April 4th, 2024
Boston Public Library Fund
Leadership Giving Officer
( Massachusetts | Hybrid )
About the Organization
The Boston Public Library Fund (the Fund) is an independent nonprofit responsible for the development, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of philanthropic relationships and partnerships in support of the Boston Public Library for generations to come. Established and launched in 2019, as successor to the Boston Public
Library Foundation, the Fund is the primary philanthropic arm of the BPL.
Led by an experienced Executive Director and initially funded by six major corporations and foundations (“Founding Investors”), the Fund is charged with building a strong, sustainable and “best practices” development operation, which will attract transformational giving.
Job Description
Position reports to: Deputy Executive Director
Position salary range: $90,000-$110,000
Working with a talented and energetic team of fundraising professionals and reporting to the Deputy Executive Director (DED) of the Boston Public Library Fund, the Leadership Gift Officer (LGO) will play a pivotal role in securing annual financial support through the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals at the $2,500+ levels. Using a variety of strategies including personal visits, phone calls, emails, and virtual meetings, the LGO will manage a portfolio of up to 250 prospects and strive to meet annual financial goals and metrics for meaningful touchpoints.
The LGO will work with colleagues, donors, and volunteers to build participation in Patrons of the Courtyard (POC), the leadership annual giving recognition society, through personal solicitations as well as direct marketing, careful donor segmentation, creative messaging, promotion, and multi-channel outreach. The LGO will oversee work related to POC recognition to ensure proper cultivation and stewardship of new and existing donors that result in increased retention, engagement, and support.
Partnering with the Director of Communications and Donor Relations, the LGO will collaborate on the creation of a POC stewardship program which includes an annual recognition event, as well as the development of compelling content for personalized communications, our annual impact report, and newsletters.
The ideal candidate is self-motivated, goal-oriented, and creative, with curiosity and a desire to maximize outreach opportunities to increase awareness, engagement, and grow fundraising results.
This position is located in Boston, MA at the Central Library in Copley Square and follows a hybrid work model. Candidates are not required to be Boston residents.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Oversight of Patrons of the Courtyard recognition society
•Oversee all aspects of Patrons of the Courtyard recognition society including participation, benefits, solicitations, and stewardship activities.
•Develop and execute strategies to grow membership and increase the level of support from donors.
•In coordination with the Director of Communications and Donor Relations, plan exclusive events and experiences for society members to enhance their engagement and appreciation.
•Ensure timely and accurate recognition through personalized outreach and communications, donor profiles, inclusion in donor lists, etc.
Personal Solicitations
•Develop and implement strategies for soliciting annual gifts of $2,500 or more from existing and potential donors.
•Cultivate relationships with donors to deepen their engagement and commitment to the BPLF.
•Solicit gifts through a combination of face-to-face visits, phone calls, emails, and virtual meetings.
•Provide exceptional stewardship.
Qualifications
•Identify donors with inclination and higher gift capacity for movement to a major gift pool.
•Determine areas of interest and affinity for specific programs.
•Collaborate with BPLF colleagues and volunteers to develop cultivation strategy.
Data Management and Reporting
•Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions, solicitations, and gift commitments.
•Report on fundraising progress, donor pipeline, and performance against goals.
•Use data and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the fundraising strategies and inform future decision-making.
Qualifications, Skills, and Knowledge Required
•Bachelor’s degree and four to six years of work experience preferably in a fundraising organization.
•Experience in annual giving demonstrated success in securing leadership annual fund gifts through personal solicitation.
•Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors.
•Knowledge of direct marketing, donor engagement, and stewardship.
•Excellent project management and organizational skills.
•Cooperative professional demeanor.
•Familiarity with fundraising databases (Raiser’s Edge).
•Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
•An appreciation of the valuable role that libraries play in our society.
The Boston Public Library Fund is committed to building an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. Residency in the city of Boston is not required.
APPLICATION INFORMATION: To apply, please send cover letter and resume to info@bplfund.org before May 17, 2024.