Major Gifts Officer

Job description

Woodruff Arts Center employees play an integral role in creating and supporting great art and education initiatives at the nation’s third largest arts center. Comprised of three Art Partners—Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art—there’s a role for everyone at The Woodruff. Reports to: HMA Deputy Director Advancement FLSA: United States of America (Exempt) Employment Status : Regular/Full time ABOUT THE HIGH The High brings art, ideas, and people together to amplify the importance of artistic expression, envision a better future, and positively change Atlanta. Our work is rooted in five guiding ambitions: Growth, Inclusivity, Collaboration, Connectivity, and Optimism. These values shape our programs, partnerships and the way we work together. Candidates who are energized by these aspirations will find a meaningful and supportive home at the High. ABOUT THE ROLE The Major Gift Officer (MGO) advances the Museum’s fundraising priorities by managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, cultivating strong philanthropic relationships, and securing gifts that support exhibitions, programs, endowment, capital needs, and annual operations. This role is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors with the capacity to give $10,000+. The ideal candidate is an energetic relationship-builder with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, proven frontline fundraising experience, and an ability to translate complex programmatic needs into compelling philanthropic opportunities. SALARY : $95,000 annually SCHEDULE Weekdays Flexibility required; evening and weekend work necessary for donor meetings, events, and exhibition openings. WHAT YOU WILL DO: Donor Cultivation, Solicitation & Stewardship - 50% Manage a portfolio of approximately 100–125 qualified major gift prospects. Develop and implement tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies that align donor interests with Museum priorities. Conduct regular donor meetings, including in-person visits, tours, and engagement activities. Prepare and deliver compelling gift proposals, presentations, and follow-up materials. Ensure timely, personalized stewardship for all major donors, including impact reports and recognition coordination. Collaborate on donor events, exhibition previews, and engagement activities to support donor relationship-building. Portfolio Strategy & Moves Management - 20% Use CRM tools to maintain accurate prospect records, including moves, contact reports, proposal details, and revenue projections. Partner with the Individual Giving team to ensure consistent application of moves management best practices. Continuously qualify new prospects to build and strengthen the major gifts pipeline. Reporting & Revenue Tracking - 20% Track progress toward revenue goals and activity metrics, including solicitations, visits, and portfolio movement. Provide regular pipeline reports, projections, and updates for leadership and cross-departmental partners. Support reconciliation of major gifts with Finance to ensure appropriate coding and accurate reporting. Prospect Research - 10% Identify new major gift prospects and integrate them into cultivation and solicitation planning. Maintain confidentiality and accuracy in prospect records. WHAT WILL WE EXPECT OF YOU: Strong relationship-building and interpersonal communication skills. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, including proposal writing. Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Tessitura, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge). Ability to work with sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality. Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities. Strategic thinker with a proactive, goal-oriented approach to donor engagement. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in a related field required. Minimum of 3–5 years of frontline fundraising experience, preferably in a nonprofit or cultural institution. Demonstrated ability to cultivate and close major gifts at the $25,000+ level. Comfortable engaging with high-level donors, board members, and community leaders. Language Skills Ability to translate complex organizational priorities, programmatic needs, and financial information into clear and persuasive philanthropic opportunities. Exceptional written communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling donor correspondence, proposals, stewardship reports, and impact narratives. Mathematical Skills Ability to analyze fundraising metrics, donor giving trends, and portfolio performance data. Proficiency in interpreting and preparing revenue forecasts, gift projections, and fundraising reports. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US: Health Insurance Life and AD&D Dental Vision Short Term Disability Long Term Disability Flexible Spending Account Employee Assistance Plan 403b (with employer match!) Financial Wellness Program Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Paid Time Off Paid Holidays (including your birthday!) Discounts and complimentary offers to visit the High Museum, Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Corporate Urban Sitter membership