Development Officer

How You Will Contribute

The Development Officer is an integral part of the Major Gifts team and the Individual Giving division, responsible for the identification and qualification of new prospective leadership and major gift donors for the Museum, with a primary focus on field work and personal visits.  This is a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic Development office during a transformational expansion project designed by world renowned architect Frank Gehry. This role is expected to continue through the life of the project (June 2020).

Specifically, you will…

• Meet with high-potential prospects from a large pool identified by Prospect Research to determine their philanthropic capacity, inclination to make a gift, and areas of interest at the Museum.
• Qualify and refer prospects for cultivation and eventual solicitation by Major Gift Officers, Leadership Annual Giving and/or Planned Giving staff, or for disqualification as a donor prospect for Development.
• Coordinate appropriate strategies and steps for the advancement of viable prospects to their primary staff and program assignments.
• Serve as an ambassador for the Museum and maintain both a general knowledge of and ability to articulate fundraising priorities across all areas of the Museum and discuss the comprehensive Campaign currently underway.
• Work closely with the Deputy Director of Development and the Director of Prospect Research and Management to inform and achieve goals for visits and yield for qualified Principal and Major Gift, Leadership Annual Giving, and Planned Giving referrals.
• Collaborate with Prospect Research staff on the prospect discovery and assignment process.
• Maintain a small portfolio (approximately 25) of ongoing prospect relationships, as needed.
• Report activity on a consistent basis with entries in Raiser’s Edge database.
• Other duties as assigned.

Your diverse background includes…

• A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of three years’ experience in Development or a related field is required. 
• The ability to travel locally, and provide own transportation.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively with other staff across the Development office
• High levels of energy, creativity, initiative, and conscientiousness
• Superior attention to detail, along with the capacity to work in a new, dynamic role with evolving priorities
• Excellent listening, interviewing, presentation, oral and written communication skills,
• The ability to quickly and effectively develop relationships
• Proficiency with current office technologies and software (MS Office suite, Outlook, spreadsheets, etc.)
• Experience in producing, analyzing and interpreting research data to drive actionable outreach strategies.
• Experience using Raiser’s Edge or similar databases
• Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality of information