Major Gifts Officer

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. 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, joined by instrumentalists and guest soloists. The organization presents a broad range of metro, regional, and international concerts annually and engages thousands of students, older adults, singers, and composers through its Learning & Engagement programs. VocalEssence is governed by a 24-member board, supported by an 11-person administrative staff, and operates with a $2.2 million annual budget and significant financial reserves.

About the role

The Major Gifts Officer (part-time) plays a pivotal role at VocalEssence, working closely with the audience development and leadership teams to achieve the organization’s fundraising goals. This position focuses on relationship building, nurturing connections with current donors, and identifying and pursuing potential new donors. The Major Gifts Officer will partner with the Founder & Artistic Director to understand donor passions and align them with VocalEssence’s mission, vision, and work.

Reports to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with the Founder & Artistic Director, Associate Artistic Director, Audience Development Team, and staff. 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
• Manage a personal portfolio of major gift donors and prospects
• Assist with moves management for the Executive Director and Founder & Artistic Director portfolio of donors
• Coordinate and execute major gift solicitations
• Collaborate 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 and progress toward fundraising goals
• 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

Requirements

• 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
• 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
• Flexible work week schedule with periodic evenings and weekends required
• Hybrid work environment

Benefits

• Part-time annual salary of $39,000 – $45,000, based on experience and agreed-upon hours per month
• Retirement plan
• Flexible spending account
• Group life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off, including choose-your-own holidays, vacation, sick/safe time, Summer Fridays, and Winter Break