Job Type
Temporary
Description
Department: Development
Reports to: Director of Development
Compensation: $87,000 - $92,000 annually
Benefits: Benefits Eligible
Position Summary The Guthrie Theater seeks an accomplished Senior Philanthropy Officer to provide additional fundraising capacity during the final phase of a successful capital campaign. This is an ideal opportunity for a seasoned fundraising professional who thrives on donor engagement, enjoys closing major gifts, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and can begin producing results with strategic onboarding.
The successful candidate is a confident relationship builder with a proven record of securing five-figure and larger philanthropic investments. They can assess a donor portfolio quickly, identify opportunities, and move prospects toward a gift efficiently and with precision. They are comfortable making a high volume of donor outreach calls, moving prospects through the solicitation process, and meeting face-to-face with donors when needed to close gifts.
This is a hands-on, results-oriented role focused on helping the organization reach its campaign goal and is perfect for someone who enjoys jumping into organizations at critical moments. The ideal candidate is energized by direct donor conversations, disciplined about outreach activity, and motivated by helping an organization cross the finish line of a major campaign.
This position is temporary, full-time, exempt, benefits eligible and will be anticipated to work a duration of 12-15 months from the date of hire. The typical schedule for this role will vary based on the dynamic schedule of a theater and will require occasional evening and weekend availability.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities - Manage and actively solicit a portfolio of identified major gift prospects.
- Develop and execute individualized strategies that combine qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to move donors toward campaign commitments. Identify donor interests, philanthropic capacity, and readiness while building authentic relationships that lead to campaign investments.
- Conduct a high volume of meaningful donor interactions through in-person visits, virtual meetings, phone calls, and personalized outreach.
- Close a significant number of five-figure campaign gifts, with an emphasis on moving existing prospects to commitment.
- Collaborate with campaign leadership and development staff to prioritize prospects and identify opportunities to accelerate gift closures. Schedule and participate in donor meetings, either independently or alongside senior leadership, to cultivate and solicit gifts.
- Meet ambitious activity and fundraising goals through the close of the campaign. Monitor progress against established performance metrics and adjust strategies to maximize results.
- Represent the organization professionally and passionately while communicating the vision and impact of the capital campaign.
- Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, and pipeline activity within Tessitura (CRM).
Requirements
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience. Minimum of 7 years of frontline major gifts fundraising experience, preferably within higher education, arts and culture, healthcare, or other large nonprofit organizations.
- Demonstrated success securing major gifts of $10,000 and above, including closing complex solicitations.
- Experience working on capital campaigns or comprehensive fundraising campaigns strongly preferred.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and confidence conducting a high volume of donor phone outreach.
- Skilled in donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, negotiation, and stewardship.
- Experience with donor CRM systems such as Raiser's Edge NXT, Tessitura, Salesforce, or similar platforms; Tessitura experience preferred.
- Can build trust and credibility quickly with donors and colleagues.
- Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision and little ramp-up time.
- Can sit for extended periods of time.
- Must be willing to work flexible hours/days reflective of the dynamic schedule of a theater, with the availability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
- Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.
WHO SHOULD APPLY? The Guthrie relies on the talents of many artists and staff, both on and off the stage, to create powerful works of theater at the Guthrie. We are dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference. Acknowledging that there are many identities that are underrepresented in the theater overall, the Guthrie strongly encourages candidates who bring diversity of identity, experience and thought to apply. We also acknowledge that candidates can have unique and non-linear and transferable skills. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification but have transferrable skills and passion for our mission and vision.
WHY SHOULD I APPLY? Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. The Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks which include:
- Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employer contributions to HSA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, Group Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (with employer match up to 4.5% after one year of service)
- Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking
- Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
- Complimentary Tickets: To Guthrie productions
- Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie
- Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps
- Other Perks and Resources: Guthrie Store discount; Employee Affinity Groups
Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for the position. Salary Description
$87,000.00-$92,000.00 annually
