Major Gifts Officer

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer is a key member of the Development team, responsible for securing philanthropic support from individual donors and prospects capable of making annual, major, and planned gifts of $25,000 and above. Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Major Gifts Officer will manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors, building meaningful relationships that inspire investment in the Museum's mission and strategic priorities.

This externally focused role will help expand and strengthen the Museum's donor community of mid-level Leadership Giving ($1,000+) and Major Gifts ($25,000+) donors as it builds upon the national attention generated by the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and the Museum's 10th Anniversary in 2027.

About the Museum of the American Revolution

The Museum’s mission is to uncover and share compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Ideally situated in the heart of historic Philadelphia, just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. Since opening to the public in 2017, the Museum has gained public and critical acclaim for its “nuanced, warts-and-all version of the American Revolution” and established itself as a destination that brings history to life in a unique and powerful way. Millions of visitors have experienced the Museum’s rich, complex, and inspiring Revolutionary story, and millions more have engaged with this fuller, more inclusive telling through online exhibits, interactives, and other virtual programs. As we march toward our 10-year anniversary, the Museum is poised to play a leadership role as a galvanizing force to help guide our country on a path toward building “a more perfect union."

Primary Responsibilities

Portfolio Management & Fundraising

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 current and prospective mid-level leadership giving donors ($1,000+) and major gifts ($25,000+) donors
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for assigned donors and prospects, developing individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans
• Conduct regular donor meetings, visits, and outreach to strengthen relationships and identify philanthropic interests
• Secure annual, multi-year, and planned gifts of $25,000 and above in support of Museum priorities
• Execute moves management strategies designed to acquire, retain, and upgrade donor support
• Meet established fundraising goals and performance metrics, including donor visits, proposals, solicitations, and revenue targets

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Museum to create compelling donor experiences and engagement opportunities
• Working with the Individual Giving Team, plan and support donor cultivation and stewardship events, both onsite and offsite
• Ensure donors receive timely recognition, stewardship, and reporting on the impact of their support
• Serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for the Museum, communicating its mission, programs, exhibitions, and strategic priorities to donors and prospects

Proposal Development & Collaboration

• Partner with Museum leadership, curators, educators, and program staff to understand funding needs and opportunities
• Working with the Development Communications Officer, develop persuasive proposals, gift agreements, donor correspondence, and stewardship materials
• Support the fundraising efforts of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Philanthropy Officer, and Board members through donor strategy development, briefing materials, and follow-up actions
• Assist in securing support for a range of funding priorities, including unrestricted support, exhibitions, collections, conservation, educational initiatives, endowment, and capital projects

Reporting & Administration

• Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, and prospect strategies in Raiser’s Edge
• Monitor portfolio performance and prepare regular reports on activity, pipeline development, and fundraising results
• Ensure adherence to fundraising best practices and Museum policies
• Participate in donor events, volunteer activities, and other development initiatives as needed
• Travel regionally and nationally for donor meetings and special events
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree required

Experience

• 5 -7 of progressively responsible fundraising, advancement, or related nonprofit experience
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts from individual donors
• Experience managing donor relationships and prospect portfolios
• Familiarity with planned giving concepts and vehicles preferred, but not required
• Experience in museums, cultural institutions, higher education, or mission-driven nonprofit organizations preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a donor-centered approach
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Strong organizational and project management abilities, with attention to detail
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment
• Sound judgment and ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge or similar donor database systems, Microsoft Office applications, and Asana or other project management software
• Genuine enthusiasm for the Museum's mission and commitment to advancing its philanthropic goals

Working Conditions

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, primarily within the Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C. regions
• Availability to attend evening and weekend donor events as needed

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a relationship-oriented fundraising professional with demonstrated success securing five and six-figure gifts, managing donor portfolios, and building long-term philanthropic partnerships. They are proactive, collaborative, and eager to play a meaningful role in the Museum's continued growth and impact.

The salary range for this position is $90,000-$110,000.

The Museum of the American Revolution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and three professional references to [email protected].