Major Gifts Officer

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)
Department: Finance
Employment type: Internship
Start date: Immediately upon hire

About the role

The Major Gifts Officer will play a critical role in expanding the theatre’s external partnerships and securing major financial support. In the short term, the officer will focus on identifying, researching, and approaching companies that are potential sponsors for the theatre’s productions and events. This role requires strong independent research skills, proactive outreach, and the ability to develop and present customized sponsorship proposals. Over time, the officer will also help cultivate and secure individual donors to further strengthen the theatre’s funding base.

Responsibilities

• Corporate Sponsorship Development
  • Proactively research and identify potential corporate sponsors that align with the theatre’s mission and programming
  • Build and maintain a comprehensive database of prospective sponsors, regularly updating contact lists and outreach records
  • Independently contact and engage companies, arrange meetings, and present sponsorship opportunities tailored to their interests
  • Develop customized sponsorship proposals and partnership materials to meet the needs of different sponsors and close partnership agreements
  • Manage and nurture ongoing relationships with sponsors to ensure long-term collaboration
• Individual Major Donor Cultivation
  • Assist in identifying and reaching out to potential high-net-worth individual donors
  • Collaborate with the team to design engagement and stewardship strategies for individual donors
  • Participate in fundraising and stewardship events to enhance donor involvement and sense of community
• Brand & External Relations
  • Represent the theatre at external events, industry meetings, and partnership activities to increase visibility and build relationships
  • Maintain accurate records and files related to all sponsorship and donor partnerships

Requirements

• Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and maintain professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong negotiation and persuasion skills, with experience or confidence in closing partnership or sponsorship deals
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a team and across departments
• Strong independent research skills, with the initiative to identify and pursue new sponsorship or donor opportunities
• Highly self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, able to manage multiple relationships and tasks simultaneously
• Passion for the performing arts or interest in nonprofit/social impact work is a plus
• Previous experience in fundraising, sponsorship, business development, or sales is preferred