Discovery & Engagement Officer

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra•Pittsburgh, PA

2d•$50,000 - $60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As a valued member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s Development Department, the Discovery & Engagement Gift Officer plays a vital role in growing philanthropic support for the PSO by engaging prospects, donors, and members of the community. This individual will actively manage a donor portfolio, qualify new donors, conduct discovery calls, and build a pool of new prospects and past donors at the $2,500 – $5,000 level. The Gift Officer initiates gift strategies and cultivates and solicits prospects through personal visits, direct mail, and written and phone communication, working closely with colleagues across the Development Department to implement strategic approaches that increase the donor base and build a robust pipeline of major gift support for the Orchestra.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study.
At least two years of experience in non-profit fundraising in a complex institution.
Strong knowledge and application of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies and techniques.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail.
Ability to be discreet and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
Demonstrated independent, mature judgment, and a collaborative approach to problem solving.
Ability to successfully prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and use various database and planning software.
Must have access to transportation for travel to meetings and donor visits.
Commitment to attend evening and weekend concerts and participate in special events as a visible and active representative of the PSO.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a performing arts organization.
Familiarity and proficiency in Tessitura.
Knowledge of orchestral music.

Responsibilities

Develop, direct, and implement strategies to solicit maintenance donors, subscribers, and patrons through personal visits, email, direct mail, and telephone contact.
Develop and execute a robust discovery program with documented processes and procedures.
Actively prospect and research individual donors under the $2,500 level, subscribers, and ticket buyers who are not yet donors.
Qualify and manage donors for the best ongoing philanthropic support of the Orchestra, moving donors to the major gifts team as and when appropriate, while receiving leadership giving referrals (donors who are not yet major gift prospects) from the major giving team.
Articulate the value of supporting the goals and mission of the PSO, as well as priority programs like the annual fund. Work closely with the Grassroots team to execute stewardship efforts, engagement activities, and special fundraising initiatives.
Ensure donors who have declined face-to-face meetings and/or are not assigned to a major gift officer are included in year-end solicitations via email, direct mail, or telephone contact.
Work closely with major gift officers and the development operations team to ensure management of donors who have potential to make major gifts, as well as collaboration around the identification of new major gift prospects.
Coordinate and execute direct mail processes for the major gifts division in coordination with the grassroots giving team.
Maintain data integrity of the portfolio, including entering and updating prospect and donor contact reports, plans, screens, and proposals in the Tessitura database according to established protocols.
Collect and gather data for reports and inquiries and maintain major gifts division tracking.
Maintain accurate listings of donors for various publications, including the program book.
Respond to inquiries and donor communications.