Major Gifts Officer

Part Time (70 to 100 hours per month); Exempt

About the Organization

Entering its 58th season under the artistic leadership of founder Philip Brunelle and Associate Artistic Director G. Phillip Shoultz, III, VocalEssence champions choral music of all genres, celebrating the vocal experience through innovative performances, commissioning new music, and engaging with diverse constituencies. VocalEssence performing forces include the 32 voice Ensemble Singers, 120 voice Chorus, 45 high school members of SOTA (Singers Of This Age), and Vintage Voices older adult singers. They are joined by instrumentalists and guest soloists and annually present a broad range of metro, regional, and international concerts. VocalEssence Learning & Engagement programs engage thousands of students, older adults, singers, and composers each year. The work of VocalEssence is implemented by an administrative staff of 11, governed by a 24-member board of directors. The organization has a $2.2 million annual budget and significant financial reserves.

About the Position

The Major Gifts Officer (PT) plays a pivotal role at VocalEssence – working closely with our audience development and leadership teams to achieve the fundraising goals of the organization. The Major Gifts Officer will be a key partner to our Founder & Artistic Director, nurturing relationships with current donors as well as identifying and pursuing potential new donors. This position is focused on relationship building, developing lasting connections, understanding the passions and interests of our donors and connecting them to our purpose, mission, vision and the work we do.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to the Executive Director (ED)
• Supports and works most closely with the Founder & Artistic Director (F/AD)
• Works closely with the Associate Artistic Director, Audience Development Team and staff at-large
• This position does not have direct reports

Responsibilities

• Identify and cultivate relationships with prospects for major gifts, planned giving, and sponsorships
• Develop and implement personalized cultivation and stewardship plans for major donors, including basic prospect research and brief creation for leadership, as needed
• Manage personal portfolio of major gift donors and prospects
• Assist with moves management for the ED and F/AD portfolio of donors
• Coordinate and execute major gift solicitations
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop strategic fundraising initiatives
• Prepare and present proposals to potential donors for both annual and multi-year commitments
• Track and report on donor pipeline, progress towards fundraising goals, etc
• Engage in regular donor outreach, including phone calls, emails, and face-to-face meetings
• Plan and lead donor cultivation events
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of donor interactions in the CRM system
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and ethical standards in fundraising
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• 5+ years of experience in major gift fundraising
• Proven track record of securing gifts of $50,000 and above
• Strong understanding of philanthropic trends and best practices
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience using fundraising software and CRM systems
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with donors
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and fundraising goals

Job Requirements

• Flexible work week schedule with periodic evenings and weekends required
• Hybrid work environment

Compensation & Benefits

• Part-time annual salary of $39,000 - $45,000, based on experience and agreed upon hours per month
• Retirement plan; Flex-spending account; Group life / AD&D / LTD insurance
• Paid time off includes choose-your-own holidays, vacation, sick/safe time, Summer Fridays & Winter Break

Anticipated Start Date

On or before October 1, 2026

Deadline for Application

Rolling until filled. Preferred by Friday, September 4, 2026.

To Apply

Visit https://www.vocalessence.org/support-us/work-at-vocalessence/ to apply online. Please submit a resume, cover letter and references.

Questions may be directed to [email protected]

VocalEssence is an Equal Opportunity Employer

VocalEssence welcomes qualified applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, disability, familial status, genetic information, public assistance, or status as a protected veteran. Persons from historically excluded communities are especially encouraged to apply.