Major & Planned Giving Officer (Advancement)/Career Opportunity

Description The Major and Planned Giving Officer is a member of the Advancement team responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting donors and for building and strengthening philanthropic resources for Chautauqua Institution. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Advancement (AVP) and working closely with the Advancement leadership team, Institution President, Foundation Executive Director and program partners, the incumbent is responsible for growing and enhancing both the major and planned gift programs. About Your Work Manage a portfolio of 120 major and planned gift donors and prospective donors to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward supporters including: Planned giving donors and prospects to secure and formalize their intentions, to deepen their relationship with Chautauqua Institution and to help grow Chautauqua Foundation’s endowment. Potential and current major and leadership level gifts to support current operations, special initiatives, Boundless, A Campaign for Chautauqua, and endowment. Engage with donors within portfolio through face to face or video visits, email, phone call etc. with specific metrics to be determined annually. Develop written proposals, gift illustrations and other donor communications as needed. Working with the AVP and Director of Advancement Communications, assist in developing and executing planned giving marketing strategies to promote planned gift opportunities. Work with AVP to coordinate activities among Advancement and Institution leadership as well as program staff to ensure fundraising efforts are cooperative. Document donor contacts in Raiser’s Edge and provide regular reports on activity. Provide additional support for Planned Giving Advisory Council. Participate in all donor events as needed. Assist AVP in developing annual budget for major and planned gifts team. About You Education Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Experience Five or more years of experience in prospect management, donor cultivation and solicitation or comparable experience in estate, tax or financial planning. Experience with Raiser’s Edge or other CRM software. Experience with Crescendo or PG Calc planned gift illustrating software. Thorough knowledge of gift planning techniques and principles. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Experience identifying, cultivating and directly soliciting major and planned gifts. Experience developing and structuring major and planned gifts. Understanding of tax guidelines governing charitable gifts. Knowledge of campaigns. Ability to interact effectively with volunteers, leaders and program partners. Ability to oversee multiple projects and quickly discern complex and competing interests. Technical proficiency – solid computer skills with basic office software (e.g. Office 365, Raiser’s Edge and gift illustration software). Experience guiding and motivating volunteers. Requires travel, presence during the 9-week summer assembly and attendance at weekend/evening events throughout the year. About Chautauqua Institution Chautauqua Institution (https://chq.org/) is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities. Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company (https://chq.org/discover-chautauqua/accommodations/athenaeum-hotel/) , a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization. The Institution’s office in Washington, DC is located strategically for an ongoing role in the cultural conversations of the nation. About Your Work Schedule & Location This position is at Chautauqua Institution’s main campus in Southwestern New York (Chautauqua County) (https://www.choosechq.com/live-chq/) . The schedule is full time and may include daytime and evening hours, weekdays, and weekends, especially in the busy summer operating season and for certain time periods near board meetings. The position will be based on the main campus in Chautauqua, New York, but may require some travel. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, which provides a blend of onsite work and work from home, but candidates are not eligible to work fully remote. About Your Department In 2023, the Advancement team successfully raised more than $36 million in annual and major gifts and pledges to support Institution programs, strategic initiatives and capital projects. Chautauqua Foundation confirmed planned gift commitments exceeding $20 million, and the endowment now stands at more than $133 million with 850 individual funds. The Institution’s largest campaign to date Boundless, A Campaign for Chautauqua launched publicly on January 5, 2024 with a goal of raising $150 million. The Advancement Department works in close alignment with Marketing & Communications, IT and Project 360 – an interdepartmental team responsible for development and implementation of a standardized, robust, versatile technology ecosystem and data governance program, creating a 360-degree view of each patron and supporting the 150 Forward Strategic Plan. Total Rewards for Our Talent Compensation for this position starts at $120,000.00 and with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $130,000.00. Chautauqua Institution’s competitive compensation and a benefits suite that includes a national health insurance network with Highmark, flexible spend (or health savings) account options, dental and vision insurance, complimentary life insurance, wellness incentives, and fitness options, an employee assistance program, and supplemental life insurance and long-term disability options. The Institution supports planning for retirement through a discretionary employer retirement plan contribution, which has recently been 10% of gross compensation following a designated service period. About the Referral Program Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program (https://www.chq.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CHQ_ReferralBonus_2024_final.pdf) is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August. Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience. Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater. In addition to a traditional gate pass, employees and their families will receive full access to our current and historical programs online at CHQ Assembly (https://assembly.chq.org/) . Our Commitment to IDEA Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.” We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA. Joining Our Talent Community Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment. You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org. Qualifications Education Preferred Doctorate or better