Major Gifts Officer

Association of Fundraising Professionals - NYC Chapter; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Association of Fundraising Professionals – NYC Chapter seeks a driven Major Gifts Officer to lead the $5 million comprehensive campaign, including naming opportunities and campus improvements. You will manage a portfolio of 100–150 prospects, cultivating relationships and closing five- to seven-figure gifts over a multi-year horizon.

Ideal candidates bring emotional intelligence, strategic fundraising experience in arts/education philanthropy, and a track record of major gift success in NYC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Communications, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive nonprofit development with major gifts experience.
• Capital campaign experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Donor Portfolio Management: build and manage a portfolio capable of gifts of $50,000+ over multi-year pledges.
• Campaign Solicitation: tailor cultivation and solicitation strategies with proposals and presentations.
• Campaign Strategy & Execution: coordinate with Campaign Committee, Board, and leadership for asks and events.
• Moves Management: keep accurate records of interactions and next steps across systems.
• Stewardship: recognize donors and demonstrate impact to build future support.

Skills

Donor relations

Communication

Strategic thinking

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration

CFRE or advanced degree a plus

Tools

Neon CRM

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are seeking a driven and relationship-focused Major Gifts Officer to lead the charge in securing lead and major gifts for our historic $5 million comprehensive campaign in support of our renovated South Wing and redesigned campus, set to open in Fall 2027. Reporting directly to the DoD, the successful candidate will manage a portfolio of 100-150 prospective donors, translating our organization's vision into compelling philanthropic opportunities including naming of physical spaces, staff positions and funds. The Museum has set a goal of $1 million in campaign income for FY27, towards an overall $5 million goal over 3 years. This role requires a high degree of emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and a proven track record of closing five, six, and seven-figure gifts. Major giving is a growth area for the Museum, so we are seeking an individual with strong knowledge of key figures in arts and education philanthropy in NYC and nationally, and a grounding in donor research.

Responsibilities

• Donor Portfolio Management: Build, qualify, and actively manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors capable of making gifts of $50,000 and above over a multi-year pledge period.
• Campaign Solicitation: Develop and execute tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies for each assigned prospect, preparing customized proposals, case statements, and presentations.
• Campaign Strategy & Execution: Work closely with the Campaign Committee, Board of Directors, and senior leadership to identify new prospects, prep trustees and the Director for "asks," and coordinate campaign-related events.
• Moves Management: Maintain accurate and timely records of all donor interactions, contact reports, and next steps in our Neon CRM/fundraising database and in other formats.
• Stewardship: Ensure donors are appropriately recognized, informed of campaign progress, and engaged with the impact of their investments to build a pipeline for future support.

Desired Skills/Qualifications

• Communication Skills: Superior interpersonal skills with the ability to articulate our mission passionately and persuade high-net-worth individuals and institutional leaders.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in donor management software (CRM) and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Work Style: Self-starter with the ability to work independently, combined with the willingness to travel locally and regionally, including evening and weekend work for donor meetings and events.

Cultural Commitment

• Acts as an example to employees: mentoring and coaching junior staff
• Supports the Museum’s vision and goals both externally and internally
• Commits to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, while incorporating respectful communication, teamwork, and employee participation

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Communications, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field (CFRE or advanced degree is a plus).
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, with a demonstrated track record of securing significant major gifts. Prior capital campaign experience is highly preferred.