Job Information
Seattle Art Museum Major Gifts Officer in Seattle, Washington
Major Gifts Officer
OVERVIEW: Key member of the Seattle Art Museum’s Development staff responsible for implementing strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors with capacity for significant philanthropic support.
SAM is dedicated to racial equity and strives for employees, volunteers, and interns who are passionate, qualified, and offer diverse perspectives. SAM prioritizes racial equity in the workplace because we know that people of color are the most impacted when it comes to inequities. We are particularly interested in engaging with historically under-represented groups in the museum field as we strive to be inclusive and equitable. SAM is responsive to cultural communities and experiences, and our strategic plan goals address the role art plays in empowering social justice and structural change to promote equity in our society.
FLSA STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Director of Individual Giving
COMPENSATION: Major Gifts Officer $65,000-$75,000 annual salary DOE
Senior Major Gifts Officer $75,000-$85,000 annual salary DOE
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION
Personally manage a portfolio of 125+ Contributors Circles members and individual donors and prospects, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 in annual support.
Work with key museum staff and leadership to manage all aspects of donor moves management, from identification and cultivation to recognition and stewardship.
Work with the Director of Individual Giving to develop and implement prospect assignment and tracking strategies.
In consultation with Special Events staff and museum leadership, manage the Major Gifts and Contributors Circles events calendar to support donor stewardship needs and fulfill membership benefit obligations.
Help coordinate and staff donor events, including exhibition openings, curator-led tours, and one-off events at private homes, artist studios, and galleries.
Draft remarks for Museum Director and Trustees for Contributors Circles events; track guest lists and set strategy for specific attendees.
Manage expenses for the Contributors Circles membership program to ensure the program stays on budget.
Lead Contributors Circles communications efforts, including managing the communications calendar and overseeing copy development, with support from the Major Gifts Coordinator and Individual Giving Manager.
Prepare clear and effective written materials as needed, including proposals, gift agreements, acknowledgements, stewardship letters, and other related communications.
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, arts or business administration; or equivalent experience.
Minimum five years development experience in a not-for-profit setting, with demonstrated success securing major gifts. Additional experience with planned giving and campaign strategies a bonus.
Knowledge of database system procedures; ability to learn and apply the museum’s database system. Direct experience with Tessitura database preferred.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with Board members, key donors, executives, management, employees, and the public.
Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; excellent time-management and problem solving skills.
Ability to work with close attention to detail and to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Ability to effectively and proactively manage a budget as well as read and understand financial reports.
Excellent oral and written communications skills; ability to communicate effectively and project a professional image when giving and taking information in writing, in person, and over the phone.
Demonstrated proficiency and accuracy using MS Office products, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and other software programs.
Strong organizational and management skills; ability to work effectively with personnel from many disciplines; experience handling multiple competing priorities and timely, effective decision-making.
Ability to adhere to Museum policies and support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work areas are inside, in a climate-controlled environment with light background noise. Work is occasionally performed at other indoor and outdoor event sites. Work may require occasional long periods of sustained standing during Museum events.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Sitting/Standing/Walking: Approximately 75% of time is spent seated while working at a desk. Balance of time (approximately 25%) is spent standing or moving around the work area. Ability to stand for extended periods of time when assisting at Museum events.
Speaking/Hearing: Clear diction and acute hearing are necessary for effective communication with donors, members, the public and co-workers.
Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling: The ability to lift and carry up to twenty pounds is necessary for moving material and equipment for events.
Vision: Corrected vision close to 20/20 is necessary to effectively use the computer screens.
Stooping/Kneeling: The ability to stoop and kneel is necessary for accessing files.
Reaching/Handling: Good manual dexterity is necessary for computer keyboard use and for retrieving and working with appropriate paperwork, equipment, and supplies.
Don’t check off every box listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. SAM is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!
Centering equity, diversity, and inclusion as an organization, and as individuals, Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or any other protected class.
Please contact the Human Resources Department at (206) 654-3188 or HR@seattleartmuseum.org for additional information or to request reasonable accommodations for the application or interview process.
Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check
TO APPLY: Please visit https://seattleartmuseum.applytojob.com/apply to submit SAM employment application, cover letter and resume.
Deadline: Until Filled
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