Major Gifts Officer

Description

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Major Gifts, the Major Gifts Officer is responsible for the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors capable of giving gifts of $5,000 or more annually. The Major Gifts Officer will manage a portfolio of approximately 120-150 donors and prospects. Additionally, the Major Gifts Officer will assume responsibility for the Canadian Friends affinity group, stewarding and growing this group through special events, and proactive prospect identification. This role is responsible for over $1.2 million in revenue annually.

This onsite role requires a highly motivated professional, a self-starter who is very comfortable and confident in engaging and calling on high net worth individuals. They will have a proven record of success in a fast-paced environment, successfully working independently and as a team member to create and implement major gifts and fundraising strategies to reach agreed contributed revenue goals. Must be a strong writer and communicator. An interest in music and its performance as well as visual arts and the public mission of museums is preferred.

Artis-Naples welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you are excited about this role and believe you can make a meaningful contribution to our organization, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.

Supervises

N/A

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

Fundraising:

• Manage a portfolio of 120-150 major donors and prospects (typically gifts of $5,000-$25,000).
• Achieve personal target of $1.2 million in total funds raised annually.
• Manage all aspects of fundraising continuum: Prospect identification, donor acquisition, stewardship, renewal and upgrades.
  • Initiate contacts with potential major gifts and planned giving donors.
  • In consultation with Director of Major Gifts, develop appropriate cultivation plan for each donor; prepare reports / briefings for the Director of Major Gifts to show progress on donor cultivation plans.
  • Prepare proposals for potential donors, to present compelling ideas relevant to them.
  • Maintain stewardship contacts with donors; demonstrate empathetic disposition, and perseverance; reflect optimistic and positive attitude, and convey sensitivity to donors' needs.
• Manage and grow the Canadian Friends affinity group, overseeing donor cultivation, strategic communications and the planning and execution of member engagement events.

Donor Interaction:

• Actively participate in donor cultivation events and receptions, to build relationships with donors and prospects. Evening and weekend work should be expected.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to donor inquiries about donor benefits, gift status or other development issues.
• Refer donors to Patron Services for questions related to tickets and event attendance.
• Ensure confidentiality of donor information.

Communications:

• Ensure that donor renewals and requests for upgrades are handled in a timely and thoughtful manner.
• Follow-up in writing on donor communications and pledges.
• Aid in the drafting of communication templates including but not limited to solicitation letters, acknowledgments, eblasts, invitations and stewardship pieces.

Other Responsibilities:

• Work effectively with all Artis-Naples team members
• Assist other development team members on special projects or efforts that contribute to the organization's larger goals.
• Observe safety requirements. Reports safety issues and items requiring work orders to Supervisor or Safety & Security department.
• Join with others to work on special projects and efforts that contribute to the organization's goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Experience, Competencies, and Core Values

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required. Advanced degree highly desirable.
• A minimum of five years of demonstrated success as a front-line fundraiser, including success in closing 5- and 6-figure gifts.
• Well-honed skills in developing and successfully implementing long-term donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies.
• Advanced writing skills required.
• Experience with fundraising databases, in particular Tessitura.
• Experience with planned giving preferred.
• Experience in an arts organization strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of and/or interest in music and the visual and performing arts preferred.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical: Analyzes and interprets data and prepares accurate and insightful reports, statements and projections.
• Creative: Exhibits initiative, resourcefulness and creative thinking to craft successful strategies, develop engaging events, and solve problems.
• Financial: Has in-depth knowledge of and experience in nonprofit financial accounting, budgeting, and reporting principles, methods, techniques, regulations and standards.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in-group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with sensitive topics.
• Technical Skills: Has advanced skill level in Microsoft Office Suite. Has experience using computerized donor information systems, office systems and customer or donor database systems such as Tessitura.
• Oral Communication: Speaks clearly, confidently, and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; participates constructively and thoughtfully in meetings. Maintains poise under pressure.
• Written Communication: Writes clearly and persuasively; presents information effectively.
• Teamwork: Contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; builds morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports other's efforts to succeed; fosters a cooperative work environment.
• Leadership: Provides vision and inspiration to peers and mobilizes them to fulfill the vision; exhibits confidence in self and others.
• Quality Management: Improves and promotes quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Demonstrates attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and commitment to achieve deadlines.
• Cost Consciousness: Works within approved budgets; develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to positive revenue generation; conserves organizational resources.
• Diversity: Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics: Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values.

Organizational Core Values

• Collaborative: Work internally and externally to accomplish something together that we may not be able to accomplish separately to realize shared goals.
• Transparency: Behave and communicate in a manner that exudes openness and honesty.
• Excellence: A standard of performance that surpasses ordinary standards.
• Accountability: The acceptance and assumption of responsibility for actions, decisions, and results.
• Patron-first: Place the patron at the center of our efforts.
• Integrity : A commitment to the highest standards, values and principles through every action and decision.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.

Work Environment

The work environment is consistent with general office conditions, with moderate noise.

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.