Major Gifts Officer (Advancement)/Career Opportunity

Description The Major Gifts Officer is a front-line fundraising role primarily responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting leadership donors and for building and strengthening philanthropic resources for Chautauqua Institution. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Advancement and working closely with the Advancement leadership team, Institution President, Foundation Executive Director, and program partners, the incumbent is responsible for growing and enhancing the major gift program. About the Work Active Portfolio Management Identify and manage a portfolio of qualified major donors and prospects; set and carry out solicitation strategies. Major gift defined as $50,000+. Maintain and build a portfolio of 100-120 major gift donors and prospects. Manage a defined pipeline of new and retained donors through meaningful interactions and appropriate relationship-building steps to increase individual giving. Actively identify top relationships within the portfolio to determine specific donor interests and deepen their connection to the organization. Collaborate with prospect research team to enhance relationships and identify and engage prospective donors. Participate and strategize in the MOVES management team for all major gift donors and prospects. Articulate the case for support through oral and written means to engage and encourage donor financial support. Engage in 10-15 meaningful contacts each week including face-to-face or video visits, emails, phone calls, etc. Develop written proposals and other donor communications as needed. Administration Work with AVP to coordinate activities among Advancement, Institution leadership, and program staff to ensure cooperative fundraising efforts. Document donor contacts in Raiser’s Edge and provide regular reports on activity. Participate in donor events as needed. Stay up to date on current trends in philanthropy; engage in training as appropriate. About You Education Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Experience 5-8 years of experience in prospect management, donor cultivation, and solicitation. CFRE is preferred but not required. Experience with Raiser’s Edge or other CRM software and Microsoft Office suite. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Successful solicitation of major gifts of $50K or more. Experience developing and structuring major gifts. Capital/comprehensive campaign gift cultivation and solicitation experience. Ability to interact effectively with volunteers, leadership, and program partners. Ability to oversee multiple projects and quickly discern complex and competing interests. High degree of initiative and ability to motivate and engage high-level volunteers and donors. Demonstrated ability to work with a high degree of autonomy and accountability and to be a team player. Excellent time management skills. Requires significant travel, adhering to current CDC/Institution pandemic restrictions and policies; presence on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution during the 9-week summer assembly; and attendance at weekend/evening events. About Chautauqua Institution Chautauqua Institution (https://www.chq.org/) is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars 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://www.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 Department In 2023, the Advancement team 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 the 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. 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. 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 benefits suite includes a national health insurance network with Highmark, flexible spend (or health savings) account options, dental and vision insurance, complimentary life insurance, wellness incentives, an employee assistance program, 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 the designated service period. About the Referral Program Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program (https://www.chq.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Referral-Bonus-Program-3-8-22.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 Bachelors or better