Lifelong Access

Major Gifts Officer

United States - Full Time

Our mission at Lifelong Access is to connect individuals with developmental disabilities to their community by helping them break down barriers through a lifetime of meaningful supports. From birth to end of life, Lifelong Access provides a continuum of services and supports for families, children, teens, and adults including residential housing, vocational development, supported employment, high school transition, behavioral health counseling and services, and a wide variety of pediatric therapy supports. Guided by our Core Values, our team members have a strong drive and big hearts for improving the lives of others; a place where we support each other and the individuals who put their trust in us. 

Lifelong Access is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to develop and manage relationships with individual donors, corporations, and foundations capable of making significant philanthropic contributions to Lifelong Access. This position focuses on advancing major gift fundraising and campaign initiatives that fuel the organization’s mission growth and long-term sustainability. 

The MGO will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors; support campaign goals; and work closely with the CEO, Donor Engagement Specialist, and Board members to expand the organization’s donor base and philanthropic impact. Come grow with us and let us show you why the employees at Lifelong Access love what they do!

Minimum Starting Salary: $65,000 Annually 
Job Type: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Donor Identification and Cultivation
  • Identify potential major donors through prospect research, networking, and community engagement. 
  • Analyze donor databases and wealth indicators to prioritize prospects for cultivation and solicitation. 
  • Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporations. 
  • Develop personalized stewardship strategies to engage and retain donors, including meetings, correspondence, and updates on program impact. 
Major Gift Solicitation
  • Conduct direct solicitations of major gifts from individual donors and key stakeholders. 
  • Prepare and present customized proposals and presentations tailored to donor interests and philanthropic priorities. 
  • Work collaboratively with program staff to provide donor impact stories and outcomes that support solicitation efforts. 
  • Identify and pursue new giving opportunities including planned giving, matching gifts, workplace giving, and corporate partnerships. 
  • Explore innovative donor engagement approaches to attract new supporters from diverse communities and industries. 
  • Collaborate with the marketing team to promote giving opportunities through digital and print channels. 
Stewardship and Donor Engagement
  • Ensure timely acknowledgment and recognition of major gifts, including personalized letters, donor reports, and recognition initiatives. 
  • Collaborate with development team members to ensure compliance with donor agreements and deliverables. 
  • Participate in donor-related events to strengthen relationships and engagement. 
Collaboration and Communication
  • Work closely with the CEO, leadership team, program staff, and marketing/communications teams to align major gift strategies with organizational priorities. 
  • Serve as a professional representative of Lifelong Access to donors, community partners, and the public. 

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field; master’s degree preferred. 
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or major gifts, preferably in a nonprofit or human services organization. 
  • Demonstrated success securing major gifts and managing donor portfolios. 
  • Experience or familiarity with legacy giving and estate planning preferred. 
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage donors, volunteers, and leadership effectively. 
  • Strong strategic thinking, organizational, and project management skills. 
  • Proficiency in donor management software. 
  • Commitment to the mission and values of Lifelong Access. 
  • Valid Illinois driver’s license with driving record in good standing.
  • Current proof of automobile insurance.
Working Conditions:     
This position primarily operates in a professional office setting at Lifelong Access headquarters, with frequent travel to meet donors, attend community events, and visit program sites. 
  • The role may require occasional evening or weekend hours for donor meetings, fundraising events, or community engagement activities. 
  • The position involves regular use of a computer, phone, and other office equipment, and the ability to manage digital communications and donor databases. 
  • Travel may be required; a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are necessary. 
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be reviewed to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to:
  • Communicate effectively, including the ability to speak, hear, and comprehend information.
  • Sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
  • Use hands and fingers to type, handle, or feel objects and operate standard office equipment.
  • See clearly at close and long distances, with or without corrective lenses.
  • Walk short distances between office areas or program sites, and attending off-site events as needed.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move materials up to 25 pounds (e.g., materials and supplies).
Here are some of the benefits we will offer you:
  • Supportive, positive, and friendly team environment
  • Professional development, training, and advancement opportunities
  • Flexible schedule options
  • Comprehensive benefit plans
  • Generous paid time off including vacation, personal time, and holidays
  • Read more in our Employment Brochure
Lifelong Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


 
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