Position Description:

The newly created position of Major Gifts Officer will be responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of 100-150 donors with the potential to make five-figure-plus gifts to support the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS).

About Connecticut Historical Society and its Opportunities:

The CHS has always worked to understand the past and encourage historic inquiry. Through permanent and groundbreaking temporary exhibitions such as Common Struggle, Individual Experience, An Exhibition about Mental Health, the CHS has always worked to ensure that Connecticut residents feel connected not only to the history and culture of Connecticut but, through a shared understanding of history, with each other. The public programming of the CHS serves school groups, families, teachers, curious life-long learning adults, researchers, and the State of Connecticut. The CHS is the only state historical organization that offers a folklife program, the Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program, to ensure the collection is an inclusive and true representation of the diversity of the state. The adoption of the state folklife program in 2015 resulted in bringing more than 60,000 objects, mostly photographic and video content, of the diverse cultural groups that are in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Historical Society is at an exciting moment in its history. As the organization prepares for its 200th Anniversary in 2025, the CHS is committed to a five-year strategic plan to enhance its impact by elevating work with diverse communities across the state to develop engaging programs, events, and exhibitions. The CHS is in discussions with the State of Connecticut regarding a potential public-private capital project which is currently in its early stages of conception. In support of this capital project, the CHS anticipates launching a comprehensive fundraising campaign. In preparation for this anticipated campaign, the CHS has completed a campaign readiness assessment, an extensive development assessment, and wealth screen of its prospects. The CHS has also completed an institutional rebrand which will launch to the public in the first quarter of 2023.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer to design a major gift strategy aimed at increasing the overall dollars raised, and deepening our relationships with the CHS’ most committed supporters
• Develop and grow CHS’ donor base and pipeline of individuals capable of making five-figure-plus gifts
• Collaborate with CHS colleagues and leaders to achieve CHS’ fundraising goals
• Build and manage a fundraising portfolio of 100-150 active prospects, including:
  • Identify, research, and qualify donors in close consultation with the Manager of Development Services
  • Create individual goals that match organizational needs to the passions, interests, and capacity of each individual prospect; set and achieve annual portfolio goals
  • Create a meaningful cultivation and solicitation plan for each prospect; execute and modify as circumstances change
  • Work with CHS program staff to secure project information to create exciting investment opportunities for prospects (front-end) and report gift impact to donors (back-end)
  • Partner with the team to design and implement comprehensive, creative, and high-quality stewardship strategies that exceed donor expectations
• Ensure the integrity of the database by maintaining up-to-date and accurate donor information and contact reports
• Independently exercise ethical and sound judgement, and maintain the highest standards of donor privacy and confidence
• Perform other major gift officer duties as required, including monthly reporting to management that accurately reflects caseload activity and performance

Skills, Experience and Education Required:

• Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising with a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant professional experience, preferably with capital campaign fundraising experience
• A deep understanding of the Connecticut philanthropic market and key leaders in the Arts and Culture sector
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to build relationships and inspire action from donors
• Comfort with public speaking
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting
• Excellent attention to detail and a sense of pride in work
• Ability to remain highly organized in a multi-faceted organization and drive towards goals
• Utilizes a high degree of discretion, particularly as it pertains to sensitive donor information
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and fundraising systems, Blackbaud Altru preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree required
• A passion for the mission of the CHS

Schedule

Full time, Monday through Friday, with occasional non-business hours events or meetings. Remote work two days per week.

Compensation

$80,000 to $100,000 per year.

Benefits

Eligible for generous full employee benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, long term disability, employer contributions to 403(b) plan, and paid vacation and sick days.

How to apply

Please email cover letter and resume to Susan Presutti, Director of Human Resources, [email protected], by March 20, 2023. Finalist group of candidates will provide three references (preferably current or former managers) with telephone numbers and email addresses.

CHS is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.