Major Gifts Officer

Children’s Museum of Manhattan • New York, NY

1d • $110,000 - $125,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is a mission-driven cultural institution that supports creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning through interactive exhibitions, educational programs, and community partnerships. As CMOM strengthens connections at its current location and prepares to open a new museum on 96th Street, the Major Gifts Officer will help expand individual philanthropy and build a thriving major gifts program.

The Major Gifts Officer independently manages a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, secures major gifts for annual operations, and leads fundraising for key donor groups. The role works with Board members and senior leadership to advance donor relationships and solicitations, and collaborates across teams to create donor engagement opportunities. The position is based at 212 West 83rd Street in New York City and follows a hybrid schedule.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of progressive fundraising experience, including at least 5 years of direct major gifts experience.
• Demonstrated success soliciting and securing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Ability to independently manage a major gifts portfolio and move donor relationships from cultivation through solicitation and stewardship.
• High emotional intelligence, exceptional interpersonal skills, and confidence engaging authentically with high-net-worth individuals, Board members, and senior leaders.
• Exceptional writing skills, particularly in persuasive, personalized donor correspondence and proposals.
• Sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and ability to navigate complex relationships with sophistication.
• Entrepreneurial, self-directed approach, with initiative to identify opportunities, establish priorities, and advance relationships independently.
• Strong organizational and collaboration skills, with ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively across teams.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with New York City's philanthropic community.
• Experience in arts, culture, education, or related nonprofit settings.

Responsibilities

• Build and independently manage a portfolio of 75–100 major gift donors and prospects, developing tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Personally solicit and secure five- and six-figure gifts, including multiyear commitments, and achieve established fundraising goals.
• Qualify and engage prospective donors from existing networks, including event supporters, campaign donors, and Board connections, while identifying new opportunities.
• Lead fundraising, recruitment, and donor engagement for emerging major donor groups.
• Collaborate with Special Events and Program teams to develop and execute donor experiences, events, and other engagement opportunities.
• Mobilize Board members to cultivate and solicit people in their networks, providing strategic guidance, materials, and follow-up.
• Partner with the Director of Development, Chief Advancement Officer, and CEO to advance major donor relationships and solicitations.
• Draft personalized donor correspondence, proposals, and stewardship communications, including materials on behalf of senior leadership.
• Use existing events, including the Gala and Sunday Funday, to cultivate relationships and generate philanthropic support.
• Coordinate with the campaign team on donor engagement and identify opportunities to transition campaign supporters into ongoing annual giving relationships.
• Maintain accurate donor records and solicitation plans in Raiser's Edge and track progress toward fundraising goals.

Benefits

• Medical coverage, including free employee coverage and premium options for dependents
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Free admission to select New York City cultural institutions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed