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Major Gifts Officer
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
New York, NY, USA · New York, NY, USA
Posted on Oct 10, 2024
Job Summary
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has a strong history of fundraising from a broad base of supporters. Philanthropic giving from individuals, corporations, and foundations has been instrumental to advancing ocean research, technology and education. Private philanthropy, in particular, has been an integral part of WHOI’s success since it was founded in 1930 with a $2.5M gift from the Rockefeller Foundation. Today, gifts from local, national and international donors continue to support WHOI’s mission and vision helping to unravel the mysteries of the ocean and devise science-based solutions to planet-wide problems.With a collaborative 22-person development team, WHOI has been named a four-star charity by Charity Navigator for 12 consecutive years, a distinction achieved by only two percent of U.S. charities. Support for WHOI from donors reached $90M in 2023, and results are projected to exceed $65M in 2024.
WHOI is in the early phase of a comprehensive campaign and this role will play a significant role in the success of the campaign through the careful stewardship of WHOI’s current supporters and the ambitious identification, qualification and solicitation of new donors in the New York City/Metro region.
WHOI seeks a Development Director for Major Gifts (Major Gifts Officer) to manage and further cultivate a strong group of existing donors in the greater New York City region to support the ambitious and strategic fundraising growth of the organization. This position will be responsible for working with the team to drive WHOI’s campaign and be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors and prospects. The successful candidate for this position will need to be based in the New York City region, with the flexibility to travel to Woods Hole, as needed. Additional seasonal travel will be required as well (the Hamptons during the summer and Florida in winter are examples).
Key to success in this role will be identifying and building relationships with new prospects, as well as strengthening relationships with existing donors to maximize philanthropic support. In addition to soliciting major gifts, this position will develop ways in which donors can support the future of WHOI through transformational campaign gifts.
Job Description
Essential Functions & Duties
Major Gift Portfolio Management
- Grow and manage a portfolio of 125-150 prospects capable of making five-to seven-figure philanthropic commitments.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for the NY Chapter and its volunteer Steering Committee, a group of highly engaged and dedicated volunteers.
- Meet quarterly benchmarks and goals based on activity with prospects/donors and annual fundraising goals.
- Identify and qualify new major gift prospects and create a comprehensive strategy for donor cultivation, solicitation, and retention based on the donor’s giving history and capacity.
- Directly solicit major gifts and partner with senior staff and/or volunteers on solicitations by providing prospect briefings, strategic guidance, and assistance with donor communications.
- Track prospect activity by creating and sharing reports that accurately reflect donor relationships and support through the moves management system.
- Ensure that key prospects are actively managed by meeting and corresponding regularly with them; communicate fundraising goals and move prospects through the major gifts pipeline.
- Enhance the operational efficiency of WHOI’s major giving program by developing, implementing, and ensuring that all systems and processes—from gift documentation to reporting—are accurate and align with the needs and requirements of the organization.
- Prepare and present written and oral briefings, follow-up materials, and contact reports on major gift prospects/donors in a timely manner.
- Work strategically, as assigned, with the Vice President for Advancement and the Chief Development Officer, as well as the Director of Advancement Operations & Stewardship, Development colleagues and volunteer leaders to communicate fundraising priorities.
Prospect Cultivation and Donor Stewardship
- Partner regularly with WHOI’s scientific and engineering staff in bringing donors closer to WHOI.
- Coordinate with teams across WHOI to develop, plan, and participate in strategic donor engagement opportunities, such as small events for select prospects under direct management and larger donor stewardship events.
- Develop a high-quality donor experience through regular correspondence, professional proposals, and timely acknowledgements.
- Lead the development and implementation of cultivation and stewardship for major gift donors in collaboration with colleagues.
- Engage prospects in volunteer activities (as appropriate) to further steward and cultivate those relationships.
- Personally acknowledge all gifts from assigned prospects.
- Visit specified regions across the country to cultivate prospective donors and build relationships.
- Represent WHOI at events.
Advancement Responsibilities
- Ensure relationships are developed with other potential partners through engagement tactics that complement fundraising activities.
- Partner with the Development Events team on NY region engagement activities.
- Collaborate with the engagement team to understand and learn demographic and personal information related to WHOI constituencies, prospects, and donors.
Required Experience & Education
- Keen understanding of WHOI’s mission and goals, and the ability to articulate its uniqueness and relevance.
- Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in major gifts fundraising.
- Proven record of closing 5- and 6-figure gifts.
- Ability to work independently and effectively as a fully remote fundraiser in a fast-paced, highly-entrepreneurial working environment.
- A solution-oriented mindset and strong skills in diplomacy, communication, collaboration, demonstrated sensitivity in handling confidential information, and a sense of humor.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and a strong ability to inspire and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships.
- The ability to provide thoughtful insights and high-level strategic input in all areas of fundraising and prospect management.
- A working knowledge of constituent management systems with an emphasis in Raiser’s Edge/NXT and Microsoft 365 suite of products.
- A strong understanding of best practices for tracking campaign and major gifts.
- Some travel, weekend and after-hours work required.
Additional Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
Lifting/carrying less than 25lbs
Moderately sedentary
Sea Duty
N/A
Travel
The work arrangement for this role is fully remote with the expectation of traveling to NYC several times a week for donor meetings, events, and other job-related activities.
Occasional travel to the Institute for team meetings/events is required
Work Authorization/Security Clearance
N/A
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.