Major Gifts Officer

VocalEssence; Northfield (MN); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 45,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Flexible spending account

Group life / AD&D / LTD insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

VocalEssence seeks a Major Gifts Officer (PT) to drive fundraising, nurture relationships with current and potential donors, and support the leadership team in achieving annual goals. You will manage a portfolio, perform moves management, and craft compelling proposals while collaborating with executive leadership and our audience development team.

The role requires 5+ years in major gift fundraising, strong communication skills, and the ability to work in a hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 5+ years of major gift fundraising experience
• Proven track record of gifts of $50,000+
• Experience with donor relations and moves management preferred
• Ability to travel as needed and manage confidential information

Responsibilities

• Identify and cultivate relationships with major gift prospects
• Develop stewardship plans for major donors and create leadership briefings
• Manage personal portfolio of donors and prospects
• Support moves management for ED and F/AD portfolios
• Coordinate major gift solicitations and collaborate on fundraising initiatives
• Prepare proposals for annual and multi-year commitments
• Track donor pipeline and progress toward fundraising goals
• Plan donor cultivation events and maintain CRM records

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Excellent written and verbal коммуника

Independent and team player

Travel as needed

Donor relations / moves management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Fundraising software & CRM

Microsoft Office Suite

Database management

Job description

Entering its 58th season under the artistic leadership of founder Philip Brunelle and Associate Artistic Director G. Phillip Shoultz, III, VocalEssence champions choral music of all genres, celebrating the vocal experience through innovative performances, commissioning new music, and engaging with diverse constituencies. VocalEssence performing forces include the 32 voice Ensemble Singers, 120 voice Chorus, 45 teenage members of SOTA (Singers Of This Age), and Vintage Voices older adult singers. They are joined by instrumentalists and guest soloists and annually present a broad range of metro, regional, and international concerts. VocalEssence Learning & Engagement programs engage thousands of students, older adults, singers, and composers each year. The work of VocalEssence is implemented by an administrative staff of 11, governed by a 24-member board of directors. The organization has a $2.2 million annual budget and significant financial reserves.

About the Position

The Major Gifts Officer (PT) plays a pivotal role at VocalEssence – working closely with our audience development and leadership teams to achieve the fundraising goals of the organization. The Major Gifts Officer will be a key partner to our Founder & Artistic Director, nurturing relationships with current donors as well as identifying and pursuing potential new donors. This position is focused on relationship building, developing lasting connections, understanding the passions and interests of our donors and connecting them to our purpose, mission, vision and the work we do.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to the Executive Director (ED)
• Supports and works most closely with the Founder & Artistic Director (F/AD)
• Works closely with the Associate Artistic Director, Audience Development Team and staff at-large
• This position does not have direct reports

Responsibilities

• Identify and cultivate relationships with prospects for major gifts, planned giving, and sponsorships
• Develop and implement personalized stewardship plans for major donors, including basic prospect research and brief creation for leadership, as needed
• Manage personal portfolio of major gift donors and prospects
• Assist with moves management for the ED and F/AD portfolio of donors
• Coordinate and execute major gift solicitationsCollaborate with senior leadership to develop strategic fundraising initiatives
• Prepare and present proposals to potential donors for both annual and multi-year commitments
• Track and report on donor pipeline, progress towards fundraising goals, etc
• Engage in regular donor outreach, including phone calls, emails, and face-to-face meetings
• Plan and lead donor cultivation events
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of donor interactions in the CRM system
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and ethical standards in fundraising
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• 5+ years of experience in major gift fundraising
• Proven track record of securing gifts of $50,000 and above
• Strong understanding of philanthropic trends and best practices
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience using fundraising software and CRM systems
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with donors
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and fundraising goals

Job Requirements

• Flexible work week schedule with periodic evenings and weekends required
• Hybrid work environment
• Part-time annual salary of $39,000 - $45,000, based on experience and agreed upon hours per month
• Retirement plan; Flex-spending account; Group life / AD&D / LTD insurance
• Paid time off includes choose-your-own holidays, vacation, sick/safe time, Summer Fridays & Winter Break

Anticipated Start Date:

On or before October 1, 2026

Deadline for Application:

Rolling until filled. Preferred by Friday, September 4, 2026.

Questions may be directed to [e-mail]

VocalEssence is an Equal Opportunity Employer

VocalEssence welcomes qualified applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, disability, familial status, genetic information, public assistance, or status as a protected veteran. Persons from historically excluded communities are especially encouraged to apply.