Major Gifts Officer & Board Liaison

The Major Gifts Officer & Board Liaison plays a critical role in shaping and executing fundraising strategies across all giving levels. With a strong focus on donor engagement, acquisition, stewardship, and retention, the Major Gifts Officer & Board Liaison will build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects while leading year-round outreach and fundraising initiatives. The position serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees, supporting board engagement and philanthropic involvement. Reporting to the Director of Development & Deputy Director, the Major Gifts Officer & Board Liaison will supervise the Development Assistant, providing guidance and oversight to support departmental goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Major Gifts & Individual Giving

• Manage and grow a portfolio of individual donors and major gift prospects, ensuring consistent cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Lead and execute all aspects of the Annual Fund, including multi-channel outreach, donor segmentation, and year-over-year growth strategies.
• Oversee and expand the museums general membership program, patron circles, and the International Advisory Council (IAC).
• Develop and implement clear, timely, and compelling donor communications, including appeals, updates, and acknowledgments. Work closely with Communications department. Promote a robust donor stewardship program that encourages retention and increased giving, utilizing personalized touchpoints such as handwritten notes, exclusive event invitations, and impact updates. Collaborate on the planning and execution of major fundraising events, supporting donor participation and maximizing philanthropic outcomes. Organize donor visits and cultivation events in coordination with cross-departmental staff to deepen donor engagement. Attend key patron, public, and special events to actively build relationships with current and prospective donors. Stay informed on best practices and emerging trends in fundraising, donor relations, and nonprofit development strategy.

Board Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees on all philanthropic matters, supporting a culture of giving and engagement. Coordinate and track all Trustee giving, including annual commitments, special campaigns, and in-kind contributions. Partner with the Board Chair, Director & CEO, and senior leadership to support and enhance board fundraising performance. Provide strategic guidance, training, and materials to empower board members in their fundraising efforts, including peer-to-peer solicitation and stewardship outreach.

• Facilitate meaningful board involvement in development initiatives, including cultivation events and donor engagement activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree.
• 5-7 years experiencein development in a nonprofit institution, within a museum or cultural institution preferred.
• Proven experience managing a donor portfolio and securing gifts.
• Background supervising staff.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with donors, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial and results-oriented with a strong ability to set priorities and work towards outcomes in an organized, strategic manner.
• Strong time management skills, the ability to handle multiple tasks, adhere to deadlines and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability and interest in maintaining a thorough working knowledge of the organizations strategic plan, mission, and vision as well as the collection, exhibitions, and public programs.

Technology Skills

• Raisers Edge
• MS Suite

Preferred Skills

• Spanish proficiency