Major Gifts Officer

About the Senator John Heinz History Center

The Senator John Heinz History Center is a Smithsonian-affiliated Museum and a first-day Pittsburgh attraction that presents compelling stories from American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection, all in an interactive and engaging environment for visitors of all ages.  The largest history museum in Pennsylvania, the AAM-accredited History Center attracts large and diverse audiences to its 370,000-square-foot facility in Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District that includes six floors of long-term and changing exhibition space along with spectacular spaces for unique events.

The History Center’s family of museums includes the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, a dynamic museum-within-a-museum; the Fort Pitt Museum in Point State Park; and Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village, a National Historic Landmark located in Avella, Washington County, Pa. The History Center also leads a partnership of more than 125 regional historical societies, museums, and organizations dedicated to preserving local history – the History Center Affiliates Program.

A popular destination for families and visitors to our region, the History Center attracts more than 250,000 visitors annually and reaches millions through virtual programs and digital outreach. The History Center was recently recognized as America’s #1 History Museum by USA TODAY and “Pittsburgh’s Best Museum” by Pittsburgh Magazine.

About the Position: 

The Senator John Heinz History Center— Pittsburgh’s oldest cultural institution (1879) is seeking an experienced Major Gifts Officer to join their dynamic Advancement team at an exciting time while capital campaign is underway.

The Major Gifts Officer is a key member of the Heinz History Center’s Advancement Team and an experienced fundraising professional. The Major Gifts Officer, in coordination with the Executive Vice President, implements a variety of strategies to meet institutional financial goals for general operating, special projects, capital needs, and endowment.  This position manages a portfolio of major gifts prospects and enhances relationships with current donors and coordinates planned giving efforts.  They will work with the Executive Vice President as well as with staff across the History Center’s family of museums to create targeted appeals related to specific, mission-related programs and initiatives (i.e., Meadowcroft, Sports Museum, Fort Pitt, Rauh Jewish Archives, African American Program, Capital Projects, etc.). The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for conducting prospective donor research and creating and cultivating relationships with potential donors.

The Major Gifts Officer must follow best practices in fundraising and maintain strict confidentiality related to the personal and financial information of History Center trustees, donors, members, and other constituents.

Why Work at the History Center?

• Rewarding, mission-driven work that makes an impact in the community!
• Smithsonian-affiliated Museum located in Pittsburgh’s vibrant and historic Strip District
• Voted the #1 history museum in the nation by USA Today
• Voted Best Museum in Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh Magazine
• Highly professional, collegial staff and dedicated volunteers
• Located in Pittsburgh, one of America’s “most livable” cities
• Dynamic workplace in Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District
• Flexible work schedule, including potential for hybrid work
• Full benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• 403(B) retirement plans with employer match
• Paid time off (vacation, personal, and sick days)
• Nine (9) paid holidays
• Company paid life insurance / LTD
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts in the Museum Shop and Café
• Public Transportation and parking options nearby

• Bachelor’s and 5 or more years of experience, or equivalent experience in the not-for-profit sector.
• Superior customer service and relationship building skills.
• Ability to communicate convincingly and professionally whether in-person, on the phone, or in writing.
• Understanding of the development of annual departmental revenue goals and budgeting.
• Ability to develop and execute initiatives and strategies for major individual gifts and planned giving programs
• Ability to co-manage and newly cultivate relationships with existing major gift donors.
• Strong research skills with the ability to identify new donor prospects.
• Collaboration with the Executive Vice President is instrumental and partnership with Communications team to create compelling messages and campaigns to attract donors.
• Must ensure timely and appropriate stewardship of donors and prospects to enhance their connection with the History Center.
• Strong attention to details.
• Please submit a writing sample, attached to your resume, as strong written communication skills are required to be successful in this position.

Additional qualifications (preferred but not required)

• Experience in a museum, cultural institution, educational, or non-profit environment with operating budgets over $10 million.