Major Gift Specialist

Note:  A cover letter is required, along with a resume (attachment) in addition, to completing the on-line application.    

Position Summary:
 The Major Gift Specialist is responsible for identifying, qualifying, and initiating relationships with prospective major gift donors. The primary role of this position is to conduct outreach and discovery activities to generate leads and build a pipeline of potential donors. This role focuses on early-stage engagement with new prospects to qualify their potential as major gift donors and to prepare them for future cultivation by the major gifts team. The Institute has a rather large set of potential prospects to draw from, but networking via existing donors and volunteers is expected to yield even more. The ideal candidate will have experience in outreach, prospect research, and initial relationship building, with a passion for inspiring philanthropic support.   Candidates must be willing to travel frequently as required, primarily within North America, attend events frequently, and spend at least 8 days/month on site in Mountain View, CA. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Prospect Discovery & Outreach:

• Conduct proactive outreach to identify new major gift prospects through various channels (calls, emails, social media, events, etc.).
• Initiate contact with potential donors and schedule introductory meetings to assess interest in supporting the organization.
• Utilize data-driven insights and analytics to prioritize outreach efforts and maximize engagement potential.

2. Lead Qualification & Relationship Building:

• Engage potential major gift prospects in preliminary conversations to assess their capacity, affinity, and interest in the organization’s mission.
• Qualify prospects based on established criteria and, where appropriate, prepare them for deeper cultivation.
• Build initial relationships by actively listening to donor interests and identifying alignment with organizational funding priorities.

3. Pipeline Development & Tracking:

• Collaborate with the major gifts team to build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified leads and ensure effective prospect transitions.
• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, discovery meetings, and prospect profiles in the CRM system (Salesforce).
• Provide regular updates on outcomes to leadership.

4. Collaboration & Cross-Departmental Coordination:

• Work closely with development, leadership, scientists and communications colleagues to identify new lead sources and ensure consistent messaging.
• Collaborate with the major gifts team to refine lead generation strategies and align on best practices for prospect discovery and qualification.

5. Performance Tracking & Reporting:

• Establish metrics and KPIs for lead generation, outreach success, and conversion rates.
• Analyze and report on the effectiveness of discovery activities to continuously improve lead generation strategies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., communications, business, nonprofit management) or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in fundraising, sales, or a related field focused on outreach, lead generation, or relationship building.
• Proven ability to identify and qualify high-potential leads and convert them into viable major gift prospects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trust quickly.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge) and prospect research tools.
• Goal-oriented, with excellent organizational and time management skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a nonprofit environment, particularly in major gifts or donor relations.
• Familiarity with prospect research and wealth screening tools.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and donor cultivation strategies.

Salary and Benefits:
 Salary range: $70–$92K. The SETI Institute offers competitive benefits, including health/dental/vision insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Diversity and Equity:
 The SETI Institute is an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities.

Apply Here