Gann Academy seeks an experienced development professional for its newly created Major Gifts Officer position. The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for implementing Gann Academy’s Major Gifts fundraising strategy to effectively identify, cultivate, solicit and steward current supporters and new prospects. The position is centered on growing the major gifts program while maximizing revenue from our prospect pool of alumni, community, and family members. The focus of this position is to secure support for school-wide priorities including academic programs, the sciences, technology, athletics, arts, scholarships and campus improvements. The Major Gifts Officer will also participate in a Comprehensive Campaign to raise legacy, scholarship and capital funds for the school.

Candidates will demonstrate depth of experience in one-on-one solicitation and skills of tactful persuasion, follow through, and closure necessary for achieving success. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate who is interested in joining a growing Development operation, and who enjoys independence and a creative team focused environment.

Gann Academy is a 15-year old pluralistic Jewish day school in Waltham committed to providing a challenging, nurturing, and inspiring education that integrates intensive Jewish studies with the sciences and the humanities.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward approximately 75 prospective and current donors including parents, alumnae, and friends of the school utilizing Moves Management strategy to develop individualized cultivation plans for all donors in portfolio.

Manage prospects and donors in the primary territory of Greater Boston, with a focus on soliciting major gifts through a variety of means including personal donor visits and small-scale events.

Work with donors to execute on major and planned gifts while meeting donors’ charitable giving objectives and supporting Gann Academy’s mission. Strategies will demonstrate a complete understanding of the donor and their primary interest in the school.

Thank donors in thoughtful, creative ways, and maintain relationships over time keeping current and potential supporters informed, interested, and involved. Act as a steward of all individuals on a prospect list.

Track solicitation amounts, anticipated gifts, pledges, and income, and provide regular revenue and cash flow updates on projections versus actual.

Report to the Director of Institutional Advancement and provide weekly updates of cultivation activities and solicitations. Provide reports on progress and creative problem-solving approaches.

Develop and create short-term goals and long-range strategic plans for stewarding existing donors and expanding individual giving in the Major Gifts area.

Work collaboratively and strategically with the President, trustees, Head of School, fundraising professionals, marketing, faculty, and other staff.

Document major gift donor and prospect contacts in Raiser’s Edge in accordance with established procedures and adhere to the highest ethical standards of accuracy and confidentiality.

Produce fundraising materials, including but not limited to, letters, emails, proposals, PowerPoint presentations and reports. This includes drafting original copy and editing documents.

Skills and Qualifications

  • Excellent written, presentation, oral communications and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy in a clear, courteous and professional manner; ability to write compelling letters and proposals;
  • Team player with a track record of building donor relationships and closing gifts in the five to seven-figure ranges;
  • Successful experience in making cold calls as well as developing cultivation and solicitation strategies;
  • Experience researching, cultivating and stewarding individual and corporate donors, including major donors;
  • Experience in budgeting, developing work plans, and monitoring progress;
  • Demonstrates interest in building positive and authentic relationships;
  • Proven skill in exercising discretion and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information;
  • Possess strong leadership skills, and be able to motivate and influence others; ability to work well as an effective team member;
  • Ability to effectively manage a high workload, multiple projects and competing priorities; possess strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and an ability to work well under pressure; demonstrated leadership record of completing assignments while working independently;
  • Possesses interest in the school’s mission with a dedication to promoting the organization’s fundraising priorities through strong relationships;
  • Ability to think creatively and strategically, have excellent judgment and be able to work in a changing environment; and
  • Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Word, Publisher, etc.

 

Education and Experience Requirements

 

Minimum of a B.A. degree; M.A. preferred

Five to seven year’s successful experience in major gifts fundraising

Managed a portfolio of primary prospects

Experience with donor databases; Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge preferred

Contact

Please send resume and cover letter, including a description of why you are an ideal candidate for this position, to Susan Appelbaum, Director of Institutional Advancement, at sappelbaum@gannacademy.org.

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