Major Gift Officer

Job Description

At SFCLT, we center equity, resilience, and the right to stay rooted in San Francisco. Join us in advancing housing justice through community ownership!

ABOUT US

The San Francisco Community Land Trust (SFCLT) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create permanently affordable housing for low- to moderate-income people through community ownership of land. Guided by the principles of anti-displacement and racial justice, SFCLT stabilizes neighborhoods and expands access to housing and home-ownership, focusing on BIPOC communities historically excluded from wealth-building and home-ownership opportunities.

We achieve our mission by acquiring small apartment buildings and helping tenants form housing cooperatives through which they share ownership of their buildings, while SFCLT maintains ownership of the land to ensure permanent affordability.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

SFCLT is seeking an experienced and relationship-driven Major Gift Officer to build and sustain a strong pipeline of high-capacity donors. This position plays a pivotal role in expanding SFCLT’s individual giving program by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts of $5,000 and above.

Working closely with the Development Director, staff, and Board, the Major Gift Officer will deepen donor engagement to meet ambitious fundraising goals that support SFCLT’s mission to advance equity and community-based housing solutions in San Francisco.

ABOUT YOU

A natural relationship builder , you thrive in face-to-face interactions and are confident making direct solicitations. You seek out new connections and opportunities to engage with individuals and partners who share the organization’s mission.

Strategic and results-driven , you develop and implement thoughtful cultivation and solicitation strategies for major gifts, setting measurable goals and achieving them with focus and creativity. You are energized by new challenges and motivated to exceed fundraising goals.

Deeply connected to San Francisco’s philanthropic landscape , you understand the local donor community and know how to activate networks to advance SFCLT’s mission.

An outstanding storyteller , you craft compelling donor communications, proposals, and presentations that inspire action and bring clarity, warmth, and purpose to every word.

A strong communicator , you build trust through authentic engagement and are comfortable interacting with high-level donors, partners, and community stakeholders.

Passionate about equity and community , you bring knowledge of or experience with affordable housing, community-based housing solutions, and equity-driven initiatives.

YOUR ROLE IN ADVANCING OUR MISSION

Major Gifts & Donor Relations

Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 50+ major donor prospects with the capacity to give $5,000+.

Develop and implement personalized engagement strategies that move donors from interest to deep, long-term commitment.

Partner with the Development Director and Executive Director to engage donors through meetings, proposals, and events that bring SFCLT’s mission to life.

Hold 10–12 high-quality donor interactions each month, including phone calls, proposal presentations, event interactions, and in-person meetings with current and prospective donors, as well as volunteers.

Pipeline & Portfolio Development

Proactively research and qualify 100+ prospects annually, with a focus on San Francisco’s high-net-worth individuals.

Leverage board and community networks to open doors, strengthen relationships, and grow SFCLT’s donor base.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

Collaborate closely with Development, Communications, and Program teams to align donor engagement with SFCLT’s mission, programs, and impact stories.

Represent SFCLT at donor and community events to increase visibility and inspire philanthropic support.

Support board engagement in fundraising activities and donor stewardship.

Data & Reporting

Track donor activity, pipeline development, and revenue goals for Major Gifts using Bloomerang, SFCLT’s CRM system.

Provide timely reports and analysis to the Development Director to inform and guide strategy.

SALARY :

$120,000-$140,000 a year FTE, depending on experience.

SFCLT is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity in its applicants. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, ancestry, national origin, military or veteran status, or mental or physical disability.  BIPOC, queer and trans people, women, and non-binary and gender non-conforming applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records to apply for any open position in which they feel qualified.

Requirements

5+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including a proven track record of closing 5- to 6-figure major gifts.

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification a plus.

Proficiency with donor databases (CRM systems) and Microsoft Office / Google Workspace.

Benefits

Paid Time Off : 31 days per year.

Paid Holidays : 13 paid holidays including a Floating Holiday.

Health Benefits :   Employees are eligible for a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) to help cover health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses. Details available upon request.

401(k) : 2% employer match.

Sabbatical : 11 weeks after 4 years of service.

Mental Health : Mental health care made easy through a telehealth app.

Hybrid : 2 days in SF office required with ability to work fully remote 4 weeks out of the year.

Requirements

Major gifts, communications, strategy, major gift cultivation, writing