At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships with major donors and secure significant funding for Mozilla's mission.
- Company: Join the Mozilla Foundation, a leader in digital rights and technology advocacy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, wellness budget, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting passionate donors with meaningful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in major gift fundraising and exceptional relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 82282 - 93063 £ per year.
Mozilla Foundation delivers people-first alternatives to today’s extractive systems. We build side by side with developers, innovators and advocates, united in the belief that a better technology future is not only possible — it’s ours to create!
Team Major Gifts are becoming a load-bearing part of how Mozilla Foundation funds its mission — and that revenue doesn't materialize on its own. Someone has to build real relationships with donors capable of giving at the $50,000 to $1M+ level, and turn those relationships into closed gifts rather than a portfolio that's always “warming up.”
As Major Gifts Officer, you'll sit within Mozilla Foundation's Development team and work closely with the VP of Development, program staff, and Mozilla's executive leadership to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors. You'll be personally accountable for moving a donor from interest to a signed commitment — translating Mozilla's work on digital rights, internet health, and technology policy into the kind of tailored, compelling case that moves people to give, and to keep giving.
Job Responsibilities:
- Get up to speed on Mozilla's existing major gift portfolio and pipeline in Salesforce, and start building relationships with current donors.
- Move existing prospects who are already in active cultivation toward a solicitation.
- Partner with prospect research to identify and begin qualifying new major gift prospects for your portfolio.
- Help plan and deliver a stewardship touchpoint or donor event that deepens an existing major donor relationship.
- Start shaping a tailored proposal or impact story, drawing on input from program and executive staff, for one of your priority donors.
- Personally solicit and close five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts from donors capable of giving at the $50,000–$1M+ level.
- Move donors from interest to a signed commitment on a timeline that actually progresses.
- Help the major gifts program consistently hit its revenue targets.
- Manage a portfolio of major donor relationships, systematically advancing prospects through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Keep every meaningful donor interaction documented in Salesforce.
- Design and deliver stewardship activities and donor events that keep major donors genuinely engaged after their gift.
- Build a growing base of donors who renew and increase their support over time.
- Partner with prospect research to continuously identify and qualify new major gift prospects for your portfolio.
- Help build and strengthen the pathways that convert annual donors into major giving.
- Keep the pipeline growing faster than it depletes.
- Translate Mozilla's programs and technical work into compelling, tailored proposals and impact stories.
- Bring executive leadership, program staff, and a donor's own interests together into a single, compelling case for support.
- Deploy senior leaders towards the right donor relationships at the right moments.
Your Professional Profile:
- A track record in major gift fundraising, preferably in technology, advocacy, or public interest organizations.
- Demonstrated success personally soliciting and closing five-, six- and/or seven-figure gifts directly with high-net-worth individuals.
- The ability to conceive, plan, and execute a major gifts program.
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to translate complex technical concepts into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
- Command of donor cultivation strategy and moves management.
- Comfort with CRM systems and disciplined donor database management.
- The focus to manage a full portfolio without losing sight of what matters most.
We Are Excited To See Any Additional Experience With:
- An understanding of digital rights, internet health, or technology policy.
- Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) fluency.
- Experience with data-informed prospecting.
- Awareness of planned and bequest giving.
How We Work:
- Move toward the hard thing: name problems directly and give clear, actionable feedback.
- Stay curious and current: pay attention to what's happening in philanthropy.
- Work in the open: share work in progress and document reasoning.
- Focus and finish: manage a full portfolio without losing sight of what matters most.
- Flex with purpose: adapt your approach as donors, priorities, and context change.
- Lead with care: hold high standards for the work while treating donors and colleagues as whole people.
Salary and Benefits Information:
Mozilla Foundation is dedicated to fair and equitable compensation for our staff. We aim to pay a competitive and market-based salary based on the responsibilities and requirements of the role. We do not ask for, or take into account, salary histories in our offer process.
We also offer the following benefits:
- Private Medical Insurance
- Extended Sick Leave
- Global Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Retirement Plan contributions
- Paid Time Off: 20 days annual leave + sick days and your birthday
- Company Holidays + EOY Shutdown
- Wellness budget
- Professional Development budget
- Top up program for Pregnancy and Parental leaves
Benefits are subject to change at any time at the discretion of Mozilla Foundation.
Mozilla Foundation Hiring Practices:
Mozilla understands that valuing diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge are crucial to and enrich the company’s core mission. We encourage applications from everyone, including members of all equity-seeking communities. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity.
Major Gifts Officer employer: Mozilla
Mozilla Corporation is an exceptional employer that champions a mission-driven culture, prioritising the well-being of its employees while shaping the future of the internet. With generous benefits including performance-based bonuses, comprehensive health coverage, and a commitment to professional development, Mozilla fosters an inclusive environment where diverse voices are valued. Working remotely in the UK, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking technology while enjoying a healthy work-life balance and the chance to make a meaningful impact on users worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Major Gifts Officer
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like Mozilla.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of Mozilla, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at Mozilla. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Major Gifts Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that Mozilla supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of Mozilla. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Major Gifts Officer role at Mozilla. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mozilla
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Mozilla. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at Mozilla.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for Mozilla. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
