Sr. Manager, Major Gifts

National Geographic

11d•$128,250 - $135,000•Remote

About The Position

How You’ll Contribute The Advancement team cultivates, solicits, and stewards individuals, as well as foundation, government and corporate partners who invest in the Society to drive impact through science, technology, education, exploration, and storytelling. The team collaborates with Society teams to build transformative and impact-driven strategic partnerships. The team also produces global events that deepen connections and leverage the Society’s power to convene, and directs robust annual, major and planned giving programs empowering the Society with a broad base of public support. Reporting to the Director of Major Gifts, the Senior Manager, Major Gifts (Sr. Manager) will support the growth and health of National Geographic Society’s Advancement program in support of institutional revenue objectives. The Sr. Manager will be responsible for qualifying donors, building a donor pipeline, creating and implementing cultivation strategies for new and existing major gift candidates, soliciting annual and major gifts, and thoughtfully stewarding donors. Working closely with colleagues across the Society, the MGO will develop, execute, evaluate, and refine strategies for assigned priority projects or region(s) to maximize their development potential. This is a remote position, with preference given to candidates residing in the DC Metro Area. Your Impact Responsibilities Include Fundraising (80%): Manage a portfolio of 125+ donors and prospects, executing strategic outreach and face-to-face visits to drive the full gift cycle—from identification and qualification to solicitation and stewardship—resulting in successful gift closures ranging from $10K to $1M+; Partner with the Director of Major Gifts to drive high-level results, consistently meeting or exceeding revenue and engagement targets with a focus on securing six-figure, multi-year, and increased gift commitments; Independently design, execute, and continuously refine cultivation and solicitation strategies for the Society’s priority projects and funding initiatives; Collaborate with organizational leadership and key stakeholders to strategically leverage high-profile events and influential networks, positioning the Advancement team to maximize major and principal gift opportunities; Lead the strategy and execution of high-impact regional events across assigned markets, partnering with the Global Special Events team to ensure each engagement aligns with National Geographic’s brand and donor expectations; Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between Advancement and Marketing divisions to synchronize with regional initiatives. Strategically integrate donor engagement and high-impact special events ensuring every donor touchpoint is an opportunity to move prospects through the cultivation pipeline, accelerate philanthropic growth, and drive institutional goals. Administration (20%): Develop and maintain a thorough and accurate understanding of NGS programs and funding priorities in order to effectively connect donors and prospects to NGS priorities and content; Effectively communicate NGS priorities and successfully match donor’s philanthropic interests to funding needs; Provide and review written materials, including briefings, solicitations, reports, and acknowledgements in a quality consistent with NGS and Advancement team standards; Serve as a Point of Contact for the Advancement team with one or more programs, initiatives, or teams at NGS; Utilize and update the Raiser’s Edge database by recording activities, contacts, and strategies on an on-going basis consistent with department policies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
7+ years of development experience with donor/donor candidate management and gift solicitation, including a proven track record of closing gifts $25,000+ and stewarding donor relationships.
Sophisticated communication skills and demonstrated ability to increase current donor support, and to attract new donors.
Success managing high-visibility projects in a fast-paced environment.
Self-motivated and capable of working proactively and independently.
Strong oral and written communication skills are necessary with a demonstrated ability to write effectively for business/philanthropic communication purposes.
Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and the Google suite.
Must be detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to maintain high standards of confidentiality.
Proactive and professional demeanor when interacting with NGS staff, senior executives, high net worth individuals, and donors.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge database system strongly preferred.
Ability to exercise good judgment and work with minimum of instruction and supervision when necessary.
Excellent interpersonal skills enabling professional and congenial interactions.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 125+ donors and prospects, executing strategic outreach and face-to-face visits to drive the full gift cycle—from identification and qualification to solicitation and stewardship—resulting in successful gift closures ranging from $10K to $1M+
Partner with the Director of Major Gifts to drive high-level results, consistently meeting or exceeding revenue and engagement targets with a focus on securing six-figure, multi-year, and increased gift commitments
Independently design, execute, and continuously refine cultivation and solicitation strategies for the Society’s priority projects and funding initiatives
Collaborate with organizational leadership and key stakeholders to strategically leverage high-profile events and influential networks, positioning the Advancement team to maximize major and principal gift opportunities
Lead the strategy and execution of high-impact regional events across assigned markets, partnering with the Global Special Events team to ensure each engagement aligns with National Geographic’s brand and donor expectations
Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between Advancement and Marketing divisions to synchronize with regional initiatives. Strategically integrate donor engagement and high-impact special events ensuring every donor touchpoint is an opportunity to move prospects through the cultivation pipeline, accelerate philanthropic growth, and drive institutional goals.
Develop and maintain a thorough and accurate understanding of NGS programs and funding priorities in order to effectively connect donors and prospects to NGS priorities and content
Effectively communicate NGS priorities and successfully match donor’s philanthropic interests to funding needs
Provide and review written materials, including briefings, solicitations, reports, and acknowledgements in a quality consistent with NGS and Advancement team standards
Serve as a Point of Contact for the Advancement team with one or more programs, initiatives, or teams at NGS
Utilize and update the Raiser’s Edge database by recording activities, contacts, and strategies on an on-going basis consistent with department policies.

Benefits

medical, dental, and vision insurance
engaging and comprehensive wellness program
401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave
12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31
paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits
learning and development opportunities
Lifestyle Spending Account
pet adoption assistance and insurance
pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy
employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks