Major Gifts Officer

USS New Jersey is the most decorated battleship in Navy history, earning distinction in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and conflicts in the Middle East. The New Jersey’s history spanned over half the 20th century, from its design in 1938 until 1991. She was launched on the first anniversary of Pearl Harbor and went on to steam more miles, fight in more battles, and fire more shells than any other battleship in history. In World War II, the New Jersey led the Pacific Fleet under Admirals Spruance and Halsey and fought in the two largest naval battles in history. She was reactivated to fight in the Korean War and again in the Vietnam War when she was the world’s only operating battleship. She was reactivated for a third time in the Cold War to halt Soviet expansionism and resolve conflicts in the Middle East. After fighting fascism, communism, and terrorism, she was decommissioned for the final time in February 1991. Today, New Jersey continues her service as a living museum and memorial in Camden, New Jersey, just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, where she was built.

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is a vital member of the Executive Team and is responsible for securing financial resources for the Home Port Alliance for the USS New Jersey, Inc. (the HPA). The primary position focus is meeting and working with donors and prospects with significant giving capacity to accomplish their giving objectives through large gifts over $5000 and legacy giving. The MGO will engage in and be responsible for major donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and relationship growth. This income-generating position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The position requires travel and includes evening and weekend responsibilities to be successful. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Cultivate giving relationships for the operation and restoration of the Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial.

• Develop a compelling case for support and fundraising materials to convey the significant history of the Battleship NJ and clearly show how the continued operation of the historic sites is critical to honor its legacy, the legacy of those who served, and the education of our citizens.

• Establish realistic goals for significant gifts annually with the CEO and develop an incremental growth plan.

• Identify and cultivate major gift prospects. Build relationships with donors that align with the HPA’s mission and objectives.

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 100-125 relationships and apply a moves management approach to the portfolio. Develop a customized engagement strategy for donors.

• Manage prospects in the Delaware Valley and Mid-Atlantic, and plan for the nationally strategic expansion of the donor pool.

• Develop stewardship strategies that continue the major gift relationship for future gifts and legacy giving opportunities.

• Adhere to the highest ethical standards to match the HPA values; demonstrate an empathetic disposition; reflect an optimistic attitude to the donors.

• Report progress quarterly in a report that can be shared with the board.

• Work collaboratively, under the direction of the CEO, with other key members of the HPA’s senior staff to accomplish individual, team, and organizational funding goals.

• Serve as a resource for other members of the Executive Staff, from identifying potential volunteer connections to knowing about meeting and event spaces in key locations.

• Track prospects and donor contacts in the portfolio using the HPA’s donor management software. Ensure that all donor information is recorded and accomplished in a technologically secure environment.

• Participate in planning and hosting signature fundraising events at the Battleship and offsite.  

• Actively participate in the Board of Trustees’ Resource and Development Committee.

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master's degree and/or Certificate in Professional Fundraising preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of three years of experience as a Major Gift Officer and demonstrated success in donor cultivation and sustained relationships.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of philanthropy best practices.

• Ability to communicate effectively and to develop and maintain effective relationships with donors.

• Detailed and in-depth knowledge of fundraising, its impact, and associated tax laws.

• Skilled in researching and analyzing data for prospect development.

• Skilled and compelling writer.

• Proficient social media skills.

• Proficient with Altru, Raiser’s Edge, or other Blackbaud technology.

• Capable of handling numerous tasks at once and still meeting deadlines.

• Collegial and efficient.

• Demonstrated ability to understand the needs and interests of donors to develop or strengthen relationships with the HPA.

• Proficient in the development and growth of legacy giving programs.

• Ability to travel and work irregular hours as the position requires. 

The HPA’s and the Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial’s recruitment policies are designed to place the most highly qualified persons available in a timely and efficient manner.  Battleship New Jersey may pursue all avenues available, including promotion from within, employee referrals, outside advertising, employment agencies, Internet recruiting, job fairs, college recruiting, search firms, and others.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The HPA and the Battleship New Jersey strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, sex, religion, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation or preference, medical condition (including pregnancy), or protected disability where it is unrelated to the ability to perform a job, or status as a