Major Gifts Officer

Los Angeles Philharmonic Association; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association seeks a Major Gifts Officer to support fundraising efforts and cultivate relationships with high-level donors. The position plays a crucial role in achieving annual fundraising goals of $35M+, focusing on major contributions of $15,000 and above. Ideal candidates will have a background in arts fundraising and demonstrated success in managing donor relationships effectively.

Qualifications

• 5+ years successful experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in the arts.
• Proven success in raising six-figure annual gifts.
• Must be a highly energetic professional with a track record of building donor relationships.

Responsibilities

• Identify, engage, solicit, and steward prospects capable of making major gifts of $15,000 and more.
• Draft and present gift proposal strategies.
• Collaborate with other Major Gifts Officers and philanthropy staff.

Skills

Fundraising

Relationship Building

Strategic Planning

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Tessitura

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association represents the people and venues of the LA

Phil. Anchored by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the staff and administration work to support performance in our four iconic venues : Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen YOLA Center, and the Ford. Having celebrated its 100th anniversary of performance in 2019 and the Centennial of the Hollywood Bowl in 2022, the Major Gifts Officer (MGO) will play an integral role in the success of fundraising activities specific to the overall mission and strategic priorities of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.

The Major Gifts Officer, reporting to the Associate Director of Major Gifts, will develop and implement strategies to secure financial support from a portfolio of donor prospects identified with the capacity and inclination to make major gifts in support of the LA Phil. The Major Gifts Officer will have a dynamic and diverse portfolio of 125-150 individuals capable of contributing to the annual Major Gifts team goal of $9M. Key responsibilities include identification, engagement, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects capable of making gifts of $15,000 and more, with increased emphasis and activity on gifts of $25,000, $50,000, and $100,000+ annually.

There is a significant opportunity to work in collaboration with Research and Major Gifts colleagues to strengthen the existing Annual Fund donor pipeline and to cultivate new qualified and highly rated prospects into the Major Gifts effort.

The Major Gifts Officer works collaboratively with members of the LA Phil's Philanthropy team to support a wide range of fund-raising activities, support for programs, future strategic goals and initiatives of the organization.

Position Elements :

• The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for individual fundraising goals, contributing to the collective Philanthropy Department fundraising efforts of $35M+ annually.
• The Major Gifts Officer will participate in all aspects of the gift cycle in the prospect management for their portfolio :

Initiate contact with potential major gift and leadership level donors; develop appropriate cultivation strategies.

• Move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure.

Draft and present gift proposal strategies.

• Conduct solicitation conversations and meetings, including collaboration with additional staff and Executive Team, where appropriate.
• Maintain stewardship contacts with donors; demonstrate empathetic disposition, and perseverance; reflect optimistic and positive attitude, and convey sensitivity to the needs of donors and prospects.
• Manage all prospect activities for portfolio of 125-150 individuals.
• Using Tessitura, document all prospect contacts in a timely manner to ensure positive and purposeful prospect and donor relations as conducted by the Major Gifts team as well as the Philanthropy Department.
• Focus on securing support for a set of organization-wide priorities that include unrestricted annual support, special projects, capital improvements, and endowment.
• Work collaboratively with and in support of volunteers, other Major Gifts Officers, Gift Planning, the Philanthropy department, and other LA Phil employees as needed to cultivate and solicit donors for organizational priorities.
• Offer prospect strategy counsel to staff as required. Be a resource for other philanthropy staff, including identifying potential volunteer connections, as appropriate.

Relationships :

Reports To : Associate Director, Major Gifts

Interacts With : All philanthropy staff (particularly with the major gifts team, as well as annual fund and planned giving colleagues).

High level donors and prospective donors; volunteers and members of the Board of Directors, when appropriate.

Members of the executive office, artistic department, orchestra management, special events, creative services, finance, and audience services (Box Office).

Music Center Foundation staff and consultants.

Position Requirements :

• 5+ years successful experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in the arts, consistently meeting goals and performance objectives with demonstrable ability to plan and implement fundraising solicitations.
• Proven success in raising six-figure annual gifts.
• Must be a highly energetic professional with a track record of building donor relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse portfolio and steward donors through a moves management cycle.
• Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising; a background in annual and planned giving a plus.
• Ability to understand the aspirations and interests of patrons to develop relationships between them and the LA Phil.
• Commitment to EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) and collaboration with Major Gifts team and the wider Philanthropy Department and Association in helping to create a more diverse donor base.
• Interest in and dedication to promoting the Association's priorities through developing excellent relationships with staff, board members, volunteers, and the Philanthropy department.
• Successful experience developing cultivation and solicitation strategies for varying gift levels.
• A demonstrated record of completing assignments, including timely documentation of donor contacts in the development database.
• Music / Arts background and knowledge of the Los Angeles philanthropic community a plus.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem solving, research, and analytical skills.
• Passionate and committed to meeting with donors and securing gifts.
• Strong organizational and strategic planning skills.
• Team-oriented approach with a track record of respecting co-workers and volunteers.
• Must be self-motivated, creative, and have great attention to detail.
• Must be comfortable and proficient with technology including Microsoft Office Suite, internet-based collaborative applications, social media, and donor software. Experience and knowledge of Tessitura desirable.
• Maintain confidentiality and accuracy with respect to all donors and prospect information.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends. especially during select concerts and off-site events.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the FCIHO.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association embraces and is committed to diversity and inclusion within our staff, musicians, guest artists, audiences, and surrounding communities. The Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition or information, genetic information, marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the law, the Association also provides reasonable accommodation for

disabled applicants and employees in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, for pregnant employees who request an accommodation with the advice of their health care providers, for pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions; for employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking; and for applicants and employees based on their religious beliefs and practices.

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Major Gifts Officer • Los Angeles, CA, United States