Gift Officer

Job DescriptionJob Description

Job Summary

The Gift Officer is charged with developing and implementing strategies for securing financial support from a portfolio of donor prospects to meet the budgetary goal of the Annual Fund. The gift officer will coordinate with the Development Associate, fundraising activities and events, including annual and direct mail appeals, exhibit and new building openings and social media-based campaigns. This position will play a key role in maintaining the integrity of donor and member information in the ALTRU database.

Job Scope

Supports fundraising and resource activities including: identifying, soliciting and cultivating of gifts and grants from individuals, foundations and corporations. Provides support to the Director of Development, and the Naperville Heritage Society Board of Directors (including members of the Advancement & Advocacy Committee). This position will be responsible for overseeing gift records and reporting to staff, board and others.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1. DEVELOP a robust annual fundraising plan and EXECUTE strategies to solicit, cultivate and secure financial support for two Annual Fund campaigns per the annual budget.

2. MANAGE the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship from a portfolio of donors at the $1,000 to $5,000 level to achieve agreed upon monthly visit goals.

3. MANAGE ALTRU database along with the development associate to track donors and prospect activity to generate suitable reports in order to identify, segment and solicit current and prospective gift donors, achieving successful “Moves Management” goals.

4. MANAGE and EXECUTE appeals, which may incorporate different communication methods and mediums.

5. PRODUCE cultivation, solicitation and stewardship material and, as necessary, PREPARE needed correspondence and proposals for Board and staff leadership.

6. DEVELOP a schedule of annual cultivation and stewardship events and along with the development associate MANAGE their execution, including organizing the logistics with staff and volunteers.

7. SUPPORT donor recognition throughout the year.

8. REPRESENT the Naperville Heritage Society at philanthropic and community events

9. WORK with the development staff to identity and vet grants and foundations that support the strategic goals of the institution.

10. COORDINATE volunteer committee meetings and activities in support of fundraising events and initiatives, including associated committee reports.

11. PRODUCE well written, ACCURATE and TIMELY follow-up and related correspondence such as comprehensive proposals, related budgets, contact reports, cover and thank you letters, emails, reports, and briefings in support of cultivating, soliciting and stewarding assigned prospects.

12. WORK in a COLLABORATIVE manner with all institutional staff PERFORMING other duties as may be appropriate and needed.

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the staff member a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the nature of business demands change so, too, may the essential functions of this position.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Superior knowledge of principles of institutional advancement, development and philanthropy, including prospect portfolio management, personal solicitation, campaigns, database management and other areas. Demonstrated knowledge of techniques of donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Expertise with all forms of private resource development including annual, capital and events. Outstanding written, listening and oral communication skills, including excellent public speaking presentation. Experience with systems, processes and work alliances in a complex, collaborative organization. Excellent process and project management skills, financial operations experience and computer proficiency with development software, customer relationship management software and general office applications. Must have working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge/ALTRU software. Enthusiasm, sense of humor and the ability to be flexible and work collaboratively with a variety of teams and constituents. Proven record of accomplishment that demonstrates initiative, creativity, and critical thinking abilities; willingness to take risks and solve problems creatively. Ability to establish, build and maintain effective working relationships with the public, volunteers, staff, and members.

Essential Functions

1. Ability to operate or observe office equipment for an hour or more at a time in order to send and receive information with necessary optical, auditory, and manual dexterity.

2. Ability to analyze, compute and audit information including proof-reading and checking documents for errors.

3. Ability to use a keyboard to enter, retrieve or transfer words or data.

4. Ability to operate a telephone to receive and send information.

5. Ability to closely examine computer screen or written reports.

6. Ability to read, comprehend and speak English and be able to demonstrate a minimum of twelfth grade reading skills.

7. Ability to walk, sit, or stand for an hour or more at a time.

8. Ability to lift or carry objects weighing at least 25 pounds.

9. Ability to distinguish colors.

10. Ability to work in an area that may be uncomfortable due to temperature variation, noise, odors, or other conditions.

Minimum Education, Experience and Certification Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required. 2-3 years in direct fundraising and/or transferable professional skills that include sales and/or developing relationships with high net worth clients or customers, preferably at the major gift level. Verifiable track record of successfully soliciting and closing gifts from individuals/organizations and the ability to articulate and advocate a strong case for support. Experience with Raiser’s Edge/ALTRU software required along with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Company DescriptionExperience History at Naper Settlement
Naper Settlement is an outdoor history museum featuring 13 acres of learning and interactive opportunities for all ages. Located in downtown Naperville, Naper Settlement is just steps away from dining, shopping, and the Riverwalk. Visitors are immersed in history as they learn about the past and how it relates to the present, from pioneer times to today. Highlights include special events and programs and activities year-round, both on- and off-site.
Our Mission: Naper Settlement creates community by connecting visitors to Naperville’s history through engaging, unique experiences.
Our Vision: As a reflection of Naperville’s history, the vision of Naper Settlement is to be a vibrant site that fosters visitor, community, and business conversations and enriching, engaging educational opportunities.
Our Values: Naper Settlement values education, preservation, quality visitor experiences, and community and public trust.

More information about Naper Settlement can be found at www.napersettlement.org. REQUIREMENT: PLEASE INCLUDE A COVER LETTER AND RESUME.Company DescriptionExperience History at Naper Settlement\r
Naper Settlement is an outdoor history museum featuring 13 acres of learning and interactive opportunities for all ages. Located in downtown Naperville, Naper Settlement is just steps away from dining, shopping, and the Riverwalk. Visitors are immersed in history as they learn about the past and how it relates to the present, from pioneer times to today. Highlights include special events and programs and activities year-round, both on- and off-site.\r
Our Mission: Naper Settlement creates community by connecting visitors to Naperville’s history through engaging, unique experiences.\r
Our Vision: As a reflection of Naperville’s history, the vision of Naper Settlement is to be a vibrant site that fosters visitor, community, and business conversations and enriching, engaging educational opportunities.\r
Our Values: Naper Settlement values education, preservation, quality visitor experiences, and community and public trust.\r
\r
More information about Naper Settlement can be found at www.napersettlement.org. REQUIREMENT: PLEASE INCLUDE A COVER LETTER AND RESUME.

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