Description
Major Gifts Officer
Reports to: Chief Development Officer
Location: Bellingham, WA (Hybrid)
Status: Full-time, Exempt
About Children of the Setting Sun Productions
Children of the Setting Sun (CSSP) is an Indigenous-led organization that weaves together storytelling, education, and research to amplify Native voices and inspire collective action to protect Mother Earth. Rooted in Coast Salish values, CSSP fosters unity, cultural preservation, and intergenerational healing through projects such as the Young Tribal Leaders Program, Salmon People Project and Setting Sun Circle – a cultural hub and storytelling center now in development and opening in 2027.
Position Summary
CSSP seeks a motivated and relational Major Gifts Officer (MGO) to launch and build our major gifts program. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the MGO will help grow a culture of individual giving – identifying, cultivating, and stewarding relationships with community members, allies, and philanthropists inspired by CSSP’s mission.
This is a founding role that will shape the organization’s approach to individual philanthropy – creating systems, donor journeys, and recognition programs that build toward transformational support for CSSP’s storytelling, youth leadership, and capital initiatives.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
Program Development & Strategy
Design and implement CSSP’s first individual and major gifts program, including prospect discovery and qualification, gift levels, donor recognition, and engagement strategies.
Define “major gifts” (initially at $5,000+) and create pathways for emerging supporters (e.g., Leadership or Setting Sun Circles).
Partner with the Chief Development Officer to set annual revenue and donor growth goals.
Collaborate with campaign leadership to align individual giving with the Setting Sun Circle capital campaign.
Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
Manage a portfolio of approximately 75 donors and prospects, building authentic, lasting relationships.
Identify and qualify new individual donors, including community members and regional philanthropists.
Create personalized cultivation plans, solicit gifts, and provide meaningful stewardship and follow-up.
Develop compelling proposals and updates in partnership with communications and program teams.
Collaboration & Integration
Partner with the Chief Development Officer, Foundation Manager and Communications team to ensure consistent messaging across all fundraising channels.
Support leadership and board members in donor engagement activities and events.
Track all activities in Bloomerang and contribute to ongoing refinement of CSSP’s donor systems and data management.
Qualifications
Minimum 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit frontline fundraising, with direct involvement in donor cultivation or individual giving.
Proven success in building relationships and securing gifts at the $5,000–$50,000 level.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with cultural humility and a deep respect for Indigenous communities.
Entrepreneurial spirit and comfort working in a growing, evolving development office.
Experience with donor management systems (Bloomerang preferred).
Familiarity with Pacific Northwest philanthropy and/or Tribal communities a plus.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $85,000–$115,000, commensurate with experience.
Generous vacation and cultural leave.
Opportunities for professional growth and learning.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume to amckinley@settingsunproductions.org with “Major Gifts Officer” in the subject line.
