Chapter Job Center

Responsible for increasing overall giving to Lowell Observatory, the Major Gifts Officer utilizes the development process to create and maintain positive relationships between major donors and the Observatory resulting in a wide variety of significant gifts. This position coordinates with the Major Gift team and all members of the Development team. The Major Gifts Officer reports to the Development Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages relationships with important friends of the Observatory and is expected to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts from these friends as well as new donor prospects.

Responsible for soliciting major gifts for Observatory programs and projects using the development process.

• Initiates contacts with potential major gift donors;

• Develops appropriate cultivation strategies for donors;

• Moves potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitations;

• Makes solicitations and closes gifts;

• Maintains stewardship contacts with donors;

• Demonstrates empathetic disposition, and perseverance;

• Reflects optimistic and positive attitude, and conveys sensitivity to needs of the donors;

• Adheres to the highest ethical standards.

• Other Duties as assigned.

Works collaboratively with and in support of other development staff, Observatory staff, Advisory Board members, and other volunteers to cultivate and solicit donors for identified priorities.

Manages a portfolio of primary prospects in assigned territories. Travels to primary territories as needed to develop relationships and close gifts.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

The ideal candidate will have significant experience working with a wide variety of people and be skilled at building those relationships. Candidates should be outgoing, personable, energetic, and enthusiastic with excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills. Experience working on a capital campaign is highly desired. As well as expertise in closing major and planned gifts. We expect the position to require significant (50%) travel meeting new donors as well as long term donors committed to the scientific and education work done here at the Observatory. The successful candidate is expected to be highly organized and diligent in record keeping. The ability to work in a team atmosphere and carry out duties in a positive manner is essential.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s degree desirable. 5 years of experience in the identification, solicitation, and acquisition of major and planned gifts required. Skill in Microsoft office products is desired and the use of donor data bases, Raisers’ Edge a plus.

To Apply: Please complete a short form application (https://lowell.edu/about/employment/) and send it with a resume’, letter of interest addressing your qualifications, and contact information for three professional references to humanresources@lowell.edu.

philanthropy-officer-individual-giving-04302018.pdf

The Philanthropy team was responsible for $4.9 million in revenue for 2017. This is an exciting time at Grand Canyon Association as we drive a growing program toward national reach and prominence. GCA is on track to complete its first-ever fundraising campaign in time for the 2019 Centennial celebrations having raised two-thirds of the campaign’s $15 million goal. The Philanthropy Officer will help build a community of inspired philanthropists who care deeply about the preservation and conservation of Grand Canyon and who will make a profound impact on the park for present and future visitors.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Philanthropy Officer will serve as a critical leader of the Philanthropy team, focusing on giving at the five and six-figure level. Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, s/he will be responsible for expanding the major giving program at GCA. As part of our fast-paced philanthropy team, the Officer will actively manage a portfolio of major gift donors while contributing to our culture of philanthropy and raising funds in all areas (membership, annual giving, bequests and estate giving, sponsorship.) Duties vary, and may include, but are not limited to, the tasks listed below:

• Build meaningful and productive relationships with individuals to link their passion for Grand Canyon to critical park projects and programs through philanthropic support.
• Achieve a comprehensive understanding of GCA and park programs and projects, missions and vision, values and culture to effectively communicate verbally and in writing to donors and prospects. Work with other GCA philanthropy and marketing staff to ensure consistent and compelling messaging.
• Develop a pipeline of new donors by identifying current supporters with the capacity and interest to make major gifts. Engage current donors and influential connectors to grow our circle of influence by hosting cultivation events or recommending friends and acquaintances.
• Set performance goals for assessment, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, working collaboratively with the Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO.) Then, meet or exceed annual metrics.
• Model best practices for donor engagement and fundraising strategies and tactics, including estate and bequest giving.
• Record donor actions and information in Raiser’s Edge. Produce activity reports as needed.
• Develop written cultivation strategies for the top one-third of assigned portfolio donors.
• Work in concert with park resource experts on outreach and proposal development. Apprise donors of the impact of their contributions.
• Champion philanthropy across GCA and share experience and ideas to meet overall department goals and grow the philanthropy pipeline.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 to 7 years progressive fundraising experience with proven track record of asking for and closing gifts of $10,000 or more.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• Or any combination of education and experience equivalent to the above minimum requirements.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS

