Posted on August 24, 2012

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Associate Director, Major Gifts

Ford’s Theatre Society is seeking an Associate Director, Major Gifts to manage all major and planned gift fundraising efforts including: managing the portfolio of all individual donors and prospects capable of gifts over $5,000. The Associate Director, Major Gifts and his/her staff is responsible for all phases of identification, cultivation, solicitation, acknowledgement, recognition, and stewardship of major and deferred gifts. The Associate Director is responsible for establishing an annual plan to grow the program, including annual fundraising goals. Additionally, the Associate Director, Major Gifts is responsible for all aspects of foundation and government grant support. He/She will also work closely with the Development Committee and other members of the Board of Trustees, as well as Ford’s Theatre senior program staff to accomplish these goals. Serve as member of the senior development leadership team.

Principle Responsibilities Include:

• Manage all Individual major and planned gift fundraising efforts. Major Gifts at Ford’s Theatre Society is defined as those above $5,000.
• Primary staff liaison for Ford’s major donor group, the National Advisory Board. Associate Director, Major Gifts is responsible for cultivation, solicitation, activities, events, and stewardship of all members, collaborating with DOD and the leadership of Ford’s Theatre.
• Assist in the recognition and prioritization of organizational funding needs; keep abreast of institutional and departmental priorities and programs.
• Establish relationships and meet with these donors and their staffs, alone or with volunteers, executive, development, or program staff as appropriate.
• Working with the Director of Development and Deputy Director, Special Events and Administration, assist in identifying and soliciting donors for Ford’s Theatre’s annual Gala
• Develop relationships with foundation and government funders.
• Coordinate the development of proposals for new and established funders and approve all outgoing foundation and government grant requests. Responsible for program descriptions for new and substantial proposals.
• Observe and collaborate on activities/programs of the education department and other programming as needed, with an eye toward developing future grants opportunities.
• Oversees required documentation of gifts and gift intentions, as well as reminders and fulfillment of multi-year pledges.
• Oversee the content of all major giving materials including annual reports, brochures, website, e-news and social media.
• Work with Ford’s development team to identify prospects and oversee research to surface prospects that are not currently affiliated with Ford’s and its leadership.
• Create, launch and maintain a bequest program.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Three to Five years’ experience working in upper level fund raising programs
• Major gift cultivation/solicitation in an arts or museum environment preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Expert interpersonal skills
• Superior verbal and written communications and listening skills
• Extensive knowledge of fundraising campaigns, finance and budgeting
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of theatre staff, board members, volunteers, senior management and consultants
• Demonstrates leadership, vision and the ability to motivate others
• Demonstration of initiative, creativity and follow-through
• Self-starter with the ability to multi-task and be in control of numerous tasks at any one time
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong public speaking ability
• Integrity. Maintains confidentiality
• Excellent time manager with strong planning and organizational skills
• Effective management skills
• Some travel is required

Application Instructions

Please submit resume, cover letter, and salary requirement to Michelle Keegan at mkeegan@fords.org. No phone calls please. E/E/O