Opportunities

JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE: As a member of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Advancement Team, the Planned Giving and Major Gifts Manager oversees the identification, cultivation and highly personalized solicitation of planned giving and endowment prospects. This position is integral to the Endowment fundraising initiative that began in the fall of 2022. The Planned Giving and Major Gifts Manager is expected to meet in-person with donors and prospects and be externally focused and therefore enhancing the donors’ relationships with the MSO.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage a portfolio of 140 Musical Legacy Society donors who have already committed planned gifts to the MSO.
Goals for these donors include:
2-3 meaningful contacts per year, including personal visits, event attendance, donor benefit events, phone calls etc
Identify new Endowment / Planned Giving prospects and set and drive achievement of an annual goal for increasing the number of donors, the number of endowment gifts and/or planned giving intentions.
Goal for these donors include:
Identification, research, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship of new Endowment prospects
Quantify new prospects and determine likelihood of planned giving intention.
Responsible for the day-to-day administrative processes and requirements for planned giving vehicles.
Respond to and track all planned giving inquiries.
Manage the documentation required for bequest distributions and ensure timely and accurate storing and tracking of data and records.
Work with the Advancement Operations team to execute an effective stewardship program for Musical Legacy Society members, including regular communication and stewardship events
Oversee and manage the annual Musical Legacy Society (MLS) luncheon
Maintain up to date knowledge of planned giving vehicles and practices, endowment structure and policies and tax law.
Maintain and update recognition lists (including Encore, the MSO’s program book) for planned giving and endowment fund donors
Work alongside the Individual Giving and Institutional Giving team to identify and create a working solicitation plan for longtime Annual Fund donors who are not current MLS members
Assist Advancement staff at MSO concerts and events when needed including by greeting donors in the Founder’s Room (the MSO’s donor lounge)

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CONTACTS WITH OTHERS: This position is highly visible and has contact with MSO donors, MSO ticket buyers and concert attendees, MSO board members, campaign volunteers, MSO staff and orchestra members. Ideal candidates must be able to establish rapport with high level donors and prospects.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: This position requires a Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of Development/Advancement/fundraising experience in a non-profit environment. Prior Planned Giving/Endowment Campaign work is preferred. Planned giving resources and training will be made available. Knowledge of music and/or the arts is preferable. A proven record of accomplishment of success in relationship fundraising management is required. The ideal candidate must be able to meet the donor where they are, and tailor strategies to their interests. They must be adept at soliciting gifts from prospective and current donors and at developing relationships with prospects new to the organization. A solid understanding of fundraising principles is required. They will also have a keen appreciation for the organization’s history, mission, and contributions to the arts. The successful candidate will welcome the opportunity to attend evening and weekend concerts on a regular basis, to participate in special events, and to become a visible and active member of the Milwaukee community.