Senior Major Gifts Officer

Association of Fundraising Professionals; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Detroit Institute of Arts is seeking a Senior Major Gifts Officer to lead fundraising efforts, managing a portfolio of major donors. This role involves developing strategies to secure significant contributions, ensuring donor relationships are nurtured, and working closely with the Development team to meet ambitious fundraising goals. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in fundraising, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of securing high-value gifts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, 8 years in development or fundraising.
• Proven track record in securing high-value gifts.
• Experience with donor management software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed fundraising goals of $2,000,000 annually.
• Cultivate and solicit major donors, manage relationships.
• Assist in training Board of Directors and volunteers.

Skills

Communication

Relationship Management

Organizational Skills

Donor Cultivation

Fundraising

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Office 365

Job description

JOB TITLE: Senior Major Gifts Officer

DEPARTMENT: Development

REPORTS TO: Director, Development

CLASSIFICATION: Full Time, Non-Exempt

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: Full (Up to 80% Weekly)

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the guidance of the Director, Development, the Senior Major Gifts Officer is responsible for working independently and as part of a team on the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts from individuals and corporations for campaigns, annual leadership gifts, including exhibitions, programs, signature events, etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Meet or exceed the fundraising goal of $2,000,000 in commitments each fiscal year through qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of 100-125 donors.
2. Develop and execute strategies for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for a major donor or group of major donors that align with the museum and department priorities.
3. Prepare all special correspondence for the portfolio of donors managed by this position.
4. Manage planned giving vehicles and incorporate planned giving discussions in solicitation strategies for assigned donors.
5. Complete planned contacts with current donors and prospects to sustain and nurture relationships.
6. Assist with the maintenance of the moves management module of Raiser's Edge through the input of contact, strategy, and proposal data for the assigned portfolio of donors.
7. Facilitate training and solicitation activity for the Board of Directors and volunteers.
8. Assist the Director, Development, in advancing the work of the major gifts team.
9. Serve as Development Liaison to museum auxiliaries.
10. Apply DIA values to interactions to support a culture of belonging among internal and external stakeholders.
11. Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in a related field. Eight (8) years of experience in development or fundraising, including a proven track record in qualifying and soliciting high five and six-figure gifts. Additional years of experience may substitute for the educational requirement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to communicate with and manage relationships with external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to share complex information, ideas, and instructions clearly, effectively, and professionally to diverse audiences through talking or writing.
• Experience cultivating and stewarding donor relationships to build a culture of giving and securing gifts.
• Experience soliciting and securing high five and six-figure gifts.
• Organizational skills to plan, manage, prioritize, and complete multiple ongoing projects to meet deadlines and goals.
• Ability to relate and build meaningful relationships within a diverse population of current, potential donors, board members, and volunteers.
• Sensitivity to donor relations management.
• Experience with donor management software, with Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Keen ability to sense a donor's mindset and comfort level when discussing potential gifts.
• Ability to travel regionally and nationally as needed, approximately 1-2 times per year.
• Availability to work occasional weekend and evening hours for special events.
• Proficiency in the latest version of Office 365.
• Proficiency in using remote work technology such as scheduling, connecting, and digital collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional, productive, and courteous interactions to promote positive teamwork, including responding to feedback and instructions appropriately.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

While performing these duties, the employee must communicate and exchange accurate information via in-person, virtual, telephone, and email methods.

This job description provides a general overview and is not exhaustive. Work assignments may be modified as appropriate.

THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.