DEPARTMENT: Development

REPORTS TO: Development Director

CLASS/SALARY: Exempt—Full Time/ 80-90k

Please apply to : Human Resources

Overview:

As a Major Gifts Officer at Asolo Rep, you will play a crucial role in securing more than $1,000,000 annually in funding and support from major donors to sustain and advance the theatre's mission. Reporting to the Director of Development, you will lead the research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors, fostering strong relationships and ensuring their continued engagement with the theatre. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a vibrant cultural institution.

Key Responsibilities:

Donor Cultivation and Solicitation:

• Identify, research, and cultivate relationships with prospective major donors who can make significant contributions to the theatre in partnership with executive and development staff and board members.

• Develop personalized cultivation and engagement plans for each major donor, including individualized proposals and solicitation materials.

• Lead solicitation efforts, making direct requests for financial support and effectively communicating the impact of donations on the theatre's programs and initiatives.

• Facilitate annual donor renewal process, follow up, and tracking for their portfolio.

• Belief and support in donor-centered philanthropic culture

Stewardship and Relationship Management:

• Ensure timely and meaningful stewardship of major donors, expressing gratitude and providing regular updates on the impact of their contributions.

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of donor interactions, preferences, and giving history in the donor database.

• Foster a powerful sense of connection and engagement among major donors with the theatre's artistic and educational programs, events, and initiatives.

• Identify opportunities to engage major donors through various performances and behind the scenes activities to develop strong relationships with the organization

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work collaboratively with the development team, Board members, artistic staff, and other stakeholders to leverage relationships and support fundraising efforts.

• Communicate effectively with donors, providing clear and compelling updates on the theatre's activities, achievements, and funding needs.

• Represent the theatre at events, meetings, and networking opportunities to promote donor relations and fundraising initiatives.

• In collaboration with Development Data Associate, ensure accurate data entry, contact management, donor research, and financial recordkeeping, timely gift acknowledgement and renewal correspondence, using discretion with confidential information.

Strategic Planning and Goal Setting

• Contribute to the development of the theatre's fundraising goals, strategies, and annual development plan, with a focus on major gifts revenue.

• Monitor progress towards fundraising targets, tracking key metrics and adjusting strategies as needed to achieve objectives.

• Stay informed about trends and best practices in major gifts fundraising, incorporating innovative ideas and approaches to enhance effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a emphasis on annual and major gifts fundraising required.

• Demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual donors with experience securing gifts of 5- to 6- figures.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate the theatre's mission and funding priorities persuasively.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel, Word, Teams, OneDrive and PowerPoint.

• Experience with fundraising CRM/database programs. Tessitura exp a plus

• Some evenings, weekends and holiday work will be required.

• Passion for the arts and a commitment to advancing the mission of Asolo Rep.

Additional Responsibilities include:

• Attend and assist with development events and projects as needed

• Attend at least one performance of every Asolo Rep production