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 building upon and creating successful relationships with donors and prospects, identifying capital campaign prospects, working with 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: develops, records, and implements strategies from identification through proposal and closure on gifts of $50,000+; manages various cultivation initiatives, including small to mid-sized events; works closely with colleagues on donor stewardship; and coordinates the marketing program for our planned giving effort. As a member of the advancement team, the DO-PMG will 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 and work well in a collaborative environment. Shakespeare expertise is not required, however an interest in education, the humanities, and arts is recommended. 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 working with talented and unique coworkers, and within the development and advancement team, to  create compelling narratives that align with donor interests and support fundraising objectives. 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.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume on our website, http://www.folger.edu/employment-opportunities. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. No phone calls please. The Folger is and Equal Opportunity Employer.