Major Gifts Officer, California

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 celebrate our organization’s Centennial, we are excited to work towards our goal of a speech and debate program in every middle and high school in the country. To that end, we have launched the National Speech and Debate Initiative, our bold vision to double the number of students and schools participating in speech and debate across the country. 

The Opportunity

The Major Gifts Officer must reside in California and is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts from high-net-worth individuals who live in California and are interested in civil discourse and training youth for leadership through speech and debate participation. This role is ideal for a seasoned fundraising professional who thrives in relationship-building, networking with speech and debate alumni in California, and meeting ambitious fundraising goals. Successful candidates must have a demonstrated track record of personally cultivating, soliciting, and securing major gifts from individual donors. 

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 National Speech & Debate Association is committed to modeling and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion for all speech and debate communities. 

The Major Gifts Officer will report to the Chief Strategy & Growth Officer.

Key Responsibilities

Prospect identification

• Researches and identifies potential major donors who live in California, including speech and debate alumni, who have the capacity and inclination to make significant gifts.
• Manages a portfolio of individual prospects and donors who live in California through all phases of the giving cycle, from validation and engagement through 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 who live in California through personalized communication, regular in-person 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 Strategy & Growth Officer, and the growth and development teams 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 of success as a fundraising professional. 
• 4+ years of major gifts fundraising experience, with a demonstrated track record of personally soliciting and securing five- and six-figure gifts from individual donors.
• Demonstrated ability to build donor relationships, communicate persuasively about philanthropic investments, and meet or exceed major gifts fundraising 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 regularly throughout California for donor meetings.
• Must reside in California and be available for regular in-person meetings with prospects and donors throughout the state.
• Willingness to travel annually to the National Speech & Debate Tournament and All-staff Retreat

Pay and Benefits

• $130,000 - $160,000 commensurate with experience
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including premium health and dental insurance, 20 days of paid time off, 12 paid federal holidays, two weeks of paid office closures (including Summer Fridays), Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts (FSA/HSA), and an employer-matched retirement plan. Travel expenses are reimbursed in accordance with NSDA policy. Employees may also be eligible for an annual bonus, subject to organizational performance and budget availability.