Mgr., Major Gifts - Southern California

Are you mission-driven and passionate about helping others succeed?

Do you strive to lead, follow, and act with integrity?

Are you the one who honors your commitments?

Is building trusting relationships an integral part of why you do what you do?

Do you push limits and challenge the status quo?

If you answered YES, keep reading to discover how you can significantly contribute to Team USA's success!

Here's a summary of responsibilities:

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) is a nonprofit organization and is one of the only National Olympic & Paralympic Committees in the world that does not receive government funding for its Olympic & Paralympic programs, instead relying on the generosity of a committed community of donors and sponsors. Increasing philanthropic support for U.S. athletes is one of the USOPC’s highest strategic priorities and hence, the organization has established the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation (USOPF) as the fundraising organization for the USOPC and is investing significant resources in its Development division.  

Over the next decade, the United States will host two historic global moments: the Olympic and Paralympic Games Los Angeles 2028 and the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Salt Lake City 2034. These once-in-a-generation milestones place Team USA at the center of the world’s attention and present an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen the future of American sport. As excitement for the Olympic and Paralympic movements accelerates, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation plays a critical role in transforming the athlete journey for the next generation. Through strategic philanthropy and sustained investment, we ensure that Team USA athletes receive the resources, care, and support they need to thrive on the field of play and beyond. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the nation’s very best athletes choose to compete for Team USA, confident that the services, benefits, and long-term support we provide make that choice both inspiring and sustainable. 

The Manager, Major Gifts is responsible for growing the pipeline of support in Southern California for Team USA, through playing a key role as part of the major gift program. The Manager will be responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects (individuals). Additionally, they will participate in donor stewardship activities, regional and national events, and targeted projects. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Philanthropic Giving, the Manager will manage a portfolio of approximately 150 prospects, in Southern California. Some prospects may have demonstrated interest in the Olympic and Paralympic Movements and have an established giving history to the USOPF; most of the portfolio will need to be discovered and/or developed by the Manager. 

Here’s how you’ll have an impact:

1. In consultation with the Sr. Director, Philanthropic Giving, establish an annual operating plan for the assigned portfolio, with measurable performance objectives, that aligns with the USOPC’s fundraising goals and priorities. Participate in assessing progress toward regional objectives and adjust plan, as necessary. Annual goals will start at a minimum of $250,000+ raised and increase over time. 

2. Successfully manages a major gift portfolio of approximately 150 prospects to meet philanthropic and activity goals for the region.  

3. In consultation with the Strategic Advancement team, identify prospects capable of supporting the USOPF. Qualify and cultivate identified prospects via in-person visits, telephone and email communication, and engagement opportunities such as dinners and receptions.  

4. Solicit prospects for charitable gifts to support the vision and mission of the USOPC and USOPF.   

5. Engage in activities that focus on donor-centered philanthropy to maximize potential gifts over the long-term, eg. partnering with the stewardship and engagement teams to steward donors via a variety of communications and experiences, including attendance at the Games. 

6. Ensure that all activities are entered into the Constituent Relationship Management system to guarantee the quality of communication and donor records. 

7. Work with USOPF Board Members, Trustees and NextGen Council members to effectively assist efforts in identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting prospects. 

8. In collaboration with the Strategic Advancement team, utilize the USOPF’s technology and research resources to identify, cultivate and solicit qualified prospects.   Serve as a champion technology user alongside the Sr. Director. 

9. Serve as a key fundraising contact for the region. Coordinate and implement special projects, events and perform other duties as assigned. 

10. Demonstrate accountability and transparency that is consistent with USOPC expectations as a steward of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements. 

11. Perform other duties as assigned.

Here are the skills and experience you'll need to be effective:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

• Advanced degree preferred.

• 3+ years of successful fundraising experience in a non-profit environment 

• Demonstrated effectiveness in cultivating, soliciting, and closing $25,000+ gifts and meeting significant annual revenue goals.  

• Proven ability to build relationships and translate complex organizational funding needs into compelling narratives. 

• Thorough understanding of prospect development and identification. 

• Strong preference for experience working in a development officer role in the region with a keen understanding of its philanthropic culture. 

• Experience in an athletic environment is a plus. 

• Superior written and verbal communication skills with ability to articulate an organization’s vision, values, and programs to donors, volunteers, and development staff. 

• Ability to work in a professional and positive manner with high attention to detail in a variety of situations. 

• Outstanding people skills and proven ability to collaborate with colleagues, including senior leaders and community members. 

• Confident, resourceful, and independent, yet able to work effectively and collaboratively within an integrated, team-oriented fundraising environment. 

• Ability to approach new prospects via phone (eg. cold call) and through other creative and entrepreneurial strategies.  

• Discretion, and confidentiality in matters of donor privacy. 

• Ability to be self-structured in a remote working environment. 

• Creative, flexible, and innovative with a can-do attitude. 

• Ability to leverage existing contacts to help build a new portfolio of prospects. 

• Appreciation for the Olympic & Paralympic Movements and the power of sport.

Here are the tools, equipment, & conditions:

• Frequent local travel  

• Regular out-of-state (quarterly) and some international travel 

• Standard office equipment 

• Regular attendance at work is an essential job function 

Here's where you'll work:

Remote – Based in Los Angeles Area

Here's some more information you need to know:

• Hiring pay range: $70,000 – 80,000 per year

• This Full-Time, Exempt position is intended to work 40 hours per week

• Bonus: This position will be eligible for the Annual Incentive Award Program, which has a 15% target. The USOPC may change or eliminate this program at any time at its sole discretion. 

• Benefits: This position will be eligible for USOPC benefits. You can view a summary here