Major Gifts Officer

POSITION: Major Gifts Officer

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt

REPORTS TO: Director of Development

LOCATION: 212 West 83rd Street, New York, NY 10024

SCHEDULE: Hybrid

ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is a dynamic, mission-driven cultural institution dedicated to nurturing creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning in children and families. Through interactive exhibitions, educational programs, and community partnerships, CMOM serves diverse audiences across New York City and beyond, creating meaningful experiences that inspire and empower young minds.

CMOM is entering a transformational moment. Over the years ahead, CMOM will grow awareness and deepen community connection at its current home while building momentum toward the opening of a landmark new museum on 96th Street. This role offers a rare opportunity to join a small, high-impact team shaping both the present and future of one of New York’s most beloved cultural institutions.

ABOUT THE POSITION

As CMOM prepares for its new home, we're seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial Major Gifts Officer to help build a thriving major gifts program. With significant untapped potential across CMOM's existing supporters and networks, this is an opportunity for a skilled relationship-builder to cultivate meaningful connections and generate substantial philanthropic support.

The Major Gifts Officer will independently build and manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, secure major gifts for CMOM's annual operations, and lead fundraising for key donor groups. The position will also engage Board members and senior leadership in advancing donor relationships and solicitations, playing a central role in growing individual philanthropy at a pivotal moment in the Museum's history.

Key Responsibilities

- Build and independently manage a portfolio of 75–100 major gift donors and prospects, developing tailored strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

- Personally solicit and secure five- and six-figure gifts, including multiyear commitments, and achieve established fundraising goals.

- Qualify and engage prospective donors from CMOM's existing networks, including event supporters, campaign donors, and Board connections, while proactively identifying new opportunities.

- Lead fundraising, recruitment, and donor engagement for CMOM's emerging major donor groups.

- Collaborate with the Special Events and Program teams to develop and execute donor experiences, events, and other engagement opportunities.

- Mobilize Board members to cultivate and solicit individuals within their networks, providing strategic guidance, materials, and follow-up.

- Partner with the Director of Development, Chief Advancement Officer, and CEO to advance major donor relationships and solicitations.

- Draft compelling, highly personalized donor correspondence, proposals, and stewardship communications, including materials on behalf of senior leadership.

- Leverage existing events, including CMOM's Gala and Sunday Funday, to cultivate relationships and generate philanthropic support.

- Coordinate with CMOM's campaign team to ensure thoughtful donor engagement and identify opportunities to transition campaign supporters into ongoing annual giving relationships.

- Maintain accurate donor records and solicitation plans in Raiser's Edge and track progress toward fundraising goals.

Qualifications and Experience

- 8+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including at least 5 years of direct major gifts experience.

- Demonstrated success soliciting and securing five- and six-figure gifts.

- Proven ability to independently manage a major gifts portfolio and move donor relationships from cultivation through solicitation and stewardship.

- A high degree of emotional intelligence, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the confidence to engage authentically with high-net-worth individuals, Board members, and senior leaders.

- Exceptional writing skills, particularly in developing persuasive, highly personalized donor correspondence and proposals.

- Sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and the ability to navigate complex relationships with sophistication.

- Entrepreneurial, self-directed approach, with the initiative to identify opportunities, establish priorities, and advance relationships independently.

- Strong organizational and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively across teams.

- Familiarity with NYC's philanthropic community and experience in arts, culture, education, or related nonprofit settings preferred.

Salary: $110,000-$125,000

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical (free employee coverage; premium options for dependents), dental, vision, 403(b), life insurance, EAP, paid holidays, and generous PTO. CMOM employees also receive free admission to select NYC cultural institutions.

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage people from all backgrounds, ages, abilities, and experiences to apply. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If, due to a disability, you need an accommodation during any part of the interview process, please let us know.