Major Gifts Officer

About the role

The Major Gifts Officer manages and strategically expands a portfolio of individual and corporate donors, focusing on gifts in the $5,000-$25,000 range. Through donor acquisition, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, this role strengthens relationships, broadens philanthropic support, and advances fundraising goals. As part of a team raising more than $4 million annually, the Major Gifts Officer identifies and secures investments that support the Peace Center's performances, arts education, and community engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison for a portfolio of 200+ corporate donor and individual donor households to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward their annual giving and encourage additional program, capital, endowment, and legacy investments
• Develop and implement moves management plans, strategies, and steps for donors, including research and identification, qualification, cultivation, gift solicitation, and stewardship
• Gain and leverage a deep familiarity with the Peace Center and its resources (performances, arts education and engagement programs, and programming and executive personnel) in cultivating donors and prospects
• Ensure data integrity, consistently and accurately record steps and interactions in the database (Tessitura) as part of the moves management process
• Understand modes of giving (Donor Advised Funds, retirement distributions, gifts of stock), to inform conversations and communications with individuals and groups
• Attend performances and events outside normal business hours as needed/assigned
• Partner with the Vice President and other Development team members to plan and execute donor events
• Write compelling communications, program descriptions, gift proposals, organizational updates, and more
• Collaborate with the team to develop proposal materials, donor communications, and a coordinated donor outreach calendar that aligns campaign efforts and messaging
• Support database (Tessitura) maintenance with up-to-date and accurate donor records
• Provide support to the Vice President and President & CEO as required
• Additional duties as assigned and deemed necessary to the position

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• 5+ years of fundraising, development, sales, relationship management, or comparable experience.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build, cultivate, and steward meaningful donor and stakeholder relationships.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and understanding of fundraising ethics and donor confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor database/CRM systems; Tessitura experience preferred.
• Commitment to donor-centered philanthropy and a passion for the performing arts.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Retirement plan with match.