Major Gifts Officer

SFJAZZ is looking for a passionate Major Gifts Officer (MGO) to be part of our fundraising team. The MGO plays a critical role in ensuring the financial well-being of SFJAZZ by working to increase individual donor support, conducting the stewardship and solicitation of annual Leaders Circle gifts up to $100,000, along with SFJAZZ Gala packages and planned gifts. The MGO reports to the Associate Director. Individual Giving. The Major Gifts Officer stewards their own portfolio and supports organizational leadership in the cultivation of gift officers’ portfolios. Success will require integration with SFJAZZ leadership to understand and help shape the strategic initiatives and vision of the organization and to nurture a strong vision among donors and prospects of the impact that their investment can have on jazz music and the wider community, through both personal communications and direct marketing approaches.

Responsibilities

• Actively develop individual moves management plans for a portfolio of approximately 100-125 current and lapsed Leaders Circle Members who give $10,000 and above annually, including personal solicitation of education, Leaders Circle, Gala, and designated special campaign gifts, with a predetermined portfolio goal.

• Gain fluency with SFJAZZ Education programs and produce any related campaign collateral as needed. Work closely with the Education Department regarding program updates, integrating staff and site visits into donor cultivation, and identifying key opportunities for campaign messaging.

• Identify and cultivate a portfolio of at least 20 new prospects for securing new annual gifts through both direct marketing and one-on-one engagement;

• Collaborate with the Associate Director, Individual Giving to identify and introduce prospects for planned giving;

• Set, manage, and meet aggressive targets for annual gifts, developing an effective pipeline to the major, campaign, and planned gifts program.

• Track cultivation and stewardship activities for your portfolio in the Tessitura database.

• Work with the Associate Director, Individual Giving and other members of the Development team, and other key SFJAZZ Artistic, Operations, and Production staff to produce and staff special events such as receptions at concerts, salons, meet and greets, and our annual gala.

• Conduct and document systematic prospect research.

• Provide support to the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Artistic Director, Director of Development, and Associate Director, Individual Giving by creating donor/prospect briefings, proposal materials, and other major donor communications.

• Support the Major Gifts team in the cultivation and stewardship of their designated prospects for Annual Fund and campaign goals;

• Represent SFJAZZ in the concert hall and in the community, and at donor events.

• This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience with 4+ years focused on individual donors, preferably in the arts or non-profit sector

• Ability to conceive, plan, and execute a major gifts program, including annual giving campaigns, special events, and direct and personal solicitation

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Extensive donor database experience, knowledge of Tessitura is highly desired

• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office products and Google-based business products, and a working knowledge of procedures for donor research

• Superior interpersonal skills, ability to engage professionally with volunteers, colleagues, and donors

• Available to work weeknights and weekends, often multiple times per week

• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload in a timely manner

• Respect for sensitivity of donor information and a strong sense of fundraising ethics

• Strong work ethic, professional manner, and appearance in representing SFJAZZ

Working Conditions

This position is required to be onsite 4 days per week. Onsite presence is required for in-person donor meetings and interactions. The work schedule varies including long hours during critical periods and special events. This job requires work during evenings and weekends.