Director, Individual Major Gifts

DEPARTMENT: Institutional Advancement
REPORTS TO: Chief Advancement & Communications Officer
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
DATE: September 2024
SALARY: $120,000 per year

Note: This position requires a cover letter for consideration. Refer to the “How to Apply” section of the job description for details. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director, Individual Major Gifts reports directly to the Chief Advancement & Communications Officer, working primarily to secure six- and seven-figure gifts in support of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The position will focus heavily on cultivating a new and sustaining community of donors known for traditional support of cultural/historical institutions, service organizations, New York City-based partnerships, and other like nonprofits. Partnering with other Institutional Advancement team members, the Director will lead efforts to develop and implement a formalized outreach, engagement, and stewardship strategy that expands the existing universe of patrons, with a multi-year focus on donors ages 25-45 willing to support core Museum programs, as well as initiatives planned for the milestone 25th anniversary of 9/11 in 2026. In collaboration with the Chief Advancement & Communications Officer, the role will also seek to strategically engage both the president and CEO and select members of the Board of Trustees in furtherance of annual and long-range private fundraising goals.

The Director, Individual Major Gifts is also a senior member of a dynamic, 17-person Institutional Advancement team that collectively raises all contributed income in support of annual and multi-year objectives, to increase and diversify revenue sources, and scale mission impact. The occupant of this role will serve as a lead voice in comprehensive fundraising efforts that equip the organization to reach the more than 100 million Americans born since the attacks in the classroom, in the workplace, and through all forms of media.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Establish and manage a multi-faceted process for research, identification, and cultivation of new and existing prospects at all donor levels, for a burgeoning formalized individual giving program.
  • Maintain, and manage donor stewardship and solicitation efforts, including through regular contact, appreciation events, premium tours, and accommodation of special requests.
  • Collaborate with the Membership and Annual Giving, Corporate Membership, and Institutional Giving teams to effectively provide a comprehensive and unified donor experience and navigate potential overlap of funders to build upon existing support.
  • Regularly secure six-figure gifts and steward major gifts donors to establish and increase gifts.
  • Participate in key, organization-wide dialogues to fully integrate fundraising needs and opportunities across all strategic initiatives, including the 25th anniversary campaign and planned giving.
  • On an annual basis, develop budget-related revenue and expense projections and subsequently measure and report actual performance during the year.
  • Lead tours of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum with prospective/existing donors as well as regularly allocate time to be out of the office at off-site meetings and events.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS REQUIREMENT

  • Bachelor’s Degree required.
    • While a bachelor’s degree is required, we enthusiastically encourage applications from Veterans or veteran spouses with various educational backgrounds. This includes those with an associate degree as well as individuals actively working towards a bachelor’s degree. Your dedication and diverse experiences are highly valued, and we welcome the opportunity to consider your application.
  • A minimum of 12-15 years of successful front-line fundraising at a cultural institution or relevant non-profit organization.
  • Experience managing individual and major gifts programs and demonstrated track record of securing six-figure gifts. Knowledge of and experience with planned gifts.
  • Familiarity with the New York City philanthropic culture, specifically around cultural institutions.
  • Ability to persuasively communicate and articulate the mission of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to internal and external audiences, including via individual donor meetings and VIP tours.
  • Previous experience managing staff.
  • Team player who exhibits sound judgment in communication style and overall approach with staff and external stakeholders.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong computer skills – proficiency in full Microsoft Office suite application required and experience with Salesforce, iWave, and Wealth Engine preferred.

REQUIRED SUPPORT FOR ORGANIZATIONAL EVENTS

  • Participate in the Annual 5K Fundraiser and 9/11 Commemoration, as assigned.
  • Assist with other special projects and events in support of 9/11 Memorial & Museum, as assigned.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Include position you are seeking in the email subject field.
  • State the location where job posting was seen.
  • Send resume and cover letter to 911mmiajobs@911memorial.org
    • Note: Applications without a cover letter will not be considered

 

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The National September 11 Memorial and Museum (9/11 Memorial & Museum) is an equal opportunity employer.  Applicants who meet the qualification requirements of the role will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum (9/11 Memorial & Museum) is committed to an organizational culture that supports and reinforces our values regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). We seek to build a collaborative, open, and equitable space where staff want to be, knowing that their contributions, professional expertise, and distinct voices are valued and respected. We encourage and celebrate an inclusive environment where candor and participation, when it comes to sharing ideas and collaborative problem-solving, are welcomed regardless of one’s role at the Museum or background. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified candidates, during the interview process, to enable individuals with disabilities an opportunity to interview.