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Major Gifts and Grants Officer
Job Code:12008
Location:Saco 04072
Department:Other
FT/PT Status:Full Time
  
Summary:

Sweetser has opened a brand-new role and is searching for a Major Gifts & Grants Officer! Join our existing team -in partnership with the Public Relations & Advancement Team, this position is responsible for attracting philanthropic support for the organization's operational priorities and assist with strategies for increasing Sweetser's visibility, impact, and financial resources throughout Maine.

The Major Gifts & Grants Officer reports to the Senior Director of Public Relations & Advancement. Ideal candidates will have a track record of cultivating donor relationships, writing and securing grant funding, establishing corporate partnerships and sponsorships, and raising significant resources with strategic and creative development initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

         Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

  • Implement effective strategies for private donor development across the donor life cycle, including donor acquisition, penetration, retention, and win-back.
  • Work with the Senior Director to successfully build and manage a portfolio of major donors.
  • Enhance, promote, and engage potential and existing donor base for planned giving and legacy gift cultivation
  • Oversee the development of a strong donor pipeline, including individual donors, foundations, corporations, and coordinate outreach to and cultivation of relationships with these potential new funders.
  • Assist with donor recognition and retention programs as well as annual giving campaigns and fundraising events.
  • Identify and engage prospective donors, foundations, and business networks and grow these connections.
  • Work with team to identify and cultivate business sponsorship relationships.

     

    Grant Acquisition & Management

  • Oversee the development of a strong grant pipeline, including foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
  • Oversee Sweetser's grant application, writing and reporting processes for private, corporate, local, state, and federal grant opportunities.
  • Define the targets and strategies for driving grant acquisition, retention, and upgrades.
  • Increase Sweetser's grant proposal and application conversion rates.
  • Work with internal staff to ensure effective compliance and reporting on all grants.

EDUCATION: A bachelor’s degree is required; a graduate degree in a related field or business is preferred.



EXPERIENCE: A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the field of nonprofit development, community relations, and grant writing with strong knowledge of best practice fundraising strategies.