Careers

Major Gift Officer

Franklin News Foundation

Development

Full Time

Remote

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About Franklin News Foundation

Franklin News Foundation (FNF) is a nonprofit, non-partisan news-media organization headquartered in Chicago. With a commitment to delivering reliable, unbiased news coverage, FNF operates various media properties, including The Center Square newswire service, America’s Talking Network, Chalkboard News, Advanced Digital Media, and the Illinois Radio Network. FNF’s national reputation for editorial excellence and its dedication to quality reporting set the organization apart in the media landscape.

Position Overview

We seek a results-driven and strategic Major Gift Officer (MGO) to join our team. This individual will be responsible for leading all fundraising efforts to sustain and grow the organization’s financial health. The MGO will maintain a portfolio of active prospects, cultivate relationships with both existing and new donors, and secure major gifts. The role will also require prospecting new opportunities and organizing meetings with donors and prospects for the CEO to facilitate high-level fundraising.

Responsibilities
  • Donor Portfolio Management
    • Maintain and manage a portfolio of active major donors and prospects, ensuring regular engagement and cultivation.
    • Develop personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies for each prospect, with a focus on upgrading support where possible.
    • Manage the donor stewardship process to ensure long-term engagement and satisfaction.
  • Prospecting and Pipeline Development
    • Work with support staff to identify new prospective donors who align with the organization’s mission and funding priorities.
    • Actively engage in prospecting activities to expand the organization’s donor base.
    • Develop strategies to re-engage lapsed donors and cultivate new relationships.
  • Collaboration with Executive Leadership
    • Work closely with the CEO to book donor and prospect meetings, ensuring the CEO is fully prepared for each engagement through strategic meeting preparation.
    • Provide comprehensive background and briefing materials for CEO donor meetings.
    • Collaborate with leadership on key strategies to secure large gifts and maintain high-level donor relationships.
  • Fundraising Strategy & Execution
    • Develop and implement a robust fundraising strategy that supports the organization’s budget.
    • Create and lead major fundraising campaigns aimed at specific donor audiences and aligned with organizational goals.
    • Ensure that all fundraising efforts align with the mission of providing objective, balanced, citizen-focused public journalism, informing readers on the impact that government policies have on their lives.
  • Communications and Stewardship
    • Collaborate with the marketing team to develop compelling materials that tell the story of our work and impact.
    • Provide regular reports and updates to donors, keeping them informed of organizational achievements and challenges.
    • Establish and maintain donor recognition programs to show appreciation and enhance long-term relationships.
  • Team Leadership
    • Supervise support team, and coordinate with marketing and editorial teams to ensure that all fundraising activities are synchronized and aligned.
    • Collaborate with the executive leadership team to ensure strategic alignment between programmatic and development goals.
Qualifications
  • A strong commitment to the organization’s mission of defending free speech and a free press.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a focus on major gifts and individual giving.
  • Proven success in managing donor portfolios, securing major gifts, and upgrading donor commitments.
  • Strong knowledge of prospect research techniques and fundraising best practices.
  • Experience working directly with executive leadership, including booking and supporting donor meetings for a CEO or Executive Director.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage donors and inspire support.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
How to Apply

The MGO reports to Franklin’s Chief Operating Officer. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Laurel Abraham at labraham@franklinnews.org. Please include “Major Gift Officer” in the subject line.

Franklin News Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.