Director of Major & Planned Giving

Over the last 20 years, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) has distinguished itself as one of the fastest-growing art museums in North America. Founded in 1799, it is also the country's oldest continuously operating museum. Under supervision of the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Director of Major & Planned Giving will serve as the primary support for the museum's Major Gift Team and the overall implementation and management of PEM's Major Gifts program. The Director of Major & Planned Giving is also an active front-line fundraiser working closely with curators, high level volunteers, and senior Museum management to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors in support of the Museum's ambitious operating and campaign goals. The Director is also responsible for managing PEM's Planned Giving process, maintaining meaningful relationships with Donors and fostering their Legacy plan for PEM.

The Director of Major and Planned Giving will help lead and drive positive culture in a team oriented environment while managing two Major Giving Officers and other staff as appropriate for the role. The Director will work closely with the CPO to set annual goals and objectives for the major gifts program and oversee the execution of tasks among team members to achieve key targets, while providing regular updates on progress for internal and external reports. As part of this role, the Director will work in consultation with the Executive Director and CEO, CPO, Board of Trustees and other leadership volunteers on identifying, qualifying, cultivating and soliciting donors and prospective donors, all while working with the Development Operations team to identify Major Gifts prospects and work on integration into the development pipeline. The Director will find new and creative avenues to strengthen the major gifts donor pipeline. The Director will be responsible for major fundraising goals and efforts related to the strategic plan. The Director will also lead the planned giving efforts of the development fundraising staff. Another key aspect of this role is to manage the engagement strategy for PEM's curatorial Visiting Committees, in coordination and subversion of the CPO and work with the Leadership Giving, Institutional Giving and Stewardship Teams on timely solicitations of prospective donors to the EIMA leadership patron giving program. Work with the Donor Relations and Events team to plan and execute Visiting Committee events, campaign related and other fundraising efforts.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree and a minimum 7 years of experience in major gifts fundraising, planned giving, and/or development, specifically in museum or museum related field preferred. Along with a demonstrated experience working with high net worth donors and familiarity with fundraising, philanthropy, and best practices therein including proven track record of successful fundraising efforts and gift closures. This encompasses relationship building of donors through the entire donor lifecycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship all with timely communication. Strategic thinking, collaboration, creative problem solving, excellent written and verbal communication skills, solid organization skills and impeccable attention to detail and accuracy are necessary to be successful in this role. The candidate must be a strong manager and a team player with the utmost integrity. The willingness and ability to work outside the regularly scheduled work day as needed on weekends, evenings, and light travel will be required. The hiring range for this role is $120,000 to $130,000 commensureate with experience.

Applications received by December 16, 2024 will be given priority consideration.

PEM is committed to enhancing diversity in its staff, visitors, exhibitions and programs while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and to identify your strengths in these areas.