Director of Major Giving Position Available In Essex, Massachusetts

Montserrat College of Art 23 Essex Street
Beverly, MA 01915

Date Posted:

June 20, 2025

Region:

Eastern Massachusetts Category:

Development/Fundraising Type:

Full-Time

Director of Major Giving Description:

Montserrat College of Art seeks a dynamic, creative, results-oriented Director of Major Gifts to lead our efforts in expanding philanthropic support from major donors. As a new, senior-level position for the institution, an ideal candidate would be eager to use their experience and expertise to make an impact on the college’s overall donor strategy. This position provides the opportunity to play a critical role in developing and advancing the college’s major giving pipeline by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors and prospects. As a primary member of a small fundraising team, this position will work closely with the President and the Associate Director of Development to develop and implement fundraising goals and increase giving frommunity contacts, friends of the college, alumni, and parents, with a particular emphasis on major/leadership gifts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy & Prospect Identification:

? Design and execute aprehensive individual giving program, through the growth and management of donors and prospects with the capacity to give $10,000 to $100,000+. This may also include corporate and foundation prospects with ties to individual major donors and prospects. ? Develop and optimize a major donor pipeline, identifying new prospects and deepening engagement with existing supporters through research, referrals, and donor engagement activities. ? Devises individual engagement strategies for each prospect with the goal of soliciting annual/restricted gifts and/or multi-year giftmitments at the $10,000 level+, with specific solicitation goals to be determined in a goal-setting process. ? Collaborate with the President, Associate Director of Development, and other key contacts to integrate major giving goals into Montserrat’s overall fundraising strategy as well as the greater institutional vision for the college.

Donor Cultivation:

? Initiate, grow, and maintain strong relationships with donors and prospects through individualized outreach, events, andmunications. ? Conducts face-to-face visits with prospects and donors, averaging 10-12 interactions a month (including gift conversation visits, discovery visits and calls, and stewardship visits). ? Engage 8-10 major prospects each month through personal visits, which result in strategic “moves” toward closure of special and major gifts and develop relationships with major gift prospects. ? Regularly facilitate or make major gift solicitations ranging from $10,000 to $100,000+. ? Create and implement stewardship plans to ensure long-term engagement and increased giving.

Collaboration & Coordination:

? Work closely with the President, Trustees, faculty and staff, and other senior leadership to maximize donor engagement and solicitation within the college’s overall strategic vision. ? Integrate major giving strategies into the overall implementation of key fundraising initiatives, including fundraising events, board andmittee cultivation, alumni and parent engagement activities, and collegemunications. ? Collect and synthesize information from campus partners to preparepelling donor proposals that strategically align with donor interests and their full philanthropic capacity. ? Collaborate with the developmentmunications team on integrated campaigns, special initiatives, and donormunications, and createpelling materials thatmunicate the impact of giving. Data Management & ing: ? Maintain accurate and timely records of all donor interactions ? Work with the college’s Research Associate to analyze giving trends and develop donor strategies. ? Prepare regular reports on progress toward fundraising goals for the President, leadership staff, and Board of Trustees.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

? Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CFRE) preferred. ? Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in major gifts fundraising, with a proven track record identifying and cultivating prospects through the entire donor lifecycle. ? Experience in higher education, arts institutions, or nonprofits preferred.

Skills & Attributes:

? Excellent interpersonal andmunication skills—both written and verbal. ? High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in dealing with donors and sensitive information. ? Stronganizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. ? Self-motivated with energy and persistence, willing to be hands-on with the ability to work independently, managing a portfolio. ? Passion for the arts and a belief in the transformative power of creative education. ? Interest in working in a small,munity-oriented environment, with individuals who are fueled by a sense of impact and inspiration.