Major Gifts Officer

Fulton Theatre; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a vibrant and historic theatre as a Major Gifts Officer, where your expertise in donor engagement and strategic fundraising will make a significant impact. In this role, you will cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals, secure substantial gifts, and develop innovative strategies to enhance donor support. Collaborating with a passionate team, you will lead initiatives that not only meet but exceed ambitious fundraising goals. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a beloved institution that enriches the community through exceptional theatre productions and cultural programs. If you are driven by a passion for the arts and have a proven track record in fundraising, we invite you to be part of our mission to inspire and engage audiences through the power of live performance.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of not-for-profit individual giving experience, ideally in performing arts.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in securing major gifts and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee donor engagement and strategic fundraising initiatives.
• Manage major gift giving circles and collaborate with leadership.

Skills

Donor Engagement

Fundraising Strategy

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Research Skills

Customer Service

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Tools

Tessitura

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Fulton Theatre seeks a Major Gifts Officer who will oversee donor engagement and strategic fundraising initiatives by successfully identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors at the level of $10,000+. Personally build meaningful donor relationships, increase annual support, secure multi-year gift commitments, and conceive strategies that build a comprehensive prospect pipeline for the organization. As a member of the Development Team, the Major Gifts Officer will manage major gift giving circles and collaborate with the Executive Director of Development and Executive Artistic Producer to achieve ambitious fundraising goals. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and oversee a portfolio of individual donors $10,000+, with an emphasis on upgrading annual gifts and securing new gifts at this level
• Identify annual financial goals for donor portfolio and strive to meet/surpass those goals
• Lead donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities for current and prospective donors of $10,000+
• Coordinate efforts with Fulton Theatre leadership, Board volunteers, and other colleagues to develop new ways to cultivate, engage, and steward major gifts donors
• Develop new and refined strategies to find new sources of growth from high-net-worth individuals
• Manage prospect research, gift tracking, and reporting systems
• Coordinate major gift donor benefits including accuracy of program lists and other recognition, monitor VIP ticketing, and facilitate needs related to special events
• Collaborate with Executive Director of Development and Executive Artistic Producer on forecasting and tracking of major gifts
• Assist with arrangements for major gifts donor cultivation by Fulton Theatre Board members and volunteers
• Attend donor functions, events, assist volunteers as necessary, and be available to provide high-level hospitality as needed
• Participate in weekly meetings with the Development and Marketing Teams and Executive Artistic Producer, as well as participate in other staff meetings as needed

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Demonstrated effectiveness in securing major gifts and strong ability to convey the case for support to inspire leadership level investment in the Fulton Theatre
• Ability to work effectively with senior management, department heads, board trustees, and donors
• Excellent writing/editing, customer service, and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical ability and attention to detail
• Ability to create financial reports and participate in portfolio forecasting
• Research skills with experience on qualifying existing and new major gifts prospects
• Ability to work independently but also collaboratively on simultaneous projects with other internal departments
• Familiarity with nonprofit database systems; experience with Tessitura a plus
• PC, Google Suite and Microsoft Office proficient
• Knowledge of the Lancaster / Central Pennsylvania arts and culture sector, as well as industry trends

Desired Experience and Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
• 3-5 years of not-for-profit individual giving experience, ideally in the performing arts area

Base pay range: $75,000.00/yr - $95,000.00/yr. The final candidate's relevant experience/skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

The Fulton Theatre is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Interested applicants please apply directly through our online application: here. Applicants selected for an interview will be asked for three professional references. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

About the Fulton Theatre: The mission of the Fulton Theatre is to create and produce exceptional theatre that moves the collective soul of our community and honors our national historic landmark.

The Fulton first opened its doors in 1852. 160+ years later, this national historic landmark theatre continues to entertain, educate and delight audiences, bringing live theatre, music, and more than 120,000 patrons into downtown Lancaster annually. Today, the Fulton Theatre produces a mix of comedies, dramas and musicals, employing the talents of professional directors, designers, playwrights from across the country. The Fulton also offers classes for children, teens and adults as well as numerous community engagement programs across the region.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Other

Industries

Entertainment Providers