Organization Overview:

Founded in 1981, the Committee to Protect Journalists (“CPJ”) is an independent, non-profit organization defending journalists worldwide without regard to their political ideology. Through its work to safeguard journalists, CPJ protects the rights of all people to have access to diverse and independent sources of information. For nearly four decades , CPJ has helped win the early release of imprisoned journalists, secure convictions in journalist murders, and enable positive legal reform in countries where the climate for free expression has deteriorated. Learn more about CPJ’s fight to defend freedom of the press here: http://cpj.org/

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Development, Individual Giving, the Major Gifts Officer serves as a key member of CPJ’s development department to engage and animate the interest of major donors. The position oversees a portfolio of donors to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts both through relationship-building via CPJ events and one-on-one meetings. The Major Gifts Officer will partner closely with the Deputy Director to build out and enhance CPJ’s planned giving efforts, as well as collaborate with the overall Development team on other front-facing work.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and propose strategies for identifying and soliciting major gifts, utilizing wealth screening, donor research, and other tools.

• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects as assigned by and in collaboration with the Deputy Director of Development, Individual Giving.

• Deepen relationships with major donors while managing event logistics for CPJ’s leadership council and other high-level donor events.

• Partner with the Deputy and team to fine-tune and expand CPJ’s planned giving program.

• Work in close collaboration with the Deputy to oversee success of the individual giving plan and major donor outreach, including the writing of appeals, direct mail, or other digital copy, and securing and engaging donors in one-on-one meetings.

• Work in collaboration with other team members, especially surrounding efforts to ensure a moves management pipeline to move prospective donors to higher levels of giving.

• Other duties as requested are based on department and/or organizational need.

Education/Qualifications and Work Experience:

Required:

• A Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience.

• Fundraising: 3-5 years

• At least three years’ experience working with individual and major donors, preferred.

• Experience managing high-level events logistics and interacting with high-net-worth-individuals, preferred.

• International exposure and/or foreign language, a plus.

• Proficient with Google Suite.

• Strong comfort with CRM systems; knowledge of Raiser’s Edge specifically, a plus.

Additional Qualifications, Characteristics and Competencies Include:

Required:

• Entrepreneurial approach: ability to be flexible and multitask in a dynamic environment.

• Personal qualities of integrity and credibility required.

• Exceptional writing ability. Able to synthesize information from throughout the organization into clear, compelling, and concise written materials.

• Superb attention to detail, balanced against consistent production of timely, error-free work.

• Excellent interpersonal skills. Comfortable serving as support to senior staff as they manage fundraising prospects and donors. Skilled in establishing trusted partnerships throughout the organization and using expert judgment when dealing with internal and external constituents.

• Ability to multitask, work effectively, and produce high-quality work in a fast-paced, high-volume, deadline-driven environment. Ability to take initiative, prioritize duties, and work independently, as well as collaboratively, with a spirit of flexibility and positive outlook.

• Demonstrable passion for press freedom, free speech, and human rights.

Vaccination Requirement:

In accordance with NYC law, employees who work in our office must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they qualify for reasonable accommodation for medical or religious reasons. Accordingly, new employees must submit proof of vaccination prior to the commencement of employment, unless a reasonable accommodation is granted.

Travel:

Occasional travel as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the Writers Guild of America, East.

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references.

CPJ is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.