Major Gifts Officer

Mount Auburn Cemetery is the first rural, or garden, cemetery in the United States, located on the line between Cambridge and Watertown 4 miles west of Boston. It is the burial site of many prominent Boston Brahmins, as well as being a National Historic Landmark.

Dedicated in 1831 and set with classical monuments in a rolling landscaped terrain, it marked a distinct break with Colonial-era burying grounds and church-affiliated graveyards. The 174-acre cemetery is important both for its historical aspects and for its role as an arboretum. It is Watertown's largest contiguous open space and extends into Cambridge to the east. It was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2003.

Our Major Gift Officer reports to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement (IA) and works closely with the President, senior leadership and members of the board.  You will raise funds from individuals, families, and family foundations.

This position is responsible for identifying, researching, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals capable of making current and deferred gifts of five-and six-figures in support of the mission of Mount Auburn Cemetery.

You will be part of an important and growing department responsible for achieving financial goals on behalf of the Friends of Mount Auburn Cemetery. 

The purpose of the Friends is to support the conservation of Mount Auburn’s natural and cultural resources and to promote public appreciation of the Cemetery’s many facets through programs and educational efforts. Funds raised through the Friends support visitor services, education, horticulture, preservation, and historical collections.

The Major Gift Officer will handle a portfolio of individuals and family foundations, and will be called upon to engage and collaborate, communicating the mission, values, and scope of the organization. Some travel, weekend and evening work will be required.

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage a core portfolio of 100-125 current and prospective major donors, including identification, research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop short- and long-range tactical plans to help ensure that major gift fundraising expectations are met or exceeded.
• Apply best-practice gift planning techniques and ascertain the best combination of current and deferred giving to meet the needs of donors and Mount Auburn.
• Brief executive leadership on major gift strategies, related timelines, and action plans.
• Conduct prospect research to inform gift solicitation strategies.
• Work with the IA team to analyze the donor database and develop appropriate processes to effectively leverage data for major and planned giving fundraising purposes.
• Assist in the timely management of donor records to ensure confidentiality, completeness, accuracy of content, and documentation of contacts.
• Seek out and participate in professional development opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required. A minimum of 5 years’ progressive experience in a development office and an understanding of Major Gift strategies
• Previous experience with a development, CRM, or similar database and internet research required; familiarity with Altru desirable but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to work with the public and to coordinate complex tasks. Ability to follow through on assigned tasks and to work independently.
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills, in person, in writing, via telephone or other computer or other electronic media.
• Dependable, punctual, and articulate.
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and creative as work demands change.
• Must be able to use a computer and telephone.
• Must be able to work evenings and/or weekends for donor events as needed.
• Must have a driver's license valid in Massachusetts.

Mount Auburn Cemetery is an equal-opportunity employer.  It does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship status, physical or mental ability, military status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.