Major Gifts Officer & Board Liaison

The Major Gifts Officer & Board Liaison plays a critical role in shaping and executing fundraising strategies across all giving levels. With a strong focus on donor engagement, acquisition, stewardship, and retention, the Major Gifts Officer & Board Liaison will build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects while leading year-round outreach and fundraising initiatives. The position serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees, supporting board engagement and philanthropic involvement. Reporting to the Director of Development & Deputy Director, the Major Gifts Officer & Board Liaison will supervise the Development Assistant, providing guidance and oversight to support departmental goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Major Gifts & Individual Giving

• Manage and grow a portfolio of individual donors and major gift prospects, ensuring consistent cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Lead and execute all aspects of the Annual Fund, including multi-channel outreach, donor segmentation, and year-over-year growth strategies.
  • Oversee and expand the museum’s general membership program, patron circles, and the International Advisory Council (IAC).
• Develop and implement clear, timely, and compelling donor communications, including appeals, updates, and acknowledgments. Work closely with Communications department.
• Promote a robust donor stewardship program that encourages retention and increased giving, utilizing personalized touchpoints such as handwritten notes, exclusive event invitations, and impact updates.
• Collaborate on the planning and execution of major fundraising events, supporting donor participation and maximizing philanthropic outcomes.
• Organize donor visits and cultivation events in coordination with cross-departmental staff to deepen donor engagement.
• Attend key patron, public, and special events to actively build relationships with current and prospective donors.
• Stay informed on best practices and emerging trends in fundraising, donor relations, and nonprofit development strategy.

Board Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees on all philanthropic matters, supporting a culture of giving and engagement.
• Coordinate and track all Trustee giving, including annual commitments, special campaigns, and in-kind contributions.
• Partner with the Board Chair, Director & CEO, and senior leadership to support and enhance board fundraising performance.
• Provide strategic guidance, training, and materials to empower board members in their fundraising efforts, including peer-to-peer solicitation and stewardship outreach.
• Facilitate meaningful board involvement in development initiatives, including cultivation events and donor engagement activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 5-7 years’ experience in development in a nonprofit institution, within a museum or cultural institution preferred.
• Proven experience managing a donor portfolio and securing gifts.
• Background supervising staff.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with donors, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial and results-oriented with a strong ability to set priorities and work towards outcomes in an organized, strategic manner.
• Strong time management skills, the ability to handle multiple tasks, adhere to deadlines and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability and interest in maintaining a thorough working knowledge of the organization’s strategic plan, mission, and vision – as well as the collection, exhibitions, and public programs.

Technology Skills

• Raiser’s Edge
• MS Suite

About the Hispanic Society Museum & Library

The Hispanic Society Museum & Library was founded in New York City in 1904 with the purpose of advancing the study and appreciation of the art, literature, and culture of Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines. Today, the museum and library collections from antiquity through the early 20th century are widely recognized as the most comprehensive in scope and quality outside of Spain. Museum highlights include numerous masterworks by El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, and Sorolla; sculpture by Pedro de Mena and Luisa Roldán; Latin American paintings

by Vázquez, López de Arteaga, Rodríguez Juárez, Arrieta and Campeche; as well as masterpieces in all areas of the decorative arts. Recent additions include works by Jose Clement Orozco and Pablo Picasso.

EEO Statement

The HSM&L is an equal opportunity employer. The HSM&L does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, partnership status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.