Director of Major Gifts

Regular Full-Time Boston, MA, US

$ To $ Annually

The New England Conservatory, an independent not-for-profit institution, is recognized internationally as a leader among music schools, educating and training musicians of all ages from around the world. With approximately 750 music students representing more than 40 countries, NEC cultivates a diverse, dynamic community for students, providing them with performance opportunities and high-caliber training by 225 internationally esteemed artist-teachers and scholars.

NEC pushes the boundaries of making and teaching music through college-level musical training in classical, jazz, and Contemporary Improvisation. It offers unique interdisciplinary programs such as Entrepreneurial Musicianship and Community Performances & Partnerships that empower students to create their own musical opportunities. As part of NEC’s mission to make lifelong music education available to everyone, the Division of Expanded Education delivers training and performance opportunities for children, pre-college students, and adults.

Strategic Leadership and Team Management

Oversee and implement a comprehensive strategy for major gifts ($100k+), principal gifts, and planned giving to meet both annual fundraising goals and capital campaign targets.

Lead and inspire one major gift officer and a director of planned giving, implementing metrics and KPIs for portfolio management and revenue generation.

Work collaboratively with the executive vice president (EVP), CDO, and senior leaders of the advancement and engagement team to implement a program that is data-driven, highly collaborative to achieve/surpass annual and campaign fundraising goals, as well as cultivate plans for continued donor engagement and outreach.

Partner with the Director of Annual Programs to create comprehensive solicitation and donor engagement strategies that support mutually shared goals.

Work with the Director of Advancement Operations to continuously analyze prospect and donor data and identify new opportunities, track progress toward goals, and refine team strategies for maximum impact.

Collaborate with the Director of Donor Relations to develop and implement compelling and impact-driven donor communications, stewardship, and events.

Develop the skills and capabilities of all direct reports and create a culture of curiosity, mentorship, teamwork, excellence, and accountability.

Serve as a senior member of the advancement and engagement team and contribute to strategy and planning on all development initiatives, programs, and functions, both short and long-term.

Work with the EVP and CDO in planning and implementing a comprehensive, integrated program that is built on an ethos of accountability and continuous improvement.

Advise on data and reports required to demonstrate results, and provide information for internal and external reporting and communications. Maintain an environment of transparency and information sharing.

Support volunteer and campaign-related committees as necessary.

Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts of $100,000+ from an active portfolio of approximately 75 prospects, with gift capacity ratings of $500K-$5M.

Meet quarterly and annual key performance indicators and fundraising goals as determined by the CDO.

Conduct 8-10 donor visits monthly; complete a minimum of 10 solicitations annually.

Lead the effort for campaign fundraising for the final year of the campaign with a goal of $150 million and $127 million raised.

Build customized donor stewardship strategies and solicitation proposals.

Identify new major gift sources and serve as a knowledge source for funding opportunities and philanthropic outlets.

Maintain current knowledge of national and international funding environments and trends as they relate to NEC’s mission and programs.

A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

A minimum of 7 years of experience in progressively responsible development positions in non-profit or arts administration is preferred; experience working on a capital campaign is…