Major Gifts Officer

ABOUT PAFA

Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is America's first school and museum of fine arts. Located in center city Philadelphia, PAFA is intimate in scale with a strong sense of community. PAFA’s undergraduate degree offerings include a BFA in Studio Art and a coordinated BFA with the University of Pennsylvania. Graduate programs include an MFA and Low-Residency MFA degree, and a Post-Baccalaureate certificate. PAFA’s museum has an outstanding collection of American art, and the museum actively collects and exhibits contemporary art, including work in new media. Additionally, PAFA is home to the Brodsky Center, a print and papermaking center focused on the creation of innovative editions by contemporary artists.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Because we were the nation’s first art museum and art school, we believe PAFA has a moral obligation to ensure that every member of our community can study and work in an environment where they feel a sense of belonging. We have the additional obligation of ensuring that our community reflects that rich tapestry of beauty and diversity that surrounds our world. We are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire arts, cultural and educational sector, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all. PAFA is committed to maintaining an inclusive learning environment, and a diverse community of students, faculty and staff.

PAFA is an equal opportunity employer. Women and diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply to work in our pluralistic community.

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 direct the leadership annual giving program ($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. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this role will 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. Work collaboratively with colleagues to create thoughtful tailored strategies and solicitation materials in support of annual operating goals, and restricted gifts for special initiatives including such as 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;
• Qualify new prospects as assigned, meet monthly metrics, and actively move through the donor lifecycle, working in collaboration with Director of Development Operations to identify prospect pools and opportunities;
• Develop and implement strategies for major gift prospects, and craft tailored solicitation materials,
• With the Chief Development Officer, support the President & CEO, Board of Trustees and other key stakeholders in their fundraising work;
• Manage leadership giving programs (the Peale Circle, Brodsky Center Advisory Council and other giving areas) including the solicitation and renewal process, benefit activation, event oversight and stewardship. Serve as primary point-person for the Peale Circle, keeping donors informed and enthusiastic about the organization through clear and consistent communication;
• Collaborate with the Manager of Membership & Annual Giving and the Manager of Development Events to create pathways for increased engagement for event attendees and members, and to build the individual giving pipeline.
• 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;
• Oversee and work with colleagues to ensure proper acknowledgment and recognition for donors, as well as to ensure that reports, regular communications, and stewardship activities and recognition events are handled effectively and efficiently;
• Serve as an effective representative for PAFA;
• Perform other job related duties as requested.