Major Gift Manager

Save the Sound, Inc.•New Haven, CT

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Save the Sound seeks a full-time Major Gift Manager to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors. The role manages relationships with current and prospective individual donors giving annual gifts of $1,000 to $50,000, develops strategies and plans to meet annual fundraising goals, and establishes benchmarks for donor outreach and engagement. The manager works with the major gifts team, development and program staff, senior leadership, board members, and the Board of Directors Development Committee to plan donor cultivation and stewardship, including events. The position reports to the Executive Vice President of Philanthropy and is based in the New Haven or Larchmont office. Frequent regional travel for donor visits and events is required, as is availability for evening and weekend events. Save the Sound currently uses a hybrid in-office/remote work arrangement, with staff expected to report to an office at least two days per week unless the position requires otherwise. The role is contingent on continued availability of organizational funding.

Requirements

Five or more years of relevant major donor fundraising experience.
Demonstrated success securing and growing significant individual gifts.
Excellent written and oral communications skills to convey organizational needs, strengths, and funding opportunities through letters, appeals, proposals, and impact reports.
Ability to build meaningful, authentic relationships with donors, volunteers, and colleagues.
Strong organizational skills and superb attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team player.
Experience using donor databases or CRM systems.
Willingness to travel frequently throughout the region.
Access to a car and a current driver's license.
Availability to work evening and weekend events.
Legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

Blackbaud experience.

Responsibilities

Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and prospects.
Recommend, develop, and execute donor cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Create individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans, including written updates and proposals.
Conduct donor visits, calls, and outreach to build long-term relationships.
Collaborate with senior leadership, board members, and program staff on donor engagement and gift solicitations.
Identify, research, and qualify new major gift prospects.
Develop strategies to increase donor support and engagement.
Plan and develop fundraising and friend-raising events to cultivate prospects.
Prepare donor updates, proposals, reports, and other fundraising materials.
Acknowledge and recognize donors in a timely manner.
Support major donor communications, appeals, and stewardship initiatives.
Establish personal benchmarks and regularly report on donor calls, meetings, and other quality contacts.
Work with the major gifts team to develop organizational goals for major donor revenue and meet or exceed annual fundraising goals.
Work with development and program staff and the Board of Directors Development Committee to strategize, plan, prepare, and implement donor cultivation and stewardship events.