TO APPLY

The MFA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to transition or take the next step in your career path, we welcome you to apply. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in the arts and culture space and what you hope to bring to this role.

Please submit resume, letter of interest, and salary requirements to: with Major Gifts Officer in the subject line or mail to the following address: Attention: Human Resources, Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3498

POSITION SUMMARY

The Major Gifts Officer has primary responsibility for planning, organizing, and managing fundraising activities for major donors, the MFA Visionaries, Legacy Society, and corporations under the supervision of the Director of Development. This position focuses on major gifts and campaign fundraising, supporting the Director of Development in serving MFA Trustees and high-level donors along with identifying additional high-potential supporters. The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts from high-net-worth individuals and corporations. This position supports fundraising efforts of the MFA development team, in collaboration with members of the Board of Trustees and Advancement Committee, to meet revenue goals and ensure appropriate stewardship of existing donors while cultivating new relationships in support of exhibitions and programs.

WORK SCHEDULE

• MFA office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm

• Occasional weekend and evening work will be required

• This position requires all hours to be fulfilled onsite

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research and qualify current and prospective individual donors and create comprehensive donor prospect profiles, working collaboratively with the members of the Development team.

• Conceptualize and implement an annual plan for stewardship and cultivation events to keep current and prospective donors informed and engaged for an exceptional donor experience.

• Manage the Visionaries program for major donors to the museum, ensuring we consistently deliver a high-quality experience that deepens commitment and engagement with the museum.

• Approach qualified donors and corporations to request major gifts, effectively articulating the organization’s mission, impact, and fundraising needs.

• Manage a portfolio of major donors, tracking their giving history, interests, and communication preferences.

• Collaborate with the development team to oversee the development presence on the website, work with marketing staff for appropriate fundraising messaging and donor recognition collateral.

• Spearhead development initiatives with clear objectives, timelines, and metrics.

• Serve as primary contact for legacy gifts and the Legacy Society.

• Develop and manage stewardship events and communications for the MFA Visionaries and Legacy Society, to engage these important groups. Set annual goals for increasing the membership of the Visionaries and Legacy Society.

• Maintain accurate and complete records of donor communications and ensure proper database management with Development Coordinator for gift processing, fulfilment of donor benefits, gift recognition, donor correspondence, and mailings.

• Assist the Director of Development in all aspects of a capital campaign, beginning with prospect research, feasibility studies, and presentation materials.

• Ensure alignment with development department colleagues to prevent duplicate efforts and ensure a positive donor experience.

• Participate in all staff, development team, development committee or other meetings as appropriate.

• Assist with other tasks as needed and requested to attain revenue goals and objectives.

QUALIFICATION, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Education/Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field

• 3-5 years or more of fundraising experience

• Experience with Blackbaud systems, specifically Altru, or equivalent donor database preferred

• Proven track record of successfully soliciting major gifts

• Experience working on or in support of a capital campaign preferred

• A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) preferred

Skills and Abilities Required

• An interest in the arts and humanities is preferred

• Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising principles and procedures and a passion for philanthropy

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to create and maintain personal relationships

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent organizational and time management skills; able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service

• Experience in events management a plus

• Ability to understand and work within budgetary procedures, policies, and restrictions

• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook, Altru, social media and electronic mailing systems such as Robly)

• Ability to work in non-profit environment; adhere to deadlines; demonstrate flexibility in meeting shifting demands and priorities

• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines and standard accepted practices

• Excellent decision-making skills; exhibits good judgment and the ability to decide on the appropriate course of action when faced with a challenge

• Ability to train, direct, manage, evaluate, and motivate staff and volunteers

• Ability to manage effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and members of the public; exercise tact and diplomacy at all times; demonstrate an understanding of protocol and sensitivity to cultural diversity issues; nurture a positive working environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time, operating a computer and other offices productivity devices such as a calculator, telephone, and copy machine

• May move equipment weighing up to 25lbs

• Moves throughout building for up to 2 hours per day

• May have to work late nights, weekends and in outdoor weather

• Able to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with ADA and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards

• Able to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with ADA and other federal, state, and local standards

This job description indicates in general terms the type and level of work performed, as well as the typical responsibilities of this position. Management reserves the right to modify, change, add or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Nothing in this position description changes the at-will employment relationship between Museum of Fine Arts and its employees. 

The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.