Position:                     Senior Major Gifts Officer

Department:               Philanthropy

FLSA Grade:                Exempt (Salary $110,000- $125,000)

Position Summary:  

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association represents the people and venues of the LA Phil. Anchored by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the staff and administration work to support performance in our four iconic venues: Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen YOLA Center, and the Ford. Having celebrated its 100th anniversary of performance in 2019 and the Centennial of the Hollywood Bowl in 2022, the Senior Major Gifts Officer will play an integral role in the success of fundraising activities specific to the overall mission and strategic priorities of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.  

The Senior Major Gifts Officer (SMGO), reporting to the Director of Major Gifts, will develop and implement strategies to secure financial support from a portfolio of donor prospects identified with the capacity and inclination to make major gifts in support of the LA Phil for inclusion in the LA Phil’s major giving program, the Philharmonic Council. The SMGO will have a dynamic and diverse portfolio of 100-125 individuals capable of contributing to the annual Major Gifts team goal of $7.25M. Key responsibilities include identification, engagement, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects capable of making gifts of $15,000 and more, with increased emphasis and activity on gifts of $25,000, $50,000, and $100,000+ annually.

There is a significant opportunity to work in collaboration with Research and Major Gift colleagues to strengthen the existing Annual Fund donor pipeline and to cultivate new qualified and highly rated prospects into the Major Gift effort.

The SMGO works collaboratively with members of the LA Phil’s Philanthropy team to support a wide-range of fund-raising activities, support for programs, future strategic goals and initiatives of the organization. 

Position Elements:

• The Senior Major Gifts Officer is responsible for individual fundraising goals, contributing to the collective Philanthropy Department fundraising efforts of $32.5M+ annually.
• The SMGO will participate in all aspects of the gift cycle in the prospect management for their portfolio:
  • Initiate contact with potential major gift and leadership level donors; develop appropriate cultivation strategies.
  • Move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure.
  • Draft and present gift proposal strategies.
  • Conduct solicitation conversations and meetings, including collaboration with additional staff and Executive Team, where appropriate.
  • Maintain stewardship contacts with donors; demonstrate empathetic disposition, and perseverance; reflect optimistic and positive attitude, and convey sensitivity to the needs of donors and prospects.     
  • Manage all prospect activities for their portfolio of 100-125 individuals.
  • Work in collaboration with Research and Major Gift colleagues to strengthen the existing Annual Fund donor pipeline and to cultivate new qualified and highly rated prospects into the Major Gift effort.
  • Using Tessitura, document all prospect contacts in a timely manner to ensure positive and purposeful prospect and donor relations as conducted by the Major Gift team as well as the Philanthropy Department.
  • Focus on securing support for a set of organization-wide priorities that include unrestricted annual support, special projects, capital improvements, and endowment. 
  • Work collaboratively with and in support of volunteers, other Major Gifts Officers, Gift Planning, the Philanthropy department, and other LA Phil employees as needed to cultivate and solicit donors for organizational priorities.
  • Offer prospect strategy counsel to staff as required. Be a resource for other philanthropy staff, including identifying potential volunteer connections, as appropriate.

Relationships: 

Reports To:                  Director, Major Gifts

Interacts With:            All philanthropy staff (particularly with the major gifts team, as well as                                     annual fund and planned giving colleagues). 

High level donors and prospective donors; volunteers and members of the Board of Directors, when appropriate.

Members of the executive office, artistic department, orchestra management, special events, creative services, finance, and audience services (Box Office).

Music Center Foundation staff and consultants.

Position Requirements:

• 5-7+ years successful experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in the arts, consistently meeting goals and performance objectives with demonstrable ability to plan and implement fundraising solicitations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse portfolio and steward donors through a moves management cycle.
• Proven success in raising six-figure annual gifts.
• Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising; a background in annual and planned giving a plus.
• Ability to understand the aspirations and interests of patrons in order to develop relationships between them and the LA Phil.
• Interest in and dedication to promoting the Association’s priorities through developing excellent relationships with staff, board members, volunteers, and the Philanthropy department.
• Successful experience developing cultivation and solicitation strategies for varying gift levels.
• A demonstrated record of completing assignments, including timely documentation of donor contacts in the development database.
• Music / Arts background and knowledge of the Los Angeles philanthropic community a plus. 
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem solving, research, and analytical skills.
• Must be a highly energetic professional with a track record of building donor relationships.
• Passionate and committed to meeting with donors and securing gifts.
• Strong organizational and strategic planning skills.
• Team-oriented approach with a track record of respecting co-workers and volunteers.
• Must be self-motivated, creative, and have great attention to detail.
• Must be comfortable and proficient with technology including Microsoft Office Suite, internet-based collaborative applications, social media, and donor software. Experience and knowledge of Tessitura desirable.
• Maintain confidentiality and accuracy with respect to all donors and prospect information.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
• Bachelor’s Degree, Masters desirable.

Rev. 1/23

COVID Workplace Safety Requirements

This position will require you to interact with employees, patrons, vendors, and others who may or may not be vaccinated or recently tested. You will be required to wear personal protection equipment (PPE) required by the LA County Department of Public Health protocols and the LA Phil.  You agree to comply at all times with the LA Phil’s COVID-19 Prevention Plan, including testing and vaccination requirements.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the FCIHO.