Major Gifts Officer

THIS IS A REPOST; PREVIOUS APPLICANTS ARE STILL UNDER REVIEW & DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY.

ASHEVILLE - The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) will be a member of a robust Development team that supports the mission of The North Carolina Arboretum through efforts to advance the culture of philanthropy within the current and growing constituent base. The MGO will work with the Director of Development to create and execute successful strategies for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors. With a special focus on five-figure, multi-year gifts to support The North Carolina Arboretum Society's endowment, funds, special projects and programs, this position will have a direct impact on mission delivery.

The Major Gifts Officer will be an accomplished fundraising professional who understands the nature and purpose of public higher education and cultural organizations, and who has demonstrated successful experience in development planning, has a proven ability to interact and influence philanthropic leaders, and is able to set goals strategically and implement them. As the dedicated front-line fundraiser, the MGO will actively engage a portfolio of major donors, prospects, leadership volunteers, and significant community leaders to increase the major gift pipeline for the Arboretum.

Being able to work cross-functionally with various internal and external constituents', the Officer should have proficiency in database management, Microsoft Office Suite, a passion for the mission of The North Carolina Arboretum and experience motivating and managing high-profile volunteer leadership and senior executives.

Position Responsibilities:
In collaboration with the Director of Development, the Major Gifts Officer will oversee and manage major gifts ($10,000+) including donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, and coordinate major giving efforts with Arboretum leadership, board members, staff and volunteers as appropriate.

• Be a storyteller and advocate for the Arboretum, its mission and programming
• Adopt a donor-centric approach to fundraising that helps donors accomplish their philanthropic goals and ambitions through a relationship with the Arboretum
• Advance the culture of philanthropy at the Arboretum through increased major giving
• Build relationships and oversee a portfolio of 100-150 donors and prospects in an organized and effective method, helping each donor understand their partnership with the organization
• Participate in all steps of the moves management system including: identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and recognition
• Work closely with the Membership Department and maintain an interdisciplinary approach for support by understanding and working with other areas of the Arboretum
• Make direct, face-to-face solicitations and assist the board and other staff with their solicitations to include portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications
• Facilitate other responsibilities as assigned by Arboretum leadership, boards, committees, task forces and the system President
• Keep current on programs and Arboretum initiatives

Strategy Implementation:
The Major Gifts Officer will assist in developing and implementing successful strategies and programs designed to provide both short-term and long-term opportunities for major gifts, understanding that donor cultivation is a key factor in mission delivery.

• Evaluate the donor base and current strategies including major gift parameters, current donor portfolio content and affiliations
• Implement recommendations from recent constituency analyses to grow the major giving network and track successes using specific metrics
• Assist with recognition, involvement, and stewardship of major and special gift donors
• Develop individual donor strategies and materials to renew and upgrade donor gifts
• Keep connections strong between the organization and donors by collaborating with the Director of Development to plan donor events and experiences that keep patrons engaged
• Attend and represent the Arboretum at organization and community events in both formal (e.g., featured speaker) and informal settings (e.g., public gatherings).
This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement consistent with System Office policy. UNC System employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

About the Team
The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden located outside of Asheville affiliated with the University of North Carolina featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits, educational activities, plant-centered research and economic development programs.The North Carolina Arboretum Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that supports the Arboretum's mission of cultivating connections between people and plants. The North Carolina Arboretum Society has over 18,000 member households and many qualified major donors. Working with the Director of Development, this role will establish and execute forward-thinking philanthropic and strategic programs that optimally grow the annual, major, and capital campaigns; legacy gifts; and planned giving. The Major Gifts Manager will work alongside staff, volunteers and board members to steward relationships with donors to fully realize the future vision of The North Carolina Arboretum.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required with a graduate degree preferred. Demonstrated experience, success, and progressive responsibility in fundraising with a minimum of three to five years of experience is needed. This position may require driving a personal or state vehicle to perform duties at locations away from regular workplace. A valid Driver's License acceptable in North Carolina is required.

Required CompetenciesThe Major Gifts Officer should have a passion for the mission of the Arboretum and be able to articulate that as a part of their narrative-rich relationship building to raise the level of philanthropic support in all areas. They should have a strong understanding and experience in all aspects of fundraising with a high level of discretion and an ethical approach. The MGO will be required to prepare presentations, lead donor meetings, and show a proven ability to see projects through to completion. Being able to multitask and work cross-functionally with various internal and external constituents, the MGO should have advanced skills in fundraising communications, prospect management and reporting, and the Microsoft Office Suite. They should be proficient in database management software and stewardship best practices. With the Arboretum at a pivotal time for growth and poised to launch a capital campaign, the MGO should have experience in raising capital funds and working within the framework of a structured campaign. Work Environment and Physical Demands:** When on campus, this position is located in a climate-controlled office includes some home-based remote work. ** Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of standard office equipment (computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets).** Position requires a minimum amount of external activity, and on occasion may require (mostly local) travel.** Light lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling of supplies, files, etc.: generally, up to 10 lbs. and occasionally up to 25 lbs.** Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching.** Ability to speak clearly to and hear/listen to employees/clients via phone or in person.

• Classification: EHRA - Tier 2 Major Gifts Officer
• Appointment Type: Permanent
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Employment Type: EHRA
• Recruitment Salary Range: 64000-72000
• Location: 100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806 USA
• Position Number: UNCSO-A19174

EEO
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Human Resources Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: [email protected].