Major Gift Officer

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

 Reporting to the 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.
• Perform any other duties as assigned within the scope of the position. 

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 listed below are general guidelines based on the minimum experience, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Individual abilities may result in some deviation from these guidelines. To perform effectively in this position, the incumbent must have:

• 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.

 Computer Skills

• Proficiency in donor management software, and CRM systems; Tessitura knowledge preferred.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, etc.) is required. 

 Physical Job Requirements

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

• This position will require sitting for long periods, standing, bending, and walking, as well as using fine motor skills, such as finger dexterity for typing. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and peripheral vision.
• Ability to regularly lift, move, carry, push, and pull 50 lbs. or more.
• Ability to occasionally reach, bend, twist, stoop, stack, crouch, kneel, and balance when performing job duties in varying work areas such as confined spaces. 
• Ability to physically stand, walk, and climb stairs on a consistent basis.
• Occasionally required to assemble and/or disassemble furniture and fixtures.
• This position could be exposed to loud noises, and frequent phone conversations, and requires average to above average visual acuity and hearing.
• 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.