Major Gifts Officer (National Symphony Orchestra)

About The National Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1931, the Orchestra has always been committed to artistic excellence and music education. In 1986, the National Symphony became an artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where it has performed a full season of subscription concerts since the Center opened in 1971. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Kennedy Center is the nation’s cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy.

At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. 

Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts. 

Why Join Us

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including: 

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
• 11 paid holidays per year 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
• Flexible work arrangements
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2023 staff video!

Job Description

The Major Gifts Officer, NSO will work with the NSO Development team to achieve its annual fundraising goals through the personal cultivation and management of a portfolio of 150 – 200 donors and Major Gift prospects capable of giving $15,000 and above annually, stewarding these individuals towards increased giving to the NSO. The incumbent will be tasked with participating in and supporting department-wide strategic thinking, campaigns, events and other forward-thinking initiatives.

Responsibilities will include identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospects, subscribers, and existing donors capable of giving/upgrading to $15,000 and higher gift annually for both unrestricted and restricted contributions within the NSO’s Individual Major Gifts Campaigns. The creation of solicitation letters, proposals, donor briefings, campaign strategy and data tracking will play an important role in this position. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. The incumbent will work collaboratively with internal colleagues to build upon an existing pipeline of identified prospects and upgrading Circles members and current subscribers capable of becoming annual NSO Major Gift donors.

The Major Gifts Officer, NSO must be able to exercise discretion in order to prioritize assignments and work under significant pressure, as many projects are time sensitive and involve concurrent deadlines and donor interaction. An eagerness to communicate with the Development team, as well as relevant internal and external contacts, and problem-solving with a positive attitude is essential. The Major Gifts Officer, NSO will join a highly collaborative fundraising team, within which each individual--in addition to working on their focused assignments--participates in broad strategic planning and supports colleagues as needed to achieve the department’s goals.

Key Responsibilities

Front-line Fundraising

• Actively stewards and solicits portfolio through in person meetings, telephone, email, and written communication;
• Personalizes donor interactions, using research and donor-centered best practices to engage with their portfolio regularly
• Tracks campaign data and donor interactions to inform future fundraising strategy, creates goals for each of their donors based on the donor’s history of giving and donor’s potential
• Prepares timely and accurate written communication for specific portfolio of donors - Organizes and develops solicitations and acknowledgment materials; Ensures accuracy of all billing, finances and contributions;
• Works collaboratively with colleagues on Prospect Development, Intelligence, and Analytics (PDIA) team to strategically grow the Major Gifts program in the following ways: Present growth strategy for current donors able to upgrade their annual giving to the NSO Major Gifts level, alongside strategy for new Major Gifts prospects to the NSO; Assess current and lapsed donor giving interests, capacity, and inclination, within donor prospect management systems of the greater department; Prepare documents including wealth assessments, research profiles and summaries, meeting and event briefings for senior leadership

Assists with donor cultivation, stewardship and major fundraising events

• Kennedy Center and NSO Special Events: Reviews invitation lists; Assists in fundraising efforts where possible; Stewards donor portfolio through events

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher level of academic achievement.
• Minimum 5 years of development or related experience required.
• Working knowledge of the performing arts is preferred.
• Superior organizational, written, and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with donor databases to manage solicitation information and campaign progress. Ability to foresee fundraising opportunities and give attention to detail while at the same time focusing on the long-term perspective.
• Ability to initiate and cultivate ongoing relationships with current donors and new prospects through meetings, phone calls and occasional entertaining.
• Availability to attend NSO, Kennedy Center, donor, and other events outside of normal business hours.
• Ability to arrange for donors and prospects to attend NSO performances, events, and activities so they can meet with appropriate Kennedy Center and NSO leadership toward making new or increased NSO Major Gifts.
• Ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally as necessary, spending 50% or more time cultivating and soliciting prospects and upgrade donors capable of giving at the Major Gifts level annually.
• Significant experience in personal solicitation of five- and six-figure gifts in a sophisticated, complex environment preferred.
• Experience with Tessitura is ideal.