Major Gifts Officer
Job Category: | Development |
Location: | Manhattan |
Job Sectors: | Arts & Culture, Community Improvement |
Salary Range: | $90,000 - $115,000 |
About The Shed:
The Shed is a new cultural institution of and for the 21st century. We produce and welcome innovative art and ideas, across all forms of creativity, to build a shared understanding of our rapidly changing world and a more equitable society. In our highly adaptable building on Manahattan’s west side, The Shed brings together established and emerging artists to create new work in fields ranging from pop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance. We seek opportunities to collaborate with cultural peers and community organizations, work with like-minded partners, and provide unique spaces for private events. As an independent nonprofit that values invention, equity, and generosity, we are committed to advancing art forms, addressing the urgent issues of our time, and making our work impactful, sustainable, and relevant to the local community, the cultural sector, New York City, and beyond.
Job Description:
The Shed seeks a Major Gifts Officer (MGO) to develop strong relationships with current supporters and actively prospect for and engage new donors. The MGO will develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 150-200 major gift prospects through the complete cycle of identification, research and qualification, engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship (a major donor is defined as a supporter who donates $25,000 and above per year). The MGO will also be responsible for creating cultivation and solicitation materials (brochures, letters, proposals, etc.).
The MGO will provide a high level of strategic input to the Development team as they work together to build major donor programs and establish a renewable base of support for annual operations.
The ideal candidate has extraordinary attention to detail, excellent time and project management skills, and a roll- up-their-sleeves collaborative attitude. The Shed is a start-up atmosphere where projects and deadlines move quickly.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Work with the Chief Development Officer and Senior Director of Development to set annual major gift goals that increase total giving, retain and upgrade donors, and expand the number of major donors; regularly evaluate progress toward the goals, and adjust goals semi-annually
Partner with The Shed leadership team (Artistic Director, President, CDO) and key Board members with portfolios of donors to craft stewardship and solicitation strategies to advance progress toward goals
Work with the Major Gifts Associate to refine moves management processes and carefully track those practices in Tessitura in a timely manner
Conduct strategic prospect research to identify new prospects and build a robust pipeline of potential major donors
Work closely with the Leadership Giving team to identify current members that can be prioritized and moved into the prospect pipeline
Thoughtfully steward all donors and prospects through multiple contacts and engagements throughout the year at The Shed
Create briefing and solicitation materials, including proposals and program descriptions
Collaborate with the development team to execute an annual gala, engaging cultivation events and stewardship opportunities and manage major gift follow up from these events
Attend special events including, but not limited to, cultivation events, member evenings, and behind-the- scenes with the Shed’s creative team
Maintain a general awareness of philanthropy and trends within the New York City arts-and-culture community
Other duties as required
Qualifications and Qualities:
Five or more years of prospect and major donor management, supporting leaders in major gift fundraising and a successful record of soliciting five-figure gifts, ideally in a performing arts or museum setting
Highly attuned interpersonal and people skills, including the ability to communicate professionally, effectively, and discreetly with people of all levels and backgrounds
Goal oriented and deadline driven
Meticulous attention to detail
Collaborative problem solver with a creative approach to finding and building tools that will increase the efficiency of the team
Ability to multitask, work well under pressure and in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and multiple projects
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Superior organizational skills
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a highly motivated, energetic team in a growing organization
Adaptability and desire to work in a start-up environment
Ability to work occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed
Microsoft Word and Excel a must; Tessitura and/or Wordfly a plus
Knowledge of the New York City visual and performing arts community is a plus
Compensation:
The salary range for this position is $90,00 – $115,000. Compensation is commensurate with experience.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should complete an application and submit résumé and cover letter in a single Word or PDF document saved as candidate’s first and last name. Only résumés and cover letters submitted in this format will be reviewed. No phone calls, please.
The Shed is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender and non-binary candidates. This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the arts field are strongly encouraged to apply. Whether you’re new to the arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.