Major Gifts Specialist

POSITION REPORTS TO:        Director, Leadership Giving

POSITION MANAGES:             None 

POSITION LOCATION:             Hybrid (will require days onsite and allow telework)

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts seeks a Major Gifts Specialist who is a seasoned fundraiser to join its Leadership Giving team, managing a portfolio of up to 150 donors and prospects. The Major Gifts Specialist identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards individuals in support of Wolf Trap’s arts and education programs, and endowment. To continue program growth, the Major Gifts Specialist will build relationships and secure five, six, and seven figure gifts, design and implement engagement and fundraising strategies in collaboration with the Development team and will increase major gifts income year over year. The Major Gifts Specialist collaborates with other gift officers, motivating talent and inspiring positive outcomes. The Major Gifts Specialist reports to the Director of Leadership Giving and is part of a larger Development team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Fundraising

• Serve as primary relationship manager for a portfolio of 100-150 current and prospective major donors. Actively move portfolio through engagement pipeline.
• Conduct weekly face-to-face visits to qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors with capacity to donate $25,000 and higher to support Wolf Trap Foundation’s annual programs, including Education and Opera, and generate $500,000-$1M annually.
• Work with Special Events team and other sectors on meaningful fundraisers, cultivation, and stewardship events for donors and prospects.
• Manage and support the cultivation and solicitation of priority prospects, leading the preparation of briefing materials and written requests/proposals.
• Be fully conversant about the Foundation’s education and opera programs, and overall   mission/programs/vision to be an effective fundraiser and organizational representative.
• Stay abreast of changes and innovations in federal and state tax laws that may be relevant to major gifts prospects.

Program Strategy and Management 

• Work with the Director, Leadership Giving to develop personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies. 
• Serve as a front-line fundraiser for the Development team, working collaboratively with colleagues in Annual Giving, Special Events, Systems, Corporate/Foundation Relations, and Planned Giving, as well as colleagues in Opera and Education to identify funding priorities and opportunities for collaboration.
• Engage with colleagues in prospect screening, management and research functions to support the needs of the leadership gift fundraising efforts and assure a vibrant pipeline of prospects.
• Evaluate and modify prospect management system as needed to ensure the systematic and efficient solicitation of prospects.
• Participate in the drafting and editing of proposals and reports for potential donors, working to ensure compelling, visionary presentations and case statements.
• Assist in setting and meeting annual income goals for major gifts prospects and donors in portfolio.
• Provide feedback for leadership giving events, ensuring clear goals and projected outcomes, strategic use of leadership and Board, event efficiency, and strategic moves-focused follow up.
• Continually monitor opportunities for external prospect identification by maintaining a strong current knowledge of the philanthropic community.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• BA/BS degree or equivalent experience, or equivalent, transferable experience
• 6-8 years of experience with at least 3 years of major gift fundraising experience, including face-to-face solicitation of five-figure gifts or more in fast-paced fundraising organizations

 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated success in writing compelling correspondence, proposals, and reports
• Well-honed skills in developing donor cultivation and solicitation strategies
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills and demonstrated record of success in generating significant commitments from individuals through in-person interaction, proposal and grant writing
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal and trust-building skills, including excellent writing ability and public speaking
• Enthusiasm for and knowledge of the performing arts a plus
• Creativity, energy, confidence, and integrity. High level of discretion and respect for donor privacy
• Sensitivity to confidentiality and ethical considerations related to prospect and donor information
• Initiative and independence combined with the ability to work well as part of team
• Demonstrated knowledge of methods, practices, and procedures for obtaining information about individual donor prospects, and high level of best practices related to giving vehicles and instruments including Donor Advised Funds, family foundations, planned giving, as well as financial oversight and GAAP standards
• Excellent organizational and networking skills with large groups as well as with individuals are essential. Ability to maintain a high level of poise and professionalism in all circumstances
• Self-motivation, creativity, and discipline to regularly set and achieve work goals
• Demonstrated ability to take primary responsibility for diverse number of projects and to complete them in a timely manner with limited supervision
• Must be proficient in various computer software and database programs such as Microsoft Office, Raiser’s Edge, and Internet applications
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, especially during the summer months
• Sensitivity and commitment to the mission of Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
• Regularly operates a computer and other office equipment (i.e. calculator, copier, printer, etc.)
• Regularly required to walk, stoop, bend and reach with arms
• Lift/move up to 10 pounds infrequently

We’re pleased to consider applicants who will physically live in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia if hired. The Foundation does not offer fully remote work for any full-time, seasonal, or variable positions.  Applicants who reside in any other state are required to relocate to Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia prior to starting work for Wolf Trap Foundation. 

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment that embraces and encourages different perspectives. We work to reflect and be representative of the communities in which we serve and in which we reside. Qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans who need assistance or an accommodation in our job application processes should contact hr@wolftrap.org.  An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a background check.

Compensation is commensurate with experience. We offer an outstanding benefits package that includes fully-paid medical and dental premiums for employees and their dependents, 20 paid holidays, generous Annual/Sick/Personal Leave, 403(b) match, flexible work hours and more.

Please note that interviews will be conducted beginning in January 2025. We appreciate your patience and will contact candidates after the holiday season.