Major Gifts & Donor Relations Officer

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

Job summary

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT seeks an Advancement Officer to drive philanthropy goals by growing a donor base capable of 3- to 5-figure gifts. The role partners with leadership to build engagement, manage campaigns, and expand giving programs.

This full-time, Monday–Friday position offers a $75k–$79k salary and requires evenings, weekends, and after-hours events as needed. Join a mission-driven team advancing conservation and education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or relevant on-the-job experience.
• 3-5 years of development experience focusing on individual or mass-market philanthropy.
• Proven track record securing three- to five-figure gifts.
• Proficiency with CRM systems a plus.
• Strong teamwork and goal-driven mindset.
• Fluent in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Identify, research, cultivate, and steward new and existing donors and members giving $500-$50,000 annually.
• Maintain donor engagement and motivate increased giving.
• Establish a monthly giving program.
• Support annual appeal processes and mass outreach.
• Develop quarterly updates and mid-year mass market appeal.
• Identify new major donor prospects through research.
• Support the $20M Capital Campaign's public phase.
• Assist fundraising events including the annual gala.
• Maintain accurate donor records in the CRM.
• Pursue professional development through workshops and publications.
• Manage subscriptions with fundraising databases.
• Lead special projects as needed.

Skills

Donor research

Relationship building

Major gifts cultivation

Fundraising strategy

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Event coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT seeks an Advancement Officer to drive philanthropy goals by growing a donor base capable of 3- to 5-figure gifts. The role partners with leadership to build engagement, manage campaigns, and expand giving programs.

This full-time, Monday–Friday position offers a $75k–$79k salary and requires evenings, weekends, and after-hours events as needed. Join a mission-driven team advancing conservation and education.