Director of Major Gifts, Jacksonville Symphony

Position Summary

The Jacksonville Symphony Advancement Department raises funds through donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, the public sector, and special events to support artistic and educational programming and general operating expenses. The Director of Major Gifts role will be responsible for expanding the base of major gift donors, primarily from individuals, on a local, and regional level. S/he will work to increase support by cultivating and stewarding effective relationships by maintaining an active fundraising schedule that includes strategic visits, and ongoing cultivation and solicitation. S/he will maintain a portfolio of 125-150 current and potential donors with five to six-figure plus capacity excluding board and honorary board. In addition, s/he will maintain an active schedule of cultivation and solicitation visits securing gifts of $10,000 and more and encouraging multi-year commitments. Working closely with the Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer, s/he will work to collaborate with cross functional team members, track progress, and coordinate and organize task responsibilities that enhance major gifts fundraising efforts.

Responsibilities

• Work to increase support by cultivating and stewarding effective relationships through face-to-face meetings and regular communication. Actively manage a portfolio of 125-150 major gift donors and prospects with an emphasis on securing new gifts through timely and strategic weekly action.
• Secure new and upgrade existing donor commitments to the annual fund including multi-year pledges, and planned gifts working closely with leadership, volunteers, and outside consultants.
• Work with Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer on major donor prospect identification, solicitation activity, and all follow-up and cultivation activities.
• Represent the Symphony at concerts, programs and events as assigned. Regular evening and weekend concert duty is expected at these events as they are an optimal means of cultivating prospects and stewarding current donors.
• Produce regular reports tracking and monitoring major gift portfolio results and activity.
• Update donor database records on a regular basis.
• Performs other responsibilities as requested or assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum three to five years’ experience as a gift officer with a proven track record of soliciting and closing five and six figure gifts.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the techniques of moves management.
• Tessitura experience preferred.
• Familiarity with planned giving programs and techniques.
• Strong and effective interpersonal skills, with ability to make presentations to senior-level groups as well as to build one-on-one relationships with members of diverse constituencies at all levels of authority.
• Highly self-motivated, metrics driven and goal oriented, with effective organizational and writing skills.
• Must have a positive attitude, be able to work as part of a high-functioning team, possess a passion for the performing arts and to work effectively with volunteers and staff.
• Donor-centered with a strong customer service ethic.
• Impeccable attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Articulate, poised, and calm under pressure.
• Sense of humor.
• Displays diplomacy in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Maintains active computer literacy, including word-processing and database and spreadsheet proficiency.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Jacksonville Symphony is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.

To Apply

To apply for this position, please submit in PDF format a resume and cover letter of introduction outlining your specific experience and qualifications to Bryan de Boer, Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer at HR@jaxsymphony.org. No phone calls, please.

Compensation

The Jacksonville Symphony offers a competitive salary. This position is eligible for full benefits including medical, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, and a 403(b)-retirement plan. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required.