JOB DESCRIPTION – Essential Job Responsibilities:

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for the development and acquisition of major gifts to address Bishop Museum’s capital and operational goals related to the strategic plan. The Major Gifts Officer will build and manage a portfolio of prospective donors, develop and implement strategies for donor engagement, implement plans and solicit gifts to achieve fundraising goals. The Major Gifts Officer regularly visits individual donors and corporate and foundation executives to build relationships and ask for support of the Museum. A primary responsibility of the role will be to contribute to, coordinate and execute with Bishop Museum’s Development committee and management a plan to complete the Museum’s current capital campaign. In addition the Major Gifts Officer will develop and implement plans to secure major gifts to support the operational needs of the institution as well as gifts to support the long-term sustainability of the Museum through planned giving and endowment growth.

The successful candidate will demonstrate experience and success in fundraising, strong organizational and communication skills, and the initiative and ability to work independently. A minimum of five years of progressive fundraising experience, a passion for learning and exploration, and the desire to join a dynamic and growing operation should be demonstrated. Experience in an education or a large cultural or environmental organization is preferred.

• Understand the Museum’s current and prospective funding communities; develop strategies to secure major gifts from individual, corporate and foundation funds.

• Working with Museum staff and board of directors, lead efforts to raise funds for the Museum’s capital campaign.

• Work with Museum President & CEO and Board leadership to assist in the coordination of cultivation and solicitation major gifts.  Act as primary liaison between the Museum and the Fund Development Committee of the Board of Directors as it relates to capital campaign and major gifts.

• Develop and implement a sophisticated planned giving program for the Museum; cultivate prospects through targeted marketing efforts and educate prospective donors on planned giving vehicles.

• Collaborate with Development staff to develop donor cultivation, capital campaign and recognition events.

• Assist Museum program staff in developing and preparing foundation proposals (local and national) as well as competitive federal grants, together with interim and final project reports.

• Perform other duties as required.   

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree required.  Master’s Degree desirable.

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the development activities of a non-profit organization required.  Capital campaign experience and experience with planned giving programs desirable.

• Strong writing skills required, including the ability to write standard development communication pieces (including direct solicitation pieces, acknowledgments, proposals, letters of inquiry, cover letters and general correspondence), and general interest articles.

• Knowledge of database, spreadsheet, and word processing software required.  Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge software desirable.

• Organized and detail-oriented, with ability to meet tight deadlines and to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

• Energetic and enthusiastic team player.  Also able to work independently.

• Flexibility to work some weekday evenings and weekends as needed.

• Valid driver’s license and car required.

SKILLS

• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong understanding of donor and membership database software systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks
• Organized, detail and deadline oriented and able to prioritize tasks; good time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills; positive attitude; ability to work with diverse groups of people
• Ability to maintain composure under time constraints; ability to maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with others.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team to accomplish tasks/goals of the department
• Valid Hawaii Drivers License

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Professional, business-like appearance
• Good attendance
• Flexibility in schedule to handle various tasks, including night/weekend hours