Leadership Annual Gifts Officer

at  The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts

ABOUT THE BUSHNELL:

The Bushnell is more than just a building, or a place to “see a show” — it is a vibrant organization that draws upon a rich, 95-year history, while navigating an exciting course for the future. Led by a CEO with an entrepreneurial spirit and great vision, we are constantly looking for new ways to expand the scope of our work, whether it’s through dynamic programming, collaborating on a plan to develop our neighborhood or building upon our 32-year-old education program, which reaches 15,000 students in Greater Hartford annually. As the largest arts organization in Connecticut, The Bushnell is an essential part of the fabric of Hartford, serving as both a cultural beacon and an economic development leader. Our staff embodies this sense of pride and commitment to the community and are encouraged to share new ideas for the betterment of the patron experience, the growth of the institution, and the community we serve.
Broad Functions:
Seeking someone who appreciates the performing arts and embraces the challenge of raising funds from individual donors to support the Annual Fund. The ideal candidate can identify, cultivate, personally solicit, and steward Bushnell donors and prospective donors with the goal of increasing the number donors on a consistent and repeatable basis, as well as increasing the level of donation from year to year via face-to-face solicitations. This position calls on the ability to work independently within the context of a team-oriented environment.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years experience in the fundraising field
• Demonstrated ability to personally solicit gifts in the amount of $2,500 and above.
• A passion and understanding for the performing arts and its impact on the community.

• Excellent interpersonal skills required to relate to a diverse group of donors, prospects, and volunteers, including tact,

  diplomacy, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

• High level of motivation and confidence, as well as an ability to exercise independent judgment

• Possess initiative and self-starting qualities.
• Ability to understand and communicate the objectives of annual giving and the overall fundraising priorities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Negotiating, organizational, analytical, and fund-raising skills.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team, handle multiple tasks, assess, and order priorities, track details in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer proficiency required

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job essential functions.
The Bushnell is a Not-For-Profit, Equal Opportunity Employer, proud to serve Connecticut and its citizens.

• Works collaboratively with development colleagues and senior staff to reach annual fundraising goals.
• Qualify, cultivate, and solicit Bushnell patrons, donors, and prospects capable of making leadership annual gifts in the $1,500 - $10,000 range or more.
• Manage a portfolio of annual donor prospects of approximately 180+ with a heightened focus on diversifying The Bushnell’s donor population. Develop and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies, personally make at least 10-15 contacts per month.
• Under the Direction of the CDO, prepare annual goals, objectives, and strategies to identify donors and prospects.
• Work with the CDO and Director of Annual Fund to provide names for donor cultivation and stewardship events.
• Enter timely and complete contact reports into CRM within one week of meeting a donor/prospect and effectively communicate progress of cultivation efforts and results of visits to appropriate Bushnell personnel.
• Develop and implement retention strategies to upgrade donors. Recognize disinterested donors and devise strategies to redirect their interests.
• Participate in execution of events and programs in support of development activities. Engage key volunteers and effectively utilize events and other activities to move solicitations forward.
• Qualify prospects for potential major gift capacity and interest. Provide appropriate background on prospects to be assigned to CDO or Senior Major and Planned Gifts Officer.
• Assist with solicitations in special campaigns.
• Additional duties as assigned.