About National Speech & Debate Association

The Organization

The National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) is the preeminent organization in the United States supporting speech and debate programs in K-12 education. We are guided by the belief that civil dialogue based on evidence-informed argumentation, active listening, and effective communication is critical to a healthy and prosperous society. This is true now more than ever. Speech and debate also have tremendous academic benefits. Multiple studies and thousands of alumni share that participation helped them improve grades and test scores and matriculate to college at higher levels.

Founded as a speech and debate honor society to provide national recognition for local participation, the NSDA now provides programs and services to connect, support, and inspire young people to reach their potential through speech and debate. The NSDA currently supports more than 120,000 students at over 3,000 schools by providing competitive standards and topics and essential training materials for teachers, students, and judges. These programs and services throughout the year support students' paths towards National Tournament participation at the conclusion of the season.

As we enter our Centennial year, we are excited to work towards our goal of a speech and debate program in every high school in the country.K-12

The Opportunity

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts from high-net-worth individuals interested in civil discourse and training youth for leadership through speech and debate participation. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in relationship-building, networking with speech and debate alumni, and meeting ambitious goals. Successful candidates may not have held a formal fundraising position, but they will be strong relationship builders and have demonstrated success meeting ambitious budget goals in fields such as sales, business development, account management, education, foundation or nonprofit program roles, alumni engagement, or other client-facing professions. 

Most importantly, we seek someone who believes deeply in the power of civil discourse and either has significant experience with, or a demonstrated deep passion for, speech and debate. 

The Major Gifts Officer will report to the Chief Advancement Officer.

Key Responsibilities

Prospect identification

• Researches and identifies potential major donors, including speech and debate alumni, who have the capacity and inclination to make significant gifts.
• Manages a portfolio through all phases of the giving cycle, from validation and engagement though to cultivation, solicitation, gift negotiation, and stewardship.
• Develops written solicitations and other development materials for prospects, including compelling proposals.

Relationship Building: 

• Cultivates strong relationships with prospective and current major donors through personalized communication, meetings, and events.
• Focuses on the acquisition and retention of NSDA donors, identifying opportunities to upgrade gifts through tailored engagement and stewardship strategies.

Team collaboration

• Works closely with the Chief Advancement Officer, the Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, and development team to coordinate prospect review meetings to identify, qualify, and prioritize prospects through moves management strategies and research.
• Partners with the C-Suite and organizational leaders to grow a major gift program by developing special gift opportunities and engaging top donors in high-level gift conversations.

Basic Requirements

• Deep commitment to the importance of civil discourse and training all youth to reach their full potential. 
• 10+ years of professional experience, including a proven record in fundraising or a comparable goal-oriented field and position (e.g. sales, business development, education, philanthropy, client services, or foundation program work). 
• 4+ years of major gifts fundraising (five and six figure gifts), OR 4+ years experience of significant speech and debate involvement as a competitor, judge/volunteer, and/or coach.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, communicate persuasively on significant financial investments, and meet or exceed financial or performance goals. 
• Possesses strong written and oral presentation skills as well as experience in developing clear and concise materials (proposals, correspondence, reports, etc).
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, successfully manage multiple priorities simultaneously, meet deadlines, and deal with change.
• Experience working with and incorporating the perspectives of individuals from multiple varied communities. 

• Proven skills and success in project management.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, writing, and organizational skills.
• High professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information.
• Ability to work well as part of a team, to be strategic, and to work hands-on.
• Willingness to travel nationally (30-40%).
• Based in the USA.

Pay and Benefits

• $120,000 - $160,000 commensurate with experience.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package including high-quality health and dental insurance, 20 days of paid time off, and access to an employer-matched retirement plan. This is a full-time exempt position.