Family Legacy Missions International is a $19 million Christian nonprofit organization glorifying God by empowering vulnerable and orphaned children in Zambia to live out their God-given potential. Through four transformational programs — Legacy Academies, Tree of Life Children's Village, Excel Beyond, and Camp Life — Family Legacy provides holistic care to more than 10,000 children across Lusaka, Zambia.
Family Legacy seeks a Major Gift Officer to build and steward transformational relationships with high-capacity donors, moving them from interest to significant investment in one of the most compelling mission-driven organizations serving children in the world today.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Family Legacy Missions International (Family Legacy) is a $19 million Christian nonprofit organization with more than 740 staff — approximately 700 in Zambia — with offices in Dallas, Texas, and Lusaka, Zambia. Family Legacy exists to glorify God by empowering vulnerable and orphaned children in Zambia to live out their God-given potential.
Through its four core programs, Family Legacy provides holistic care — spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional:
Legacy Academies — providing Christ-centered education for over 10,000 primary and secondary students across 18 private Christian schools in Lusaka.
Tree of Life Children's Village — a 130-acre residential community offering full-time care for 400 of Zambia's most vulnerable children, functioning much like a foster care system for the country.
Excel Beyond — equipping students to pursue university education or vocational training to thrive as future leaders.
Camp Life — a cornerstone summer experience uniting thousands of children and hundreds of American ambassadors for gospel-centered transformation. Donors regularly invest $5,000 or more per person — and often $25,000 or more for entire families — to participate, reflecting the extraordinary depth of commitment within Family Legacy's donor community.
Family Legacy is building momentum under the leadership of President and CEO John Hasse. Its vision is clear: to see Zambia's most vulnerable children transformed and empowered to become the next generation of godly leaders in their homes, communities, and nation.
AT A GLANCE
Staff: 700 Zambia-based, 39 U.S.-based (Dallas HQ + remote)
Founded: 2001
Headquarters: Dallas, Texas & Lusaka, Zambia
Programs: Legacy Academies, Tree of Life Village, Excel Beyond, Camp Life
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
Every role in every organization has both opportunities and challenges. We profile these here, based on interviews with those who work closely with this role, to guide candidates considering whether these are the kinds of opportunities and challenges that suit them best.
Family Legacy has a loyal, high-commitment donor base — particularly in Dallas and Houston — and an existing major gift portfolio ready to be cultivated and grown. The MGO who joins now steps into real relationships, not a cold-start assignment.
Opportunities
Inherit an established, attractive donor portfolio in both Dallas and Houston
Shape the major gift program at a meaningful inflection point in the organization's growth
Be part of a deeply mission-driven, close-knit team that prays together and cares for one another
Engage donors who are already deeply committed — many travel to Zambia at their own expense to serve alongside the mission
Challenges
Building cross-cultural donor relationships that connect U.S. givers to Zambian children requires both relational depth and cultural agility
Managing a dynamic, growing portfolio demands disciplined execution and strong organizational skills
Balancing relationship cultivation with bold, timely solicitation requires confidence and strategic judgment
POSITION PROFILE
Job Title: Major Gift Officer
Reports To: Vice President of Development
Job Status: Full-time, exempt
Location: Dallas or Houston, TX metroplex (Austin or Tyler, TX may also be considered)
PURPOSE
The Major Gift Officer will build and steward transformational relationships with high-capacity donors to advance Family Legacy's mission. This person owns a portfolio of major gift prospects, cultivates trust over time, and confidently invites significant investment — with an emphasis on gifts of $100,000 and above. Success requires both relational depth and disciplined execution: the ability to move donors from interest to commitment through compelling storytelling, strategic engagement, and a bold willingness to ask.
JOB DESCRIPTION
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the leadership of the Vice President of Development, the Major Gift Officer will research and manage a donor portfolio and develop effective solicitation strategies, stewarding donors through the major giving process.
Represent Family Legacy with professionalism, warmth, and a commitment to excellence in every donor interaction; model the Ministry's Standards of Behavior
Plan, manage, and grow a major gift portfolio with an emphasis on gifts of $100,000+
Design and execute a donor stewardship strategy that deepens engagement and moves donors toward transformational commitments
Research and cultivate relationships with major gift prospects
Track and assess major gift initiatives; share results and insights with the Vice President of Development weekly
Adapt the fundraising plan as opportunities arise to broaden and strengthen the portfolio
Travel to Zambia to develop firsthand knowledge of the mission; ongoing travel to Zambia as opportunities arise
Flex schedule as needed to cultivate donor relationships outside of regular office hours, in coordination with the Vice President of Development
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree
Five (5+) years of major gifts experience in a nonprofit organization
Demonstrated track record of personally closing major gifts, including six-figure commitments
Proficient in donor database software and prospect research tools
A vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and faithful participation in a local church grounded in the truth of biblical Christianity
Agree with our Philosophy of Ministry
Willingness and enthusiasm to travel to Zambia
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Bold, confident solicitation — comfortable making the ask and closing the gift
Relationship building and cross-cultural relational intelligence
Servant leadership
Disciplined execution and portfolio management
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Diplomacy, tact, and influence with high-capacity donors
Strong attention to detail and project management
Exceptional team player who thrives in a close-knit, mission-driven culture
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Benefits: At Family Legacy, we care deeply about the whole person — your health, your family, your calling, and your long-term well-being. Our benefits are designed to support you holistically so you can thrive both personally and professionally.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family beginning your first month
Family Legacy pays 100% of the employee-only base medical plan premium
Access to telehealth services, preventative care covered at 100%
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling, financial/legal resources, and wellness support
Financial Security & Future Planning
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D coverage
Short-term and long-term disability options
Time, Flexibility & Rhythm
17 days PTO accrued per year, 5 wellness days, 11 recognized holidays
Hybrid work schedule (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday–Friday)
Flexibility for Major Gift Officers to engage donors outside traditional hours with VP alignment
Culture & Community
A Christ-centered team that cares for one another and prays together
Coffee Chats, Taco Talks, Monday Morning Huddles, Wednesday Morning Prayer, Daily Abide, Lunch & Learns, and weekly 1:1s
Onsite gym at our Dallas office
Travel Support
Travel Assistance program providing 24/7 global support for emergencies, medical referrals, and logistics while traveling
To learn more about the work of Family Legacy, please visit familylegacy.com.
If, after prayerfully reviewing this information, you sense this role and organization could be a good fit for you, please click the APPLY NOW button below. If you know someone who may have an interest, please use the social media share and email buttons at the top.
If you know someone you would like to recommend, please contact:
Dan Tubbs, M.Ed.
Search Consultant
mobile: (757) 452-1001
email: daniel@missionleadership.org