The Folger Shakespeare Library, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., seeks a Development Officer for Planned and Major Gifts to join a dynamic fundraising team. The Folger is a world-class research and cultural center on Shakespeare and the early modern age. Home to the world’s largest and finest collection of Shakespeare materials, the Folger offers activities that range from scholarly seminars to theatrical performances, from K-12 outreach to exhibitions and lectures.

The Folger is seeking a creative, energetic, and experienced development professional with experience in major gifts and familiarity with planned giving, to join this experienced team as they enter an exciting campaign. The Development Officer for Planned and Major Gifts (DO-PMG) will be devoted to cultivation and solicitation of individual donors, with particular attention to capital campaign prospects, the planned giving program, and stewardship of the legacy giving society.  Collaborating closely with the Chief Advancement Officer, Senior Directors, the Board of Governors, the Advancement Committee, and Folger staff, the DO-PMG: manages various cultivation initiatives, including small to mid-sized events; develops, records, and implements strategies from identification through proposal and closure on gifts of $50,000+; and coordinates the marketing program for our planned giving effort. As a member of the advancement team, the DO-PMG expected to become familiar with the institutional priorities and express them eloquently to internal and external contacts.

Our ideal candidate has significant expertise in individual giving and major gifts programs, and a working knowledge of gift planning fundamentals. Candidates must be excellent communicators, strategically minded, detail oriented, creative and enthusiastic about funding strategies, and ready to embrace the Folger’s mission.  Applicants must have demonstrated experience in successful personal cultivation and solicitation resulting in gifts of five figures or more. Needed: B.A. in an applicable field and at least five years of progressively responsible development experience, with an emphasis on major gifts, preferably in a cultural or academic institution. Must be skilled in face-to-face solicitation, delivering persuasive appeals, effectively working with senior staff and volunteer leadership, using prospect research, and developing strategies to increase gifts. Must be comfortable coordinating with staff from across the institution, and within the development and advancement team, to engage donors. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is required; experience with fundraising databases and email marketing programs also required; knowledge of Tessitura or a similar donor database is a plus. A high level of discretion and attention to detail is required. Occasional evenings, weekends, and travel will be required.

This position is a terrific opportunity to work with a successful team of development professionals, and for an established yet growing institution.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume on our website, http://www.folger.edu/employment-opportunities. No phone calls, please. EOE.