What Makes a Good MGO? (2024)

Fundraising field experience and a fluency with prospect research tools are all useful attributes of a major gift officer (MGO). But, ultimatelycollaborationanddonor-centric communication skillsare most critical to relationship-building — the core of every outstanding major gift program, andyour pathway to job opportunities.

Be a Storyteller

First and foremost, as a Major Gifts Officer you need to be someone who clearlyunderstands and advocates for your nonprofit’s fundraising needs. To do the best job, you must really live and breathe your organization’s mission and grasp at a deep level the impact of its work. Then you’ll be able to tell the kinds of stories that captivate donors’ imaginations and inspire them to give, as well as those that show them the impact of their gifts so that their generosity continues.

Consistent, Not Persistent

A good Major Gifts Officer is able to communicate effectively on any platform: online, face-to-face, or in writing. Donors don’t want to be badgered, so building relationships with them and communicatingconsistently rather than persistentlywill nurture a relationship naturally without overwhelming prospects.Good fundraisers understand that emotional connections are as important as information in influencing giving decisions. They are intuitive listeners, getting to know their prospects and what they care about. When the time is right,they are not afraidto present donors with giving opportunities that fit their motivations and objectives.

Share the Spotlight

Sharing the spotlight is hard for some leaders, but an effective MGO will be able to lead energeticallyandcollaborate—with the rest of the nonprofit as well as with fundraising consultants. Team-oriented leaders know how to bring together and motivate members of the organization andremain open to refining their own fundraising strategy.

Begin by subscribing to Major Gifts Today.It’s free and full of resources on personal and professional development.

This website isfull of coursesthat are critical to professional development. Professional development and certification demonstrate your commitment to professionalism, upholding industry standards, and desire for continued learning. These merits can help boost your credibility and prestige within your network, with your current donors and prospects, and when pursuing new career opportunities.

Certification helps employers evaluate potential new hires, analyze job performance, and motivate employees to enhance their skills and knowledge. Certification gives recognition of competency, shows commitment to the profession, and helps with job advancement. It lets employers know you are always “in” on self-improvement.

Personal Development

It’s amazing how many forget about personal development.Many say it’s even more important than professional development. Why? Because the road to success is well-paved, and all you have to do is take it. Follow those who have succeeded.

There’s no question that personal development will help you thrive professionally, even though it’s harder to measure quantitatively. By focusing on core aspects of yourself, you can

• Boost your self-esteem
• Help yourself break out of your comfort zone
• Energize yourself to prioritize
• Manage your time, and thus your life
• Enhance your work-life balance

This website is full ofself-improvement courses, micro-lessons, and white papers.