Director of Major Gifts

21-Sep-2022

American Repertory Theater

60011BR

Job Summary

The American Repertory Theater at Harvard University seeks a motivated leader, fundraiser, and manager to create, develop, and execute a strategic fundraising plan for individual giving and special events. The Director of Membership and Major Gifts is responsible for major donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship in NYC and Cambridge; supervision of all direct marketing fundraising activities including membership; and oversight of special member events including domestic donor travel and membership nights in NYC and Cambridge. The primary focus of the role is to identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit prospects for major gifts while building comprehensive fundraising programs for assigned areas. This position is responsible for raising approximately $1.5M+ per year in major gift revenue, as well as supporting the success of the theater’s $250M capital campaign.

Position Description

• Manage a diverse portfolio of prospects and donors to solicit gifts ranging from $10,000 to $1,000,000.
• Serve as front-line contact for those who comprise the major gift donor base for the A.R.T.
• Oversee the A.R.T. NYC donor base by cultivating, stewarding, and growing the membership through new event opportunities in NYC
• Identify and qualify new major gift prospects for both the annual fund and the capital campaign.
• Brief and prepare the Chief Development Officer for donor visits and gift solicitations.
• Report out research, event reports, etc. to the A.R.T. Senior Team.
• Develop and implement comprehensive solicitation plans to sustain and increase leadership annual gifts from major gift prospects.
• Develop and update fundraising materials in partnership with the Marketing & Communications department to expand activities that promote giving through print and online communications.
• Collaborate with the Patron Services team on in-person engagement needs as well as written communication to patrons about the Membership program.
• Work with the Database Administrator to ensure systems reflect current Membership and individual giving needs.
• Plan, execute, and oversee cultivation and stewardship events and communications, including those related to the capital campaign.
• Manage and expand the theater’s planned giving program.
• Ensure that gifts receive timely and appropriate acknowledgement and that all annual giving donors are stewarded effectively.
• Analyze fundraising data and reports to inform decisions about future campaigns and initiatives.
• Manage the membership and major gifts budget and create quarterly income/expense projections.
• Support the theater’s commitment to antiracism and anti-oppression by developing and implementing equitable and inclusive development practices, including mechanisms for accountability.
• Work in close collaboration with colleagues in the University Development Office and across the University to ensure transparent communication about and cohesive strategy for HU-affiliated prospects and donors.
• Direct supervision of the AD, Stewardship and Major Gifts and AD, Development Operations role.
• Perform additional duties as needed to help advance the theater’s mission.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in fundraising or a related field

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
• Knowledge of advanced fundraising principles and best practices
• Proven success in soliciting and closing leadership annual gifts and major gifts
• Ability to be a passionate advocate for the mission of the A.R.T.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and managerial capabilities
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
• Customer service and problem-solving orientation and attitude
• Demonstrated flexibility, reliability, and tact
• Strong budgeting, organizational, and analytical skills
• Experience with donor database system, Tessitura highly desired
• Knowledge of theater is strongly preferred

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as required. Our office operates on a hybrid working model, partial remote work schedules are available.

PLEASE NOTE: The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements  Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found on the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ .

Job Function

Alumni Affairs and Development

Location

USA – MA – Cambridge

Job Code

302058 Development Manager

Union

00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Credit, Criminal, Education, Identity

Schedule

Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week. 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.