Major Gifts Officer

The Franklin Institute, the most visited museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, strives to be the world leader in promoting science and technology education and literacy through inspiring and engaging experiences that cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and an understanding of the crucial role science plays in our lives.

At The Franklin Institute, we provide an environment that is as nurturing as dynamic. Our team-oriented approach allows for ample learning and career growth opportunities. We think you will find the Institute offers the ideal atmosphere in which to best use your skills and talents. We are eager for your input, ideas, and inspiration.

Position Description:

Reporting to the Vice President of External Affairs, the Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is responsible for managing and cultivating relationships with new and existing major gift prospects by creating a dynamic pipeline and managing all aspects of the donor journey. MGO will develop fundraising strategies to secure major philanthropic commitments ($25K+). This position is a key member of The Franklin Institute’s (TFI) External Affairs team, which manages relationships and secures gifts for annual operations, restricted projects, and the Mission: WOW! capital campaign. The Major Gifts Officer will also be responsible for:

• Manage an active portfolio of 125 major donor prospects capable of making $25K+ gifts.
• Establish and manage effective relationships with significant prospects and major donors. Will plan and implement major gifts strategies using work and stewardship plans; identify and evaluate potential donors; design and implement prospect cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Achieve visit, solicitation, and revenue goals. Ensure accountability by setting personal expectations for donor activity and confirm commitment to the External Affairs Department metrics; regularly updating progress while assessing the needs of the team and self.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of exhibitions, educational programs, and science communication activities, as well as TFI history, to effectively communicate priorities and philanthropic opportunities to external audiences.
• Conduct prospect research and identify new donor prospects from membership, events, and other data sets and sources.
• Effectively coordinate prep of meeting materials, solicitations, stewardship reports, and communication with senior TFI leaders, including the President and CEO.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required, 4-6 years related experience in development with no less than 2 years with a specific focus on major giving, or equivalent combination of education and experience are important.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or other Blackbaud products preferred.
• Must be proactive and a team player who collaborates well with colleagues across various departments and can work independently in a fast-paced, goal-oriented culture.
• Excellent writing/communication skills are essential.
• Experience with performance metrics to establish philanthropic objectives for prospects, develop cultivation plans, prepare solicitations, and secure gifts.
• History of overseeing a portfolio of prospects and successfully achieving fundraising goals.
• Previous Capital Campaign experience is a plus.
• Ability to travel locally. Occasional night and weekend work.

Status: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday (8:45 am – 5:15 pm). Ability to travel locally, with occasional night and weekend work.

Salary: $90,000 - $95,000

Benefits Information:

The Franklin Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision, 401K, life insurance, and disability coverage. We also offer generous Paid Time Off, paid holidays, and numerous wellness program benefits.

To apply, please visit our Career Center. We look forward to hearing from you!

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

The Franklin Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability or protected veteran status.