Major Gifts Officer

Position Summary: 

Position: Major Gifts Officer

Department: Philanthropy

Reports to: Director of Philanthropy

FLSA Classification: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt

Compensation:  $70,000 to $85,000.

Work Location: Downtown Seattle. The 5th Avenue Theatre administrative office located within Skinner Building (1326 5th Avenue, Suite 735). This role will require some travel to off-site donor meetings and events.

Posting Date: March 2024.  This is a rolling application process and the posting will close as soon as our successful candidate has been selected.

The 5th Avenue Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in all areas of its work, both onstage and off.  Qualified individuals from communities that have been traditionally underrepresented in the theatrical industry, and that represent multiple identities, perspectives, influences, and lived experiences, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Overview:

The Major Gifts Officer will build and manage a portfolio of donors and prospects who give or have the capacity to give $10,000 or more in annual support and will collaborate with the Senior Philanthropy Manager on the planned giving program. This will require conceiving and implementing solicitation strategies for new and increased gifts as well as identifying opportunities to connect prospects and donors with the programs and leadership of The 5th, leveraging their passions and interests to increase their giving.  Building and cultivating relationships will be imperative to maintaining their portfolio, and they are responsible for making phone calls, stewarding donors, and achieving fundraising goals.

The ideal candidate is action-oriented and strategic, and demonstrates outstanding donor relations, customer service, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee and nurture a portfolio of major donors, implementing strategic moves management to cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships.
• Develop strategies for donor recognition and growth.
• Collaborate with the Individual Giving team, Executive Leadership, and Board members to identify, evaluate, cultivate and solicit major gift donors for annual support, special project (including capital) funding, and planned giving prospects.
• Creatively identify opportunities to connect donor interests with institutional priorities to develop and cultivate annual gift prospects.
• Work with Philanthropy colleagues to identify and rate new prospects, and prepare solicitation proposals accordingly.
• Ensure proper stewardship of major donors and planned giving supporters to enhance long-term relationships.
• Make a minimum of 10-15 donor visits per month to steward donors and secure gifts.
• Implement a marketing plan to support a pipeline for increased and consistent donors and prospects.
• Plan donor cultivation events to connect donors, artists, board leaders and community leaders to the annual fundraising gala, donor dinners, Producers Circle, Season Preview Dinner and other donor cultivation events.
• Work collaboratively with the philanthropy team to grow support.
• Attend donor events throughout the year and host donors and guests in the Producers Club.
• Model and support the mission and values of The 5th Avenue Theatre.
• Support The 5th’s ongoing commitment to a diverse, equitable, and enthusiastically inclusive workplace and department.
• Perform other duties and special initiatives as assigned by the Director of Philanthropy.

Desired Qualifications and Competencies:

The ideal candidate for this position will possess most of these skills and qualifications, or relevant experience and achievements to help them meet needs of the role.

• Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, arts or business administration; or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years proven track record of securing gifts, meeting goals, and increasing donor contributions year to year.
• Demonstrated skills in successfully handling significant levels of responsibility, initiating and managing projects, and working both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (particularly Word and Excel). Experience with Tessitura preferred.
• Exceptional skills in fostering relationships, establishing trust and rapport in business partnerships with diverse individuals, and engaging in skillful conversation with tact and sound judgement.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, with great attention to detail, strong customer service skills, and a commitment to building a welcoming and inclusive space for internal/external patrons and stakeholders.
• Maintaining a professional, personable, and positive image.
• Commitment to the importance of the arts and, specifically, musical theater.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Sitting: Much of the work in philanthropy involves working at a desk, meeting with donors, and attending meetings, sitting at a computer, and making phone calls.
• Walking: While the role is primarily office-based, you may need to walk within the office or to attend meetings in different parts of the organization's facilities or in the general Downtown area.
• Standing: You may need to stand during meetings, presentations, or events, such as fundraising galas or donor meetings.
• Travel: There may be a need to meet with donors, attend conferences, or visit other locations, and travel may be a part of the job. This could involve sitting on planes, trains, or in cars for extended periods.
• Lifting and carrying: This could involve transporting and setting up materials for events.
• Communication: This role requires fluency in English.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The 5th Avenue Theatre employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, & Vision package; Sick, Personal, & Vacation time; 11 paid holidays per calendar year, commuter benefits (Orca Card and reduced-price parking); Life and Disability Insurance; enrollment option in the company’s 401(k) retirement plan and tax-advantage savings accounts; complimentary performance tickets to most shows.