Major Gift Officer

Major Gift Officer

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Philanthropy, the Major Gift Officer will implement strategies to secure major gifts from donors. Responsibilities include building and managing a portfolio of major gift prospects, cultivating relationships through personalized communications and engagement events, and closing major gifts. The Major Gift Officer will collaborate closely with the Development team to ensure alignment with overall fundraising goals and initiatives. Additionally, the Major Gift Officer will engage in donor stewardship activities, including recognition events, personalized communications, and ongoing relationship management to ensure donor retention and long-term support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Qualify prospective major donors capable of making significant contributions to the organization.
• Build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, developing and implementing personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors through strategic communication, meetings, and engagement opportunities.
• Prepare and present compelling gift opportunities to major donors, effectively articulating the impact of their support on the organization's mission and programs.
• Collaborate with the Development team to ensure alignment of major gift strategies with overall fundraising goals and initiatives.
• Establish and maintain thorough records of donor interactions using the organization's CRM.
• Develop annual revenue projections based on donor and prospect profiles, capacity, and engagement strategies.
• Participate in donor cultivation events, stewardship activities, and other special events to engage donors and prospects with a focus on recruiting new prospects and strengthening donor engagement.
• Conduct regular assessments and analysis of major gifts pipeline and progress towards fundraising goals, providing reports and updates to senior leadership as needed.
• Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and donor preferences in fundraising, continually refining strategies to maximize philanthropic support.
• Serve as an ambassador for the organization, effectively communicating its mission, vision, and impact to donors, stakeholders, and the community at large.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned in alignment with the scope and responsibilities of the role.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Three or more years of experience in fundraising or related field, preferably within the nonprofit sector or performing arts industry.
• Proven track record of success in securing and stewarding major gifts from individual donors, with a proven ability to meet or exceed fundraising goals.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices, particularly in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• One or more years of demonstrated work experience with CRM systems.

Required Skills & Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and relationships with donors, board members, and staff at all levels.
• Ability to deal with a range of styles and behaviors in a tactful, positive, and professional manner.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment, demonstrating flexibility, creativity, and a positive attitude.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft persuasive proposals and donor communications.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute fundraising strategies, identify opportunities, and overcome challenges to achieve fundraising objectives.
• Proficiency in persuasive communication to effectively solicit major gifts and secure commitments from donors.
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on achieving fundraising goals and maximizing the impact of major gift-giving efforts.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for donor meetings, events, and performances.
• Sensitivity to diverse perspectives and experiences, with the ability to engage with donors from diverse backgrounds and cultures in a respectful and inclusive manner.
• Adherence to ethical fundraising practices, donor confidentiality, and compliance with industry regulations and standards, including the AFP Code of Ethical Standards.
• Commitment to the mission and values of our organization and the performing arts community.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in donor management software, and CRM systems; Tessitura knowledge preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, etc.) is required.
• Ability to quickly learn, evaluate, and adapt to new technologies, software applications, and system enhancements.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Desire to work as a team player and assist when and where needed.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with individuals across varying roles, styles, and backgrounds.
• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism, reliability, and accountability in all aspects of work.
• Positive, collaborative, and solution-oriented approach to work.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and manage changing priorities.
• Demonstrates initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to take on new challenges in a dynamic environment.
• Maintains a professional presence and demeanor, representing The Smith Center in a positive manner.
• Desire and ability to accept all levels of challenges.

Physical Job Requirements

• This position will require sitting for long periods, as well as frequent standing, bending, and walking.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to regularly lift, carry, push, and/or move items up to 50 pounds or more, with or without assistance.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, twist, stoop, crouch, kneel, and balance while performing job duties in varying work environments, including confined or crowded spaces.
• Ability to bend at the waist and lift items overhead.
• Ability to physically stand, walk, and climb stairs on a consistent basis.
• Ability to use fine motor skills, including frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, handling equipment, and operating office tools.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a computer keyboard, mouse and telephone.
• This position could be exposed to loud noises, and frequent phone conversations, and requires average to above average visual acuity and hearing.
• Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus to effectively use mobile devices, and electronic devices such as tablets, iPads, and computer screens.
• Most of this job will be performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Must be able to qualify for licenses and permits if required by federal, state, and local regulations during the course of employment.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Pay Transparency

To encourage pay transparency, promote pay equity, and proactively address regulations, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts will comply with all applicable state or local laws or regulations that require employers to provide wage or salary range information to job applicants and employees. The base annual salary range for this full-time and exempt position is $60,000 - $75,000 plus benefits, including insurance plans as applicable. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and scope of responsibilities. The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by key factors such as work experience, skills, abilities, and job-related education and training.

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