Director of Major Gifts

               Director of Major Gifts

Department:                          Advancement

Reports to:                             Vice President of Advancement

FLSA Status:                        Exempt

JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE: Under the direction of the Vice President of Advancement, the Director of Major Gifts is responsible for the strategic planning and the operational execution of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Major giving philanthropic mission. S/he will direct all major gift fundraising activities of the MSO, including managing the pipeline of Major Gift prospects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

Working with the Vice President of Advancement to create a strategic plan and budget for new and increased giving from individual donors targeted for gifts to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

• Oversee the identification, cultivation and highly personalized solicitation of major gift donors and prospects to support annual fundraising goals and maximize philanthropic engagement.
• Maximize individual contributed revenue by creating and implementing operating plans and identifying opportunities that maintain, increase, and diversify fundraising.
• Responsible for managing strategy and oversight of the Major Gifts portfolio.
• Work closely with MSO’s Marketing and Communications department to position the institution so that a proper climate exists to raise funds. Collaborate on messaging to best represent the MSO brand.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 100 major gift donors and prospects who have the capacity to give at the $10,000 level or more, to the MSO’s annual operating campaign, with the goal of maximizing support from each donor.
• Metrics include:
  • At least two focused visit with each donor per year, and 3-6 meaningful contacts, including stewardship, event attendance, phone calls, cards, etc.
  • Creation of an individualized Moves Management plan for each donor.
  • Understand the MSO donors’ individual motivations and aspiration to help drive increased giving.
  • Utilize research, data analysis, personal contacts, volunteers, and staff to create lasting relationships with MSO donors.

• Metrics for prospects and new donors include:
  • Development, implementation and tracking of specific programs that will identify, solicit, engage, and retain new donors at giving levels of $10,000 and more.
  • As part of the Advancement team, work to leverage relationships with these prospects to explore all avenues for increased giving as well as planned giving.
• Prepare and write proposals, solicitation letters and reports as needed.
• Work with Donor Stewardship Coordinator to ensure excellent stewardship of donors.
• Assist with various advancement events and functions to raise awareness and contributions.
• Serve as Advancement representative at MSO concerts and events as needed.
• Assist with other campaigns or projects as directed or needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position will manager fundraiser(s)

CONTACT WITH OTHERS: This position is highly visible and has contact with MSO Board Members, campaign volunteers, prospects and donors, MSO staff and orchestra members, and prominent community leaders.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The successful candidate will be very detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills. Professional phone manner, high-level customer service skills, respect for donor confidentiality and experience working with many different constituencies in a team environment are necessary.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline and at least 4-6 years development experience is preferred. Must have proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM database (Tessitura preferred).  

LANGUAGE SKILLS: This position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: General book-keeping skills are required. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel highly preferred.

REASONING ABILITY: This position requires the ability to multi-task.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Must be able to use a computer on a daily basis and associated software, including word processing and CRM database, as well as calculator, telephone, voicemail, copier, and postage meter.

CERTIFICATES OR LICENSES REQUIRED: None

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The above is representative of the position; there may be other activities or responsibilities required which are not listed.  This does not constitute a contract with any person in any position.