About the Role
The Media Research Center (MRC) is rapidly expanding its efforts to promote media integrity and combat liberal media bias. In 2024, we raised significant funds to support our mission, and we are looking for a Major Gift Officer (MGO) to help continue scaling our impact. This position is ideal for a pro-liberty, entrepreneurial candidate with experience in growing long-term, sustainable relationships with individual philanthropists. The MGO will work closely with current and prospective donors to advance MRC’s mission by aligning their philanthropic goals with our strategic objectives.
This position is based out of MRC’s headquarters in Herndon, VA. Up to 40% of the time is required for travel, as building face-to-face relationships with donors and prospects is crucial to success in this role.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Manage a Major Gifts Portfolio: Oversee a nationwide portfolio of up to 150 donors and prospects, each with the capacity to make gifts of $5,000 or greater. Develop and manage a strategy to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors.
- Expand Fundraising Capacity: Raise at least $1 million annually by building new donor relationships through prospecting, deepening existing relationships, and soliciting sustainable cash revenue.
- Tailor Donor Engagement: Match donor interests with MRC’s strategic funding needs through creative proposals and structured complex gifts.
- Event Planning: Plan and execute at least one special donor-focused quarterly event to recruit and engage prospective donors.
- Collaboration: Work with leadership and volunteers to motivate and support them in soliciting gifts when appropriate.
- Donor Stewardship: Provide exceptional service and stewardship to donors through personalized communications, proposals, briefings, and stewardship plans.
- Strategic Partnership: Collaborate with the Growth & Development Team and Director of Major Gifts to ensure alignment with MRC’s broader fundraising strategy.
- CRM Management: Maintain accurate donor contact records and reporting using Salesforce and other administrative tools.
- Travel: Travel extensively across the United States, meeting donors face-to-face and managing a cost-effective fundraising budget.
Required Experience & Education:
- 5+ years of fundraising experience or a related field, with a strong preference for candidates with experience managing a portfolio of individual donors.
- Proven experience cultivating gifts of $10,000 or higher, with the ability to build a pipeline of prospective donors.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present proposals persuasively.
- Experience with CRM tools, Salesforce is preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) is preferred.
- Strong interest in MRC’s mission to restore media balance and combat bias.
- **Entrepreneurial spirit** with a strong work ethic, strategic thinking skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Ability to travel up to 40% for face-to-face donor cultivation and stewardship, as well as quarterly visits to the MRC's headquarters if you are remote.
Personality Profile
Why Join Us?
- The opportunity to advance MRC’s mission of promoting media integrity and combating Big Tech bias.
- Work in a supportive and dynamic team environment.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
How to Apply:
Qualified candidates should submit the following materials:
1. Resume
2. Cover letter including:
- Your interest in the position and MRC’s mission
- Salary requirements
- Preference for in-office or virtual work location
- Availability for travel
Submit your application to efroman@mrc.org.