Director of Major & Planned Gifts

Milwaukee Repertory Theater•Milwaukee, WI

1d•$78,000 - $80,000

About The Position

The Director of Major & Planned Gifts (DMPG) is responsible for the development and implementation of a strategic Major and Planned Giving Program to meet institutional goals. Additionally, the DMPG will be responsible for the development of a major gift pipeline focused on the Capital Campaign & Annual Fund. Working closely with the Chief Development Officer, the DMPG will coordinate donor cultivation strategies and major gift solicitations. What We Are Looking For: You thrive on the thrill of meeting new people and working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. You are curious by nature, going beyond surface level interactions to build genuine, lasting connections that you continue to nurture over time. You’re detail-oriented and data-driven. You find equal satisfaction in tracking, monitoring, and reporting on solicitations and stewardship as you do in making those first, meaningful introductions. You’re a natural developer and inspiring people manager. You are someone who guides, grows, and empowers both direct reports and team members across the organization to reach their highest potential. You are confident and self motivated . You are unafraid to make ambitious asks because you’ve done the research, built the relationships, and know exactly how to lead the conversation toward a genuine and enthusiastic “yes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and five years of professional experience with some combination of annual fundraising, planned giving and solicitation of major gifts; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience
Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing major gifts, with a proven track record of securing significant philanthropic commitments
Knowledge of fundraising systems and experience in prospect identification preferred
Working knowledge of donor tracking software, knowledge of Tessitura preferred
Knowledge of philanthropy and fundraising principles
Ability to establish rapport with high level donors and trustees
Superior interpersonal and organization skills are essential
Excellent written & oral communication skills, in order to respond effectively & diplomatically with donors, volunteers, and industry leaders.
Capacity to manage and organize confidential information and to exercise discretion and sound judgement
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; and use hands to handle, or touch objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Communicate well with a diverse group of colleagues.
Demonstrate an aptitude and eagerness to learn new skills and processes when necessary.
Solve problems and engage in creative thinking about challenges individually and in a group environment.
Are able to accept and incorporate feedback.
Have excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and diplomacy skills and ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
Demonstrates an understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre and/or a willingness to commit to learning and to the mission, vision, and values of the theater in areas of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts both in the workplace and in our community.

Responsibilities

Work with the Chief Development Officer to create and execute an individual moves management strategy to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major and planned gift prospects and donors for The Rep annually and for the Capital Campaign specifically
Secure gifts by developing and managing a personal portfolio of 150 major and planned gift donors and prospects
Allocate 50% to 75% of DMPG time to qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major and planned gift donors
Oversee campaign activity tracking and reports, volunteer management, communications, and other campaign functions. Contribute to campaign strategy planning.
Manage an ongoing planned giving program that successfully and stewards planned gift donors
Meet annual personal fundraising goal and contribute to success in meeting annual team goals
Supervise Senior Gift Officer and Associate Director of Stewardship, helping them meet their key performance indicator goals
Facilitate Major Gift Team meetings
Manage specific central services to support fundraising efforts: o Manage research including regular wealth screening; analyze and act upon results
Collaborate with the Development Database Manager to maximize use of Tessitura’s ability to track, monitor and report solicitations and stewardship
Recruit attendees to and engage donors and prospects at development department events throughout the year
Help manage the Lubar Lounge, including hosting some evening and weekend performances
Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer and others on the development team to maximize giving
Complete and track individual tasks as required by the comprehensive Moves Management program
Work with the Chief Development Officer to develop and oversee volunteer cultivation and solicitation activities
Other duties as assigned