Principal Gifts Officer

Public Media•Boston, MA

4d•$110,630 - $140,600•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Gifts Officer is a senior frontline fundraiser responsible for securing philanthropic support from individuals capable of making seven-figure or greater investments in GBH. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Development, Major Gifts, this role manages a portfolio of approximately 50–75 significant donors and prospects, developing and executing strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts that advance GBH’s mission and strategic priorities. The officer brings deep fundraising expertise and works with a high degree of independence, serving as a trusted advisor to Development leadership, executives, and colleagues. The position requires a senior-level relationship builder with a record of identifying, qualifying, and cultivating high-net-worth prospects, closing complex major and principal gifts, building lasting donor relationships, and partnering effectively with senior leaders, volunteers, and stakeholders to achieve ambitious fundraising goals. The position is hybrid, with staff required to work onsite at least two days each week, every Tuesday and Wednesday. The role is based at One Guest Street, Brighton, MA 02135. The salary range is $110,630–$140,600; compensation within the range is determined by skills, experience, and internal pay equity.

Requirements

Proven success securing and closing six- and seven-figure philanthropic gifts.
Exceptional relationship-building and donor stewardship skills.
Strong strategic thinking and donor portfolio management capabilities.
Leadership presence and ability to engage high-net-worth individuals, trustees, and senior leaders.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Ability to develop and execute complex cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Strong influencing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Sound judgment, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.
Experience using donor databases and CRM systems.
Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and serve as a resource to colleagues.
Commitment to GBH’s public service mission and values.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
At least 8 years of progressively complex professional fundraising experience.
Significant experience managing major gift portfolios and closing gifts of $500,000 or more.
Experience partnering with senior executives, trustees, and influential volunteers on donor strategy and solicitation efforts.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated record of securing and stewarding seven-figure philanthropic commitments.
Experience within higher education, healthcare, arts and culture, media, public broadcasting, or other mission-driven nonprofit organizations.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of approximately 50–75 principal gift prospects and donors with the capacity to make seven- and eight-figure or greater philanthropic commitments, developing and enhancing their relationships and connection with GBH.
Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies designed to secure transformational gifts.
Leverage personal and professional connections to identify and maintain an active pipeline of high-net-worth and principal gift prospects, advancing prospects through the gift cycle.
Continuously replenish and grow the prospective principal gift donor pipeline by qualifying new prospects through research, referrals, and engagement activities.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with major philanthropists, family foundations, wealth advisors, and community leaders.
Partner with Development leadership to create innovative cultivation strategies that deepen donor engagement with institutional priorities through visits, events, stewardship activities, and volunteer involvement.
Personally solicit and close significant philanthropic investments, meeting annual revenue goals aligned with the principal gifts portfolio.
Collaborate with colleagues across teams to achieve team and overall Development Office fundraising goals.
Work with high-level stakeholders to develop cross-departmental, transformational funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities and increase principal and transformational gift activity.
Collaborate with content leaders, program executives, finance partners, and Development colleagues to align fundraising opportunities with organizational priorities.
Lead complex gift discussions, proposal development, and negotiations involving multiple stakeholders and funding priorities.
Maintain accurate documentation, forecasting, activity tracking, and prospect strategies in CRM systems and donor databases.