records all donor interactions, strategies, and proposals in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Engages in team meetings, collaborative planning efforts, and ongoing professional development to support a culture of philanthropy and excellence.
• Perform other duties and special projects assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in philanthropy, with a track record of success securing major gifts.
• Demonstrated success in growing private philanthropy, with working knowledge of the principles and practices of major gift fundraising.
• Training in software, systems and practices supporting giving.
• Success in managing donor relationships through periods of engagement and growth, ensuring that donor and volunteer interests are in alignment with the mission and vision of the SDFB.
• Combination of education and experience can be considered

•  Expertise in major and individual gift fundraising, with a track record of securing and stewarding major gifts.
• Proficiency in donor database systems (preferably Raiser’s Edge NXT) and using data analytics to inform strategies.
• Windows Operating Systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook & Word), Raisers Edge NXT, and prospect research tools.

• Communicate effectively, both written and verbal
• Ability to build trust and cultivate relationships with donors, board members, and cross-functional teams
• Handle confidential information with discretion.

• CFRE Certification preferred
• Valid CA driver’s license
• Must have own vehicle and will be reimbursed for mileage.

• This is a full-time, Exempt /benefited position.
• A market level competitive salary is between $75,000 - $90,000 based on experience. 
• The compensation package includes a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including: 403(b) plan with 200% employer matching; excellent health care coverage with free employee medical, dental and vision plans; company paid term life insurance; and a generous accrual of paid vacation and sick leave.

• Typical schedule is Monday - Friday 8:00am- 4:30pm
• Does require frequent early morning, late evenings and weekend hours to meet with donors at their convenience.
• This position requires you to travel 50+% of the time; travel is primarily local during business days

• Interested and qualified candidates should apply below.
• Submissions missing a resume will not be considered for the position.
• Background check and drug test are required for the position before employment starts.

This is a regular full-time position