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George Washington's Mount Vernon

Senior Major Gifts Officer

George Washington's Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, Virginia, us, 22121


Senior Major Gifts Officer

Full-Time, Exempt

Working with a dynamic and collaborative development team, the Senior Major Gift Officer (SMGO) will play a key role in securing designated and undesignated philanthropic gifts in support of the mission of Mount Vernon, through the development and management of an individual major gift portfolio. Mount Vernon is currently undertaking a comprehensive campaign with a goal of $250 million to complete preservation and education priorities and secure the financial future of the organization. As a key part of this effort, the SMGO will work with a team of gift officers to help expand Mount Vernon’s fundraising capacity, by creating and implementing cultivation strategies for new and existing major supporters to maximize funding potential, soliciting major gifts, and consistently stewarding donors. The SMGO will manage a national portfolio of donors, leading fundraising efforts in key regional markets.

Essential Duties:

Secure annual undesignated, designated, endowment, and planned gift support for Mount Vernon’s mission.

Oversee development and moves management of an individual portfolio of 150-250 donors and prospects through quality, strategic contacts, and face-to-face or virtual visits to identify, cultivate, solicit, and successfully close gifts of $25,000 and up.

Serve as Development team point person and liaison for a new donor group of garden and horticulture enthusiasts. Oversee members’ individual and group cultivation strategies and solicitations, work closely with the Chair on overall direction and strategy, and ensure timely payment of dues and execution of benefits.

Develop and lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy for national regions, including working with the internal events team to execute targeted events, collaborating with program leads, and coordinating all efforts with organizational leadership.

Travel regularly to assigned regions, spending up to 50% of time out of the office stewarding and cultivating major donor relationships and soliciting gifts.

Practice best-in-class stewardship of donors in portfolio to increase gift size, secure multi-year gifts, and maximize retention.

Develop and maintain a thorough and accurate understanding of Mount Vernon’s programs and funding priorities to effectively connect supporters to funding needs. Possess the ability to effectively communicate these priorities face to face with donors and in writing, and to successfully match donor’s philanthropic interests to funding needs.

Work closely with assigned Vice Regents to strengthen Mount Vernon’s national fundraising model of partnership between Development staff and the board to secure support in their regions.

Attend donor and other events outside of normal business hours and join with other senior staff in hosting prospects and supporters visiting the Estate.

Utilize and update the donor database by recording activities, contacts, and strategies on an ongoing basis consistent with departmental requirements.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

A minimum of five years of direct fundraising experience, including success in building and managing successful donor relationships that result in philanthropic gifts.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills to attract new donors and elevate giving levels of existing supporters.

Must be self-motivated and capable of working proactively and independently.

Commitment to drive activity that achieves or exceeds individual and team goals.

Ability to collaborate with Board members, organizational leadership, senior staff and program leads, and Development staff.

An interest in the mission of George Washington’s Mount Vernon with an eagerness to learn and share its importance with others.

Awareness of and commitment to abide by ethical fundraising standards and practices.

Experience with utilizing a CRM database.

Bachelor’s degree required.

Benefits:

403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching.

Employee recognition at 5 years of service.

Monthly employee events.

Employee referral program.

On-site Library.

Discount on Public Event Tickets.

Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops.

Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion.

Free parking.

Health, Vision, and Dental insurance.

Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance.

Paid leave for Sick Time, Vacation and Holidays.

Flexible spending account for medical care.

Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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