• Superior communication skills, both written and verbal, and strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Commitment to the mission, values and success of Grand Canyon Association. Passion for conservation, our National Parks and/or Grand Canyon.
• Ability to inspire and motivate donors, volunteers, and staff.
• Knowledge of charitable giving techniques, instruments, and relevant laws.
• Knowledge of fundraising mechanics such as writing contact reports, gift proposals, briefings and strategy documents, prospect research and identification.
• Willingness to travel and spend the majority of work time in donor engagement.
• Personal qualities of integrity, collegiality, sense of humor, and a commitment to GCA’s mission.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality, professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to prioritize and reassess in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and timeline-oriented.
• Computer knowledge in Excel, Word, Outlook and database applications. Experience with Raiser’s Edge database a plus.
• Ability to promote and maintain a positive work environment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Lisa Graham at lgraham@grandcanyon.org or 928-556-5301. To review the job description or submit an application, go to https://www.grandcanyon.org/about-grand-canyonassociation/association/jobs-and-opportunities.

manager-membership-online-fundraising-050118.pdf

This is an exciting time at Grand Canyon Association as we drive a growing program toward national reach and prominence. GCA is on track to complete its first-ever fundraising campaign in time for the 2019 Centennial celebrations having raised two-thirds of the campaign’s $15 million goal. The Manager will help build a community of inspired members and donors who care deeply about the preservation and conservation of Grand Canyon and who will make a profound impact on the park for present and future visitors.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Manager is responsible for the planning and execution of Grand Canyon Association’s membership and online engagement program and leads an integrated donor engagement and communications strategy to recruit and retain supporters. GCA has a keen appreciation for the foundation of membership and annual
giving as the enabling component of a successful philanthropy program and has identified significant opportunities for revenue growth and audience expansion.
The Manager reports to the Chief Philanthropy Officer and works closely with the Philanthropy Officer for Annual Giving and the Director of Marketing & Communications. Office location is flexible.

Oversee acquisition, retention, and stewardship strategies across multiple channels, primarily direct mail and digital communications, for our high-growth Supporter program. As part of our fast-paced and growing philanthropy team, the Manager contributes to our culture of philanthropy and contributes ideas and expertise across the fundraising spectrum. Duties vary, and may include, but are not limited to, the tasks listed below:

• Leads a team of multiple vendors to create compelling fundraising content, including direct mail appeals, e-mails, donation pages, social media promotions, and other collateral as needed.
• Manages multiple vendor relationships and works collaboratively with GCA’s fundraising and marketing teams to execute direct marketing campaigns.
• Improves systems, processes and policies in support of meeting revenue and supporter objectives.
• Monitors acquisition, renewal, and engagement metrics as well as revenues to meet established budget goals.
• Collaborates with colleagues and consultants to generate promotion concepts and test ideas using knowledge of fundraising copy techniques, database segmentation, and direct response campaign designs. Utilizes file segmentation and testing to better target offers for increased response and retention rates.
• Moves web browsers and online audiences to consider making a gift through compelling, targeted messaging. Recommends new and innovative donor acquisition and engagement strategies.
• Tracks emerging market trends and best practices, including new technologies.
• Supports the Philanthropy department and contributes to special projects and events as requested.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 years professional experience in membership, direct response marketing and/or digital fundraising.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Or any combination of education and experience equivalent to the above minimum requirements.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS

• Demonstrated ability in executing direct mail campaigns. Experience working with CRMs, digital engagement software, and familiarity with HTML, CSS, and web development a plus.
• Proven success in achieving goals and managing deadlines for multiple projects.
• Excellent organizational, project planning, budgeting, and time management skills.
• Ability to generate and interpret analytical reports.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Track record of working collaboratively and effectively with consultants and vendors.
• Personal qualities of integrity, collegiality, sense of humor, and a commitment to GCA’s mission.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to prioritize and reassess in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and timeline- oriented.
• Computer knowledge in Excel, Word, Outlook and database applications. Experience with Raiser’s Edge database a plus.
• Ability to promote and maintain a positive work environment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Lisa Graham at lgraham@grandcanyon.org or 928-556-5301. To review the job description or submit an application, go to https://www.grandcanyon.org/about-grand-canyonassociation/association/jobs-and-opportunities.