The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of Major Gifts donors and prospects capable of giving $25,000+. They will solicit donors for annual support as well as for the Transforming the Met Campaign. They will develop relationships, write solicitation letters and other donor correspondence, and participate in departmental events and administrative functions as needed. They will be a strategic thinker focusing on donor retention, increased giving, and identifying new prospects. They will have an eye for detail, excellent writing skills, and a proactive attitude in seeking new fundraising opportunities for the Met.
Primary Responsibilities
- Manages a personal portfolio of 125-140 current Major Gifts donors and prospects through the Moves Management model of development including in-person solicitation.
- Crafts strategy for each prospect and donor with clear vision for donor retention, developing close relationships, and increasing overall philanthropic dollars from personal portfolio year over year.
- Responsible for timely documentation of visits, donor communication, ongoing donor strategy, and gift expectations via Tessitura.
- Serves as high level representation of the Met Opera and capable of communicating key programs, artistic and administrative strategy, and ongoing compelling narrative to prospects and donors.
- Aligns donor intent and interest with current giving opportunities including operating support, special campaigns, and special events at the Met Opera for maximum engagement.
- Partners with colleagues in Development Research and Operations, other staff on Major Gifts team, Patron team, Special Events, Artistic staff and Board Members to provide opportunities to prospects for connection and community.
- Support donor stewardship efforts such as donor events, dress rehearsals, priority ticketing, etc.
- Evening and weekend hours required.
- Staff and work with Board volunteers as needed.
- Staff special events as needed.
- Other tasks as assigned.
Skills and Qualifications
- BA degree.
- Demonstrated 5-7 years’ experience in fundraising with an emphasis on successful in-person solicitations and increasing overall value of portfolio.
- Previous experience working alongside high-net-worth board members and prospects.
- Previous experience in Major Giving role or exposure to Major Giving best practices. Understands Development function within a nonprofit setting.
- Ability to write clearly and elegantly with an expert grasp of language, grammar and punctuation.
- Experience writing original and compelling proposals, solicitation letters, and email.
- Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills.
- Excellent computer program/database skills. Familiarity with Tessitura is a plus.
- Ability to exercise excellent judgment working with high-level donors, volunteers and Board members.
- Ability to multi-task.
- Familiarity with the performing arts, particularly opera, is a plus.
Physical Demands
- Ability to work well with all personality types.
