About The National Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1931, the Orchestra has always been committed to artistic excellence and music education. In 1986, the National Symphony became an artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where it has performed a full season of subscription concerts since the Center opened in 1971. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Kennedy Center is the nation’s cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy.
At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.
Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts.
Why Join Us
We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including:
Job Description
The Major Gifts Officer, NSO will work with the NSO Development team to achieve its annual fundraising goals through the personal cultivation and management of a portfolio of 150 – 200 donors and Major Gift prospects capable of giving $15,000 and above annually, stewarding these individuals towards increased giving to the NSO. The incumbent will be tasked with participating in and supporting department-wide strategic thinking, campaigns, events and other forward-thinking initiatives.
Responsibilities will include identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospects, subscribers, and existing donors capable of giving/upgrading to $15,000 and higher gift annually for both unrestricted and restricted contributions within the NSO’s Individual Major Gifts Campaigns. The creation of solicitation letters, proposals, donor briefings, campaign strategy and data tracking will play an important role in this position. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. The incumbent will work collaboratively with internal colleagues to build upon an existing pipeline of identified prospects and upgrading Circles members and current subscribers capable of becoming annual NSO Major Gift donors.
The Major Gifts Officer, NSO must be able to exercise discretion in order to prioritize assignments and work under significant pressure, as many projects are time sensitive and involve concurrent deadlines and donor interaction. An eagerness to communicate with the Development team, as well as relevant internal and external contacts, and problem-solving with a positive attitude is essential. The Major Gifts Officer, NSO will join a highly collaborative fundraising team, within which each individual--in addition to working on their focused assignments--participates in broad strategic planning and supports colleagues as needed to achieve the department’s goals.
Key Responsibilities
Front-line Fundraising
Assists with donor cultivation, stewardship and major fundraising events
Other duties as assigned.
Key Qualifications
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, located on 17 acres overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., is America's living memorial to President Kennedy as well as the nation's busiest arts facility. The Center, which opened on September 8, 1971, continues its efforts to fulfill President Kennedy's vision by producing and presenting an unmatched variety of theater and musicals, dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, world, and folk music, and multimedia performances for all ages. We are the nation???s beacon for the performing arts, engaging artists and audiences around the world to share, inspire, and celebrate the cultural heritage by which a great society is defined and remembered.