Application Guide

How to Apply for Major Gifts Officer

at Seva Foundation

🏢 About Seva Foundation

Seva Foundation is a global nonprofit eye care organization that has restored sight to over 72 million people in underserved communities across more than 20 countries since 1978. Their mission-driven work combines high-impact medical interventions with sustainable community programs, offering the chance to directly transform lives and eliminate preventable blindness.

About This Role

As Major Gifts Officer, you will manage a portfolio of 75-100 major donors ($5,000+), developing personalized cultivation and stewardship strategies to deepen engagement and secure transformative gifts. You'll also oversee the Manager of Donor Relations, mentor team members, and collaborate with the Senior Manager of Development Operations to analyze giving trends and refine fundraising approaches.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing donor portfolios in Raiser's Edge, drafting personalized impact updates for top donors, and making phone calls to schedule virtual meetings. You could also meet with the Manager of Donor Relations to review stewardship plans, then collaborate with the Senior Manager on a data analysis of quarterly giving trends to adjust engagement strategies.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Seva Foundation Is Looking For

  • 5+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with a proven track record of soliciting five- and six-figure gifts, preferably in global health or mission-driven organizations.
  • Expertise in Raiser's Edge or similar CRM, with strong analytical skills to track donor data and propose data-driven engagement strategies.
  • Exceptional storytelling ability to craft compelling impact reports and personalized communications that connect donors to Seva's sight-saving work.
  • Experience mentoring or managing fundraising staff, with a collaborative approach to working across teams.

📝 Tips for Applying to Seva Foundation

1

Highlight specific examples of major gifts you've secured ($5K+), including the cultivation strategy, solicitation process, and outcome.

2

Demonstrate familiarity with Seva's programs by referencing their work in countries like Nepal, Tanzania, or Guatemala in your cover letter.

3

Showcase your experience with Raiser's Edge by mentioning specific reports or data analysis you've conducted to inform donor strategies.

4

Emphasize any global health or eye care interest, even if indirect, to align with Seva's mission.

5

Tailor your resume to include quantifiable results (e.g., 'Increased donor retention by 20% through personalized stewardship plans').

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express personal alignment with Seva's mission of restoring sight and preventing blindness, and why this cause resonates with you.", 'Detail your experience in managing a major donor portfolio, including specific strategies for cultivation and stewardship.', 'Mention your ability to mentor and lead a team, referencing the oversight of the Manager of Donor Relations.', 'Highlight your analytical skills and experience using donor data to refine engagement strategies and increase funding.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Seva's annual reports and impact metrics to understand their key programs and measurable outcomes.
  • → Study their donor communications (e.g., newsletters, impact stories) to understand their storytelling style.
  • → Look into their recent campaigns or major gift initiatives to see how they engage high-net-worth individuals.
  • → Research the leadership team, especially the Senior Manager of Development Operations, to understand reporting structure.
Visit Seva Foundation's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you successfully solicited a five- or six-figure gift. Walk us through your strategy and the donor's journey.
2 How would you develop a stewardship plan for a $10,000 donor to deepen their engagement over a year?
3 How do you use CRM data to segment donors and personalize communications? Give an example from Raiser's Edge.
4 This role involves mentoring a Manager of Donor Relations. How would you approach coaching them on donor retention?
5 Seva operates in multiple countries. How would you tailor impact reporting to resonate with US-based major donors?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Sending a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Seva's specific mission or programs.
  • Failing to quantify your fundraising success (e.g., 'raised over $1M' instead of 'secured 10 gifts totaling $1.2M').
  • Overlooking the mentorship aspect of the role; not addressing how you'd develop junior staff.

📅 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 Seva Foundation!

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