Major Gifts Officer

PAFA is seeking an energetic and experienced fundraiser with a proven track record in securing major gifts ($25,000+) and developing strategies for leadership-giving programs ($1,500+). This vital role will collaborate closely across the organization to enhance philanthropic revenue, support senior leadership in fundraising efforts, and expand our prospect pipeline. If you're passionate about making a difference and ready to elevate our fundraising efforts, we want to hear from you!

Why Join Us?

PAFA is on the brink of a historic event. In 2026, we will be reinstalling our renowned collection, a momentous occasion that coincides with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This unique opportunity enables us to commemorate and celebrate America's rich history while honoring the contributions of all Americans.

PAFA has been an integral part of America's cultural and artistic heritage, paralleling the nation's journey from its early years to the present day. The upcoming reinstallation, during PAFA 250, will highlight the academy's extensive collection of American art and provide a reflective opportunity to appreciate the nation's past, celebrate its achievements, uncover untold stories, and envision a brighter future for the next generation and beyond.

As we approach this historic milestone, PAFA 250 is committed to creating an immersive experience that bridges the gap between history and the present. We aim to showcase the evolution of American art and its role in shaping our national identity. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to engage with works that span from the early 19th century to contemporary pieces, each telling a story of resilience, innovation, and the diverse voices that have contributed to the fabric of our nation.

POSITION: Major Gifts Officer

PAFA seeks an energetic and experienced fundraiser with a demonstrated track record and proven ability to close major gifts ($25,000+) and create strategies for leadership giving programs ($1,500 plus). Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Major Gifts Officer will have a vital role in the continued growth of philanthropic revenue for PAFA and work in close collaboration across the Development Department, President & CEO, and across the organization to meet goals.

The Major Gifts Officer will support the work of senior leadership and volunteers in their major gift fundraising efforts and help drive the strategy and activity to expand the prospect pipeline. The Major Gifts Officer will actively manage an assigned portfolio of prospects using moves management strategy to qualify, engage and solicit new prospective donors, and retain and increase support from current donors. They will work collaboratively with colleagues to create thoughtful tailored strategies and solicitation materials to support annual operating goals and restricted gifts for special initiatives including exhibitions, education programs, endowment funds, and capital projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In collaboration with the Chief Development Officer, create and implement a dynamic plan for expanding the leadership and major gifts program. This plan will include strategic goals and activities aimed at increasing and diversifying philanthropic giving across all areas from individuals including planned giving;
• Actively maintain a personal portfolio of individual donors and prospects (with the capacity to give $25,000 and above), and achieve monthly goals for meaningful prospect contact including meetings, solicitations and other interactions that deepen relationships with PAFA;
• Develop and implement strategies for major gift prospects, and craft tailored solicitation materials,
• Identify and qualify new prospects as assigned, meet monthly metrics, and actively move through the donor lifecycle, working in collaboration with Chief Development Officer to identify prospect pools and opportunities;
• Establish strategies to expand leadership giving programs and oversee solicitation practices (Former Trustee Association, Brodsky Center Advisory Council, Peale Circle and other giving areas, some in collaboration with Donor Relations Officer);
• Create and implement strategies to sustain corporate event sponsorship and expand into other engagement opportunities;
• With the Chief Development Officer, support the President & CEO, Board of Trustees and other key stakeholders in their fundraising work;
• Collaborate with the Donor Relations Officer and Manager of Membership & Annual Giving and to create pathways for increased engagement for event attendees and members, and to build the individual giving pipeline.
• Work with colleagues to ensure proper acknowledgment and recognition and stewardship for donors; contribute to event programming planning that effectively connects donors and prospects to PAFA's work;
• Utilize Raiser's Edge NXT to track moves management, manage relationships, event attendance, prospect information and reporting in adherence with department practices and policies;
• Keep abreast of industry best practices, trends and ethics;
• Serve as an effective representative for PAFA;
• Perform other job related duties as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum three to five years of development experience with knowledge of best practices
• A passion for the arts with a genuine interest in advancing PAFA's mission to celebrate the transformative power of art and art-making
• A motivated and strategic fundraiser with a record of successfully building meaningful relationships with donors and identifying new opportunities to increase revenue
• A flexible, collaborative team player and problem-solver who partners well with colleagues to achieve shared institutional goals
• A strategic thinker who sees the big picture, but is also sufficiently detail-minded to develop the necessary building blocks to reach the desired goal
• Exceptional professionalism, tact, and poise. Ability to work with diverse constituencies including staff, faculty, students and volunteer leadership
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
• Strong intellectual curiosity and emotional intelligence
• Familiarity of the philanthropic landscape in Philadelphia, planned giving, and individual giving vehicles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Outlook, Excel)
• Expertise in Raiser's Edge NXT software (or similar system) required
• Ability to work some evening and weekend events.

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) offers a wide range of competitive employee benefits to help you live well. Check out more on our Employee Benefits microsite.