Major Gifts Development Lead

Girl Be Heard is seeking a Major Gifts Development Lead who will play a critical role in increasing individual donor support, leading annual appeal campaigns, developing strategies for stewardship and prospecting, overseeing the annual Gala, and driving board development.

The Major Gifts Development Lead will participate in each step of the donor pipeline including: identification; qualification through research; cultivation; briefing; request for support; and prompt follow up, stewardship, and recognition. The Major Gifts Development Lead works very closely with the Executive Director, other Executive Staff, the Board of Directors, and outside consultants to identify and raise the funding necessary to help the organization grow and invest in existing and new programming, all aimed at increasing the opportunities and successes of our participants.

The ideal Major Gifts Development Lead will be a strategic thinker with excellent communications and interpersonal skills who will build a strong foundation that ensures the organization's long-term sustainability and impact. The Major Gifts Development Lead will have experience in non-profit fundraising and a passion to support the artistic mission, vision and goals of Girl Be Heard.

Responsibilities Include:

• Set strategy for individual and major gift giving
  • Create donor strategies to build and maintain relationships
  • Develop effective strategies for identifying and soliciting new donors
  • Build a strong pipeline for diversification and major giving at higher levels of support
  • Work with members of the Board of Directors, Youth Advisory Council, Junior Board, our “Amplifier” team and others to identify prospects and develop individualized giving plans and tasks for each member.
• Conduct ongoing stewardship and prospecting
  • Identify and prioritize prospects
  • Maintain regular donor contact
  • Oversee donor records/database, stewardship activities, and cultivation
  • Strengthen ties with existing supporters, reconnecting with lapsed supporters
• Spearhead annual appeals and Giving Tuesday Campaigns
  • Work collaboratively with members of the development team to develop and maintain a detailed campaign plan and calendar in order to achieve campaign goals
  • Work with development team to set priorities; manage and adjust the work plan and calendar as needed
  • Maintain up to date knowledge of major programmatic initiatives
  • Manage the creation and production of all campaign materials, including (but not limited to) letters, emails, and social media posts.
• Organize Annual Gala
  • Work with staff to strategize and execute Annual gala for major donors and prospects
  • Identify event leadership
  • Work with Board Members and others to recruit sponsors, vendors, supporters, and guests
• Drive Board Development
  • Activate existing board members as ambassadors and advocates for GBH’s mission
  • Ensure 100% Give Get across board members
  • Develop pipeline of new board members

Qualifications:

The ideal Major Gifts Development Lead candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field; Master’s Degree in related field a plus.
• Extensive knowledge of and contacts in the philanthropic and donor sectors.
• A deep appreciation for the organization’s mission and the importance of its work, and an ability to eloquently articulate the organization’s goals, vision, and work.
• At least five years of relevant development experience with focus on individual and major gifts giving
• Demonstrated success in planning and executing major fundraising events and campaigns, including attracting and maintaining major gifts
• Experience working closely with Board members to enhance and leverage the organization’s fundraising activities
• Unquestioned personal and professional integrity
• Innovative and analytic problem-solving abilities
• Ability to set goals strategically and oversee execution
• A dedicated work ethic, including a desire to be a hands-on team member
• A keen eye for detail, and an understanding of the importance of meeting deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Superior organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent computer skills. Microsoft Word and Excel experience required; Salesforce/Database experience a plus.

Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled.

How to apply: Send your resume with a cover letter highlighting relevant experience and why you would like to work with Girl Be Heard. Submit electronically to jobs@girlbeheard.org. Include “Major Gifts Development Lead”– (your name)” in the subject line.

About Us: Girl Be Heard builds leaders, changemakers, and activists. We do this through developing, amplifying and celebrating the voices of girls and young women through socially conscious theatre-making, performance, and storytelling. Girl Be Heard’s education curriculum encourages our participants to think critically about social justice, challenge stereotypes, foster friendships, and build tools for bringing about positive change in their communities. Our programs are housed in 13 sites in NYC, one global program in Trinidad and Tobago and are also accessible virtually, online. 

Work Environment: Remote applicants will be considered.  Occasional travel to NYC for donor events may be required.

We're a dedicated and energetic team that values a collegial, transparent environment. We work hard to support each other in all ways. We value innovators, people with big ideas and even bigger passion and know-how to make those ideas happen.

Girl Be Heard’s office is located in DUMBO, Brooklyn, and is air-conditioned and located in a wheelchair accessible building. Girl Be Heard seeks a broad spectrum of employees and is strongly committed to a diverse and equitable work environment. Queer individuals, trans people, people of color, and women are highly encouraged to apply. Girl Be Heard is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender identity or expression, color, national origin, ability, ethnicity, ancestry, sexual orientation, age, religion, or belief.