Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools employers use to scan resumes for fit. They match keywords and standard sections to the job. They can drop resumes if formatting confuses them or if key terms are missing.

For a Major Gifts Officer you must show donor relations, portfolio management, prospect research, solicitation, and stewardship. Also include tools and credentials like Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, gift agreement drafting, planned giving, and CFRE if you hold it.

• Use clear section titles: "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills", "Certifications".
• Include keyword phrases from job postings naturally in bullets.
• Avoid tables, columns, images, headers, footers, and text boxes.
• Use .docx or simple PDF and standard fonts like Arial or Calibri.

Keep language direct and use active verbs that show impact. Quantify results when you can, for example: "Managed 75 donor relationships" or "Secured $2.1M in gifts."

Common mistakes include swapping exact keywords for creative synonyms like "big donors" instead of "major gifts." Hiring teams may miss your fit if you hide experience in headers or images. Also avoid leaving out tools and certifications that the posting lists.

Pick a clean, professional template that shows your fundraising wins first. Use a reverse-chronological layout so hiring managers see recent major gift results quickly. This layout also parses well for ATS systems.

Keep length tight. One page works for early to mid-career Major Gifts Officer roles. Use two pages only if you have long, directly relevant fundraising records and donor portfolios.

Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. Keep line spacing at 1.0–1.15 and use clear margins to give the page white space.

Organize sections with standard headings: Contact, Summary, Experience, Key Gifts & Results, Major Donor Portfolio, Education, and Skills. Put measurable fundraising outcomes near each job entry. Use bullet lists to show gifts closed, donor retention rates, and portfolio sizes.

Avoid fancy columns, heavy graphics, and unusual fonts. Those elements confuse ATS and distract readers. Stick to simple bolding and bullets to highlight results.

Watch common mistakes: long paragraphs that hide impact, vague verbs, missing numbers, and inconsistent spacing. Use numbers for gift sizes and percentages for growth or retention. Proofread for alignment and consistent dates.

Why a tailored cover letter matters

You want this Major Gifts Officer role. Your cover letter shows why you fit beyond the resume. It shows real interest in the organization and the work you want to do.

Key sections to include

• Header: Put your contact info, the company's name, and the date. If you know the hiring manager, add their name.
• Opening paragraph: Name the Major Gifts Officer role you want. Say why you care about the organization. Lead with your top qualifying point.
• Body paragraphs (1–3): Match your experience to the job. Highlight fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship, and relationship-building. Mention specific skills like major gift solicitation, portfolio management, and CRM use. Add one or two numbers that show results.
• Closing paragraph: Restate your interest. Say you want to discuss how you can help reach fundraising goals. Thank them and request an interview.

Tone and tailoring

Write like you speak to a colleague. Keep the tone professional and warm. Use short sentences and clear examples. Pull keywords from the job description and mirror the organization’s priorities.

Practical tips

Start with a strong impact line. Use one or two measured achievements. Keep each paragraph short. Edit to remove filler words and check sentence length.

What to avoid

Avoid generic templates. Don’t repeat your resume. Don’t use long sentences or passive constructions. Tailor one letter per application and show you researched the organization.

Writing a Major Gifts Officer resume means showing your relationship skills, fundraising wins, and donor stewardship. Small errors can cost you interviews, so you should make every line count.

Focus on clarity, metrics, and donor-centered language. A clear resume helps hiring managers see your impact fast.

The tips and FAQs below help you craft a Major Gifts Officer resume that highlights fundraising wins, donor relationships, and strategic impact. Use this section to refine your experience, choose the right format, and show measurable results to hiring managers.