Application Guide

How to Apply for Major Gifts Officer

at Camphill Village USA, Inc

🏢 About Camphill Village USA, Inc

Camphill Village USA is a pioneering intentional community where people with and without disabilities live and work together, embodying inclusion and mutual respect. The organization's unique model of shared living, meaningful work, and elder care offers a deeply mission-driven environment that attracts staff committed to social justice and community building.

About This Role

As Major Gifts Officer, you will lead fundraising for two communities—Camphill Village and Camphill Ghent—managing a portfolio of 75–125 major gift prospects and conducting 80–100 donor visits annually. This role is impactful because your efforts directly support life-changing programs that empower individuals with disabilities and elders to thrive in community settings.

💡 A Day in the Life

Start your day reviewing donor portfolios and prioritizing follow-ups; spend mid-morning on a virtual meeting with the development team or researching new prospects. Afternoons often involve donor calls or visits (in-person or virtual), and evenings might include attending a community event or drafting personalized stewardship plans.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Camphill Village USA, Inc Is Looking For

  • A seasoned fundraiser with 5+ years of experience, specifically closing five-figure+ gifts and managing a portfolio of 75+ major donors.
  • Comfortable with planned giving conversations and integrating legacy gifts into major gift strategies.
  • A relationship-builder who thrives on travel (regional/national) and enjoys making 80+ in-person visits per year.
  • Familiar with or passionate about disability rights, inclusive communities, or social services; understanding of Camphill's anthroposophical roots is a plus.

📝 Tips for Applying to Camphill Village USA, Inc

1

Tailor your resume to highlight major gift closes (amounts and number of visits) and any planned giving experience—quantify results.

2

Write a cover letter that connects your personal values to Camphill's mission of inclusion and community; avoid generic nonprofit language.

3

Research Camphill's history and anthroposophical foundations to show genuine interest during the application process.

4

Mention any experience with donor databases (e.g., Raiser's Edge) and how you track moves management.

5

If you have experience with virtual fundraising or remote team collaboration, highlight it—this role is remote but requires travel.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express alignment with Camphill's mission of creating inclusive communities for people with disabilities and elders.", "Provide specific examples of major gift solicitations you've led, including the size of gifts and how you built the relationship.", 'Explain your approach to integrating planned giving into major gift conversations and any success growing legacy societies.', 'Demonstrate your ability to work independently and manage a travel schedule while staying connected to a remote team.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read about Camphill's history and the anthroposophical movement founded by Rudolf Steiner to understand the community's spiritual foundations.
  • → Review the annual reports and donor materials for both Camphill Village and Camphill Ghent to understand current fundraising priorities.
  • → Learn about the specific programs at each community (e.g., farming, arts, elder care) to speak knowledgeably about impact areas.
  • → Look up recent news or blog posts about Camphill to understand current challenges and successes.
Visit Camphill Village USA, Inc's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you moved a major gift prospect from qualification to closure—what steps did you take?
2 How do you approach integrating planned giving into a conversation with a donor primarily interested in annual gifts?
3 Camphill's communities are rooted in anthroposophy. How would you communicate this to donors unfamiliar with the philosophy?
4 Given the remote nature of this role, how do you stay organized and motivated while traveling frequently?
5 What strategies would you use to build a pipeline of new major gift prospects for Camphill Village and Camphill Ghent?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Sending a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Camphill's unique mission or community model.
  • Focusing only on dollars raised without discussing relationship-building and donor stewardship.
  • Underestimating the travel requirement—this role expects 80-100 visits per year, so candidates unwilling to travel should not apply.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Camphill Village USA, Inc!

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