Major Gifts Officer

Food Forward fights hunger and prevents food waste by rescuing fresh surplus produce, connecting this abundance with people experiencing food insecurity, and inspiring others to do the same. Fruits and vegetables are collected from backyard fruit trees, farmers markets, growers, and wholesalers, and then provided free of charge to more than 250 hunger relief partner organizations serving communities across the region.

CORE VALUES:

– COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Working together, we inspire and are inspired by the people in the communities we serve.

– EQUITY AND INCLUSION We cultivate a diverse workforce that nurtures equity and inclusion.

– FOOD JUSTICE We share the abundance of fresh produce and prevent food waste because everyone deserves access to fresh and nutritious food.

– INTEGRITY We are honest, accountable, and authentic in our words and actions.

– JOYFULNESS We embrace a creative, spirited, and fulfilling environment

Food Forward is seeking a second Major Gifts Officer to join the Development team, stewarding a growing universe of supporters and expanding the individual giving program for long-term sustainability for the organization. The Officer is a frontline fundraiser who will work closely with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and the current Major Gifts Officer to develop strategies and drive research, relationship-building, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.

The ideal candidate will have a positive, “can-do” attitude and can work collaboratively with staff and volunteers in a diverse and fast-paced environment; is highly self-motivated, proactive, and organized, with exceptional attention to accuracy; is flexible and can manage multiple projects simultaneously; exercises sound judgment in handling confidential donor information; and has a keen passion for food justice and strong alignment with Food Forward’s core values. The candidate will demonstrate their ability to write persuasively and to communicate effectively with a wide range of donors. They will build authentic donor relationships to inspire long-term loyalty.

Success in Year One:

In their first year, the Officer will be expected to:

– Work with the current Major Gifts Officer to increase the major donor revenue line by 20% to just under $2M+ in 2026 and plan for increased support in 2027

– Secure three to five new $5k+ major donors, as well as upgrades within the portfolio; engage CDO and CEO to implement specialized cultivation plans for 10-20 key donors

– Co-create a new moves-management system for solicitation and stewardship of a defined donor portfolio;

– Report key performance indicators monthly to CDO; contribute to quarterly reports for leadership

– Collaborate with the annual giving team to create a plan for the cultivation of mid-range and grassroots donors to ensure a pipeline for significant gift growth; effectively maximize new wealth screening tools

Core Responsibilities:

Donor cultivation and stewardship

– Implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a donor portfolio; work with CDO and Major Gifts Officer to define portfolios and set goals

– Work with the CEO and CDO to build relationships with key donors, ensuring personal attention and service

– Spearhead pipeline growth, including research and engaging leadership, board, and advisors to funnel prospects into cultivation

– Produce appeals and other correspondence in alignment with organization messaging and brand guidelines; work with the communications team on marketing collateral

– Execute virtual and in-person donor events that cultivate donor relationships

Planning and project management

– Manage systems for donor solicitation and stewardship by the CEO, CDO, board, and others, including research, briefing materials, and scheduling

– Maintain a data-driven understanding of donors to identify opportunities for growth and enhance the program

– Work with CDO to develop annual fundraising goals, work plans, budgeting, and regular reporting on cash flow and KPIs

– Oversee major gift records and acknowledgements with development staff for compliance and stewardship

– Manage donor information, including vetting research, connections, meeting notes, and correspondence; work with the team to ensure confidentiality and data integrity

Other support

– Keep informed of Food Forward's public messaging and programs to ensure accurate donor communications

– Participate in ongoing learning on best practices in the field

– Occasionally work evenings or weekends for special events and donor engagement, which may require Southern California trav

– At least seven years’ work experience including at least three years’ experience in developing nonprofit donor outreach programs, ideally including personal solicitation, events, giving campaigns, donor management, or working with giving circles and advisors

– Demonstrated success in donor engagement and solicitation

– Experience with portfolios of donors in the five-to-seven-figure giving level is highly desired

– Experience working with constituent management systems (CRMs) or donor databases; Salesforce background is valued