Position Relationships: This position is a key member of the development team, working closely with senior leaders, curators, education staff and trustees to meet fundraising goals
Position Summary: The Development Officer will be responsible for raising funds for general operating, education programs, exhibitions, conservancy initiatives, and other key priorities for the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art in concert with the development team. Initially reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this role will manage a diverse portfolio that includes individuals, corporations, and family foundations. The Fundraiser will also manage the Circle leadership annual giving program and work closely with the development team to meet departmental fundraising goals as well as assigned activity metrics. The position will be assigned prospects to qualify and engage throughout the donor life cycle, from initial contact to solicitation, help to expand the prospect pipeline, and focus on securing gifts in the $1,000 to $25,000 range.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Donor Cultivation & Stewardship:
- Develop and maintain relationships with current and prospective individual, corporate, and family foundation donors.
- Create tailored strategies for prospect engagement and increase financial support for the organization and membership in the Brandywine Heritage Society.
- Actively manage a portfolio of donors, members and prospects, and support the fundraising work of executive leadership and trustees as assigned.
- Qualify and engage assigned prospects, guiding them through the donor life cycle—from identification to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Manage the Circle program and its related events to ensure continued support from current members and help to expand the membership of support for this leadership giving group.
- Fundraising Strategy & Execution:
- Collaborate with the development team and other Brandywine staff to implement fundraising strategies to support general operating and annual giving, education programs, exhibitions, conservancy programs, and other organizational priorities.
- Organize and execute solicitations, through in-person solicitations, written proposals or mailings including the Circle program and for other assigned projects or prospects.
- Track progress towards fundraising goals, ensuring that assigned metrics are met and exceeded.
- Event Planning & Support:
- Help organize Circle events and travel and other engagement initiatives.
- Cultivate relationships with event attendees to increase long-term giving.
- Reporting & Analytics:
- Provide regular updates and reports on fundraising progress to department leadership.
- Analyze donor data to develop strategies for increasing support and engagement.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of 3-5 years of fundraising experience, preferably in a nonprofit, museum, or conservancy environment.
- Proven success in securing gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Strong understanding of annual giving strategies and donor stewardship.
- Experience with managing a portfolio of prospects and engaging them throughout the donor life cycle.
- Experience with donor databases, prospect research, and tracking fundraising metrics; Altru experience a plus
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling appeals and reports.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Passion for conservation, education, and cultural programming.
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends for events and meetings.
- Ability to travel locally for donor meetings and events.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with capital campaigns, planned giving and major gifts fundraising.
- Knowledge of the local philanthropic community.
Salary Range: $55,000-$62,500
Please send cover letter and resume to cscholz@brandywine.org