Major Gifts Manager jobs in Boulder, CO

Head of Major Gifts and Partnerships

General Purpose Statement

The Aspen Art Museum seeks a strategic, methodic, externally-focused Head of Major Gifts and Partnerships. This individual will identify, build, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of existing and high-potential prospects, both individuals and organizations, to support the mission of the Aspen Art Museum.

This position will require the application of core development principles: prospect identification, formulation of effective stewardship and solicitation strategies, and a keen focus on aligning donors with institutional priorities.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, and working closely with the office of the Nancy & Bob Magoon Director, the Head of Major Gifts and Partnerships will provide support to the Executive team, Board members, and other stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fundraising and project management, as well as a passion for the arts and the mission of the Aspen Art Museum.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the Chief Development Officer and the office of the Director in identifying, engaging, and managing the relationships of Patron donors through events, programming, and other activities. 
• Coordinates with the Executive Assistant to oversee, recommend, and follow up on Director correspondence with prospective donors.
• Implements comprehensive stewardship to secure and sustain museum relationships and contributions. 
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with individual donors, major gift prospects, corporate sponsors, and grant-making entities to enhance engagement, ensuring a high level of stewardship and personalized communication.
• Develop and execute a multi-year plan, utilizing museum database, to research and assemble a strong portfolio of 150-200 new and first-time major gift donors who have the capacity to give $100,000 and above to the Aspen Art Museum. 
• Advance prospects by formulating a customized strategy for each individual, with the goal of soliciting and closing gifts through direct asks and written appeals.
• Work with the Chief Development Officer to formulate individual giving strategies among existing supporters. 
• Identify and secure corporate sponsorship opportunities, developing mutually beneficial partnerships that contribute to the organization's financial sustainability 
• Develop and maintain relationships with contracted grant writers to create compelling grant proposals for funding opportunities that align with the organization's mission and goals, ensuring a strategic and persuasive representation of project initiatives.
• Strengthen advancement by attending and actively contributing to important museum events and celebrations including special announcements, exhibition openings, VIP previews, dinners and cocktail receptions, and the museum’s annual ArtCrush gala. 
• Ensure clarity of information about individual giving at every level and work with the Development Officer to create monthly fundraising reports, supplemental Board materials, and other reports as needed.
• Collaborate with the executive and marketing teams to create compelling materials that effectively communicate the museum’s mission and fundraising progress.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., arts administration, nonprofit, management, business) required; advanced degree or relevant certification preferred.
• Minimum of five years of successful fundraising experience, with a focus on individual and major gifts.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts and cultivating donor relationships.
• Demonstrated proficiency in museum database management, with a strong preference for experience with Blackbaud Altru. 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including Board members, staff, and external partners.
• Knowledge of and passion for contemporary art and cultural institutions.
• A drive to set and meet deadlines, proactively identifying obstacles, and maintaining clear expectations at every turn.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills and the ability to interact and communicate professionally with individuals at all levels inside and outside of the organization.
• Capacity for intuitive, idea-based planning, as well as clear data-driven implementation, follow up, and analysis.
• An ability to successfully navigate and manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment, while also helping to drive long-term objectives with minimal direction.
• A commitment to attending Museum and other relevant events, which regularly occur during evenings, weekends, and high-season periods (summer & winter).
• Unquestionable ethics, integrity, and trust, and a calm demeanor under pressure.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position is $100,000 to $130,000 annually depending on experience, performance, and housing assistance. The Aspen Art Museum offers a competitive package of benefits.

Location

This position is located in Aspen, Colorado. 

Application Instructions

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Aspen Art Museum and the responsibilities presented herein, as well as your specific qualifications for the Head of Major Gifts and Partnerships role. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected. All inquiries will be held in confidence. Aspen Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 

Aspen Art Museum Mission

Aspen Art Museum is an artist-founded institution dedicated to supporting artists in the development of bold ideas to shape our museum and the field of art today. We are both a platform and a place, highly attuned to the advancement of the vital ecosystem of art and the critical discourse surrounding it within the context and community of Aspen and beyond. As an exhibition-focused, non-collecting museum, we are positioned to make strong commitments to meaningful exchange, both responding to—and driving—cultural change.