Major Gifts & Campaign Officer

The Maritime Aquarium; Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 75,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT is seeking an Advancement Officer to drive donor strategy and engage a broad donor base. You will identify, cultivate and steward individual donors, build a monthly giving program, and assist with annual appeals and capital campaigns.

This full-time role requires 3–5 years in philanthropy, strong donor relations, CRM proficiency, and a commitment to the Aquarium’s mission and community. Evening/weekend events may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant on-the-job experience.
• 3-5 years of development experience with a focus on individual or mass market philanthropy.
• Experience and proven track record in securing three to five figure gifts.
• Proficiency with CRM systems a plus.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Identify, research, cultivate, and steward new and existing individual donors and members giving $500-$50,000 annually; reactivate lapsed supporters.
• Through relational fundraising, ensure donors remain engaged, informed and motivated to increase their giving.
• Establish a monthly giving program.
• Support the annual appeal process and year-end messaging for printed and digital solicitation and outreach.
• Develop a quarterly update communications stream and mid-year mass market appeal.
• Identify new major donor prospects for Associate Director and Director through research and cultivation.
• Contribute to the success of the public phase of the organization’s $20M Capital Campaign.
• Support the Aquarium’s signature cultivation and fundraising events, including the annual gala.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date donor records in the CRM.
• Maintain professional knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, benchmarking, etc.
• Maintain/manage subscriptions with fundraising search engines like Candid, GuideStar, and Charity Navigator – ensuring Aquarium accounts are accurate and reflect up-to-date organizational details and financials.
• Support/lead special projects as requested.

Skills

Donor relations

Communication

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT is seeking an Advancement Officer to drive donor strategy and engage a broad donor base. You will identify, cultivate and steward individual donors, build a monthly giving program, and assist with annual appeals and capital campaigns.

This full-time role requires 3–5 years in philanthropy, strong donor relations, CRM proficiency, and a commitment to the Aquarium’s mission and community. Evening/weekend events may be required.