Philanthropy Manager at Lowell Obervatory

** To Apply, please visit www.lowell.edu/careers for a complete job description and instructions on how to apply. **

Responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors to Lowell Observatory and the Lowell Observatory Foundation. The Philanthropy Manager utilizes the development process to create and maintain positive relationships between major donors and the Observatory resulting in a wide variety of significant gifts. This position coordinates with the Major Gift team and all members of the Philanthropy team. The Philanthropy Manager reports to the Senior Philanthropy Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages relationships with valued friends of the Observatory and is expected to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts from these friends as well as new donor prospects. 

Responsible for soliciting major gifts for Observatory programs and projects and Foundation endowments using the development process.

• Initiates contacts with potential major gift donors;
• Develops appropriate cultivation strategies for donors;
• Moves potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitations;
• Makes solicitations and closes gifts;
• Maintains stewardship contacts with donors;
• Demonstrates empathetic disposition, and perseverance;
• Reflects optimistic and positive attitude, and conveys sensitivity to needs of the donors;
• Adheres to the highest ethical standards.

Works collaboratively with and in support of other Philanthropy team members, Observatory staff, Advisory Board members, and other volunteers to cultivate and solicit donors for identified priorities.

Manages a portfolio of primary prospects in assigned territories. Travels to primary territories as needed to develop relationships and close gifts.

Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High degree of reading, writing and verbal skills.
• High level of organizational, record keeping, and managerial skills.
• Ability to perform effectively in public speaking.
• Skilled in building relationships with a wide variety of people.
• Experience in closing major gifts or grants.
• Capital campaign experience.
• Able to and willing to seek input and collaborate with others.
• Expected 30-50% Travel (Local and Out of State).
• Skilled in use of donor data bases, Raisers’ Edge a plus.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree required; three or more years of experience in the identification, solicitation, and acquisition of major gifts or grants.

To Apply:

Please visit www.lowell.edu/careers

• Lowell Application (lowell.edu/careers)
• Resume
• Letter of interest addressing your qualifications
• Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of 3 professional references

We will begin the review of applications on July 8^th. This position is open until filled.