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Major Gifts Officer

Thorn

Thorn

California, USA · Washington, DC, USA · Metro Manila, Philippines · Remote
Posted on Tuesday, December 12, 2023

At Thorn, our cause is our code. We are a nonprofit whose mission of defending children from sexual exploitation and abuse is deeply embedded within our core—a shared code that drives us to do challenging work with resilience and determination.

Here, you’ll work and grow among the best hearts and the best minds in tech, data, and business alongside our network of independent partners, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies. Together, we’re focused on building technology that protects children’s futures. We are looking for dynamic problem solvers with the desire to help address some of today’s toughest issues. You'll collaborate with a diverse group of peers in a remote environment centered on wellness, care, and compassion.

In 2019, we took the stage at TED and shared our audacious goal of eliminating child sexual abuse material from the internet. Come join us to help make this goal a reality and build a world where every child can be safe, curious, and happy.

About the Role

Thorn is seeking a West Coast-based Major Gifts Officer to manage a portfolio of donors who make annual and multi-year major gifts to Thorn. The majority of your time will be spent cultivating and securing new major gifts in the $25,000 to $100,000 range. Additionally, you'll be responsible for leading the strategy for Thorn's affinity group of dedicated philanthropists deeply committed to furthering Thorn's mission. Thorn’s goal is to double its contributed revenue in the next five years–growing from approximately $9M in contributions in 2023 to more than $15M by 2028.

Thorn builds technology to defend children from sexual abuse. As Thorn’s Major Gifts Officer, you will lead the strategy and be responsible for all aspects of your specific portfolio including donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, acknowledgment, and stewardship. The Major Gifts Officer will join the Philanthropy team and work under the direction of the Director of Philanthropy.

What You’ll Do

  • Secure at least $500K in new major gifts income in the first 2 years with increasing growth in following years
  • Lead Thorn’s premier donor program, managing the recruitment, engagement, and stewardship of members, ensuring a high level of donor satisfaction and involvement.
  • Plan and execute events, activities, and fundraising campaigns tailored to major donors and Defenders Circle members, fostering engagement and commitment to Thorn's mission.
  • Develop customized strategies to identify, cultivate, and convert prospects into Thorn major donors
  • Collaborate with the Philanthropy team to develop compelling fundraising materials and proposals that articulate the organization's impact and case for support
  • Maintain a well-documented portfolio with all associated administrative duties such as activity tracking in Salesforce
  • Maintain a high volume of significant donor relationships, meaningful contacts, and solicitations
  • Communicate Thorn’s products, programs, strategies and impact to various constituencies, including representing Thorn at relevant conferences, meetings, and events

What We’re Looking For

  • 5+ years of development experience managing major donor relationships with a track record of securing $25K+ gifts
  • Experience managing donor programs or affinity groups
  • Excellent networking and communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Ability to communicate complex subjects in a simple, accessible, compelling manner
  • Excellent organizational skills, and able to manage competing priorities
  • Comfort speaking with high-net-worth individuals and preparing development materials to support the donor relationship
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
  • High-level proficiency in using Salesforce or similar database, Asana, and other tools to increase efficiency
  • Ability to travel regularly to meet donors and execute donor events. Will also have to travel 2 - 3 times a year to meet with leadership and other Thorn staff
  • Commitment to putting the children we serve at the center of everything you do

Technologies We Use

Thorn’s development function is tech-forward and utilizes numerous technology applications: Salesforce, Asana, Funraise, Slack, and other stewardship tools.

Compensation and Benefits

A reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role is $91,000-121,000/year. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to location; skill sets; experience and training; licensure, and certifications.

Our remote-first work model is structured around working from home most of the time. But, there will be times that employees are expected to travel. For example, Thorn may host company-wide gatherings, and smaller teams may hold in-person meetings and team-building events, or require attendance at specific conferences.

At Thorn, we know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and offer employees a broad range of benefits. Learn more about what working at Thorn can mean for you.


Thorn is a strong and flexible team because of the diverse backgrounds of our staff. This includes professional background, subject matter expertise, culture, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, language, hobbies, etc. We strongly encourage women, minorities, and people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Your skills are needed here.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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