Major Gift Officer (Contractor)
About SAMS
SAMS Foundation’s mission is dedicated to delivering life-saving services, revitalizing health systems during crisis, and promoting medical education via a network of humanitarians in Syria, the US, and beyond. SAMS began in 1998 as a medical society that bridged knowledge between Syria and the US, transitioning into a humanitarian response organization in 2011 amidst the Syrian uprising. Aside from the US and Syria, SAMS has registered branch offices or local affiliate entities in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Greece, Turkiye, Ukraine, and the occupied Palestinian territories. In 2024, SAMS provided some 4.4 million medical services for 1.46 million people, through a network of over 100 health facilities and more than 2,400 health workers in northern Syria, southern Turkey, the Attica region of Greece, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Gaza, Morocco, Libya, and Ukraine.
Position Summary
The Major Gift Officer (MGO) contractor will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors to support the mission and programs of the Syrian American Medical Society Foundation (SAMS). The MGO will play a critical role in achieving the organization’s fundraising goals by securing significant financial contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations while supporting annual, capital, and online fundraising campaigns to grow SAMS’ mission. The duration of this role is from January 6, 2026 – March 31, 2026.
Key Responsibilities
Donor Identification and Cultivation
• Identify and research potential major gift donors.
• Develop and implement personalized cultivation strategies for each prospective donor.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential major donors.
Solicitation and Stewardship:
• Prepare and present proposals to secure major gifts.
• Solicit major gifts through face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and written communications.
• Ensure timely and appropriate acknowledgment of major gifts.
• Develop and execute stewardship plans to maintain and deepen donor relationships.
Collaboration and Coordination
• Work closely with the Senior Fundraising and Development Manager, Director of Communications, and other team members to align efforts and meet fundraising goals.
• Coordinate with communications, advocacy, and program staff to understand funding needs and develop compelling cases for support.
• Participate in fundraising events and activities to engage and cultivate donors.
Reporting and Documentation
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions and contributions in the donor database.
• Prepare regular reports on major gift activities and progress towards goals.
• Analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Professional Development
• Stay informed about best practices in major gift fundraising and philanthropy.
• Attend relevant training and professional development opportunities.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have a BA/BS and four years of major gift experience, including at least four years of experience securing and closing one-time gifts of six and seven figures and a proven track record of securing multi-year private donor funding.
The successful candidate will also have:
• Solid experience with donor research, successful donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, including knowledge of wealth screening platforms.
• Strong computer and database skills, including CRM platform.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for the mission of SAMS and a commitment to humanitarian work.
Performance Metrics:
• Goal to Raise $500,000 between Jan 6 – March 31, 2026
• Number of new major gift donors identified and cultivated.
• Amount of funds raised through major gifts.
• Retention rate of major gift donors.
• Timeliness and quality of donor communications and stewardship activities.
Terms and Conditions:
• The MGO will be expected to travel as needed to meet with donors and attend events.
• Performance will be reviewed semi-annually based on the achievement of fundraising goals and other key responsibilities.
Send your recent CV copy and cover letter with “Major Gift Officer – Contract” in the subject line to careers@sams-usa.net.