Director of Leadership Giving

Position Summary:

The Director of Leadership Giving leads the Portland Museum of Art’s (PMA) major and annual gifts programs through cultivating and stewarding donor relationships, securing philanthropic commitments, and driving strategic fundraising initiatives. This role manages an assigned portfolio of prospects, oversees proposal development, and collaborates closely with leadership, Trustees, curators, and volunteers to enhance donor engagement, including securing gifts of art. Additionally, the position plays a key role in planning and executing fundraising events, supporting planned giving efforts, and integrating inclusive community engagement strategies.

Job Functions:

Major and Annual Gift Leadership

• Leads the PMA's major and annual gifts programs under the guidance of the Head of Philanthropy.
• Manages an assigned portfolio of at least 150 individual prospects with the capacity to make gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Works alongside colleagues, Trustees, and volunteers to strengthen existing donor relationships and identify new support opportunities.
• Coordinates with fundraising committees and Philanthropy team to ensure effective prospect assignment and support during campaigns.
• Collaborates with the Head of Philanthropy to devise comprehensive philanthropic strategies for prospects; secures multi-year restricted and unrestricted pledges.
• Collaborates with leadership, curators, and other key staff to support gifts of art, engage donors for art contributions, and facilitate the conversion of loans into gifts.
• Actively participates in cross-departmental working groups and committees to boost organizational effectiveness and collaboration.

Communications and Proposal Preparation

• Prepares personalized proposals and collaborates on campaign materials, including newsletters and updates.
• Assists with researching and analyzing prospect data, maintains comprehensive and accurate donor records.

Event and Program Coordination

• Plans and executes events supporting the campaign and major gift initiatives, with oversight of the PMA Trips program.
• Supports the PMA's planned giving efforts and the management of the Margaret Jane Mussey Sweat Society.

Team Leadership

• Directs daily team operations, ensuring staff are trained, museum standards are met, and organizational objectives and goals are achieved.
• Community Engagement and Strategic Outreach
• Develops inclusive strategies that integrate diverse community insights into the PMA’s programs and initiatives.
• Establishes and strengthens partnerships with community and cultural institutions to enhance access to the PMA’s resources.
• Represents the PMA in various forums to highlight innovative practices and strengthen industry relationships.
• Collaborates with community stakeholders to design programs that are aligned with the PMA's mission and diverse objectives.

Operational Excellence and Data Utilization

• Supports strategic financial planning by assisting in departmental budget management.
• Collects, analyzes, and reports key performance metrics (KPI) to drive informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Leverages data systems to optimize workflows, resource allocation, and overall departmental efficiency.
• Ensures data accuracy, security, and compliance with the PMA’s policies and regulatory standards.

Interdepartmental Collaboration

• Collaborates on special projects, as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Participates in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring staff. Manages onboarding and offboarding, scheduling, coaching, counseling, training and development, performance evaluations, discipline, documentation, and terminations, with support of Human Resources.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Philanthropy, Non-profit Management, or related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in major and annual gift management.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience.
• A combination of related education, certifications, and experience may be considered.
• Expertise in managing large donor portfolios and executing major gift campaigns.
• Experience leading and directing team operations in a non-profit setting.
• Experience in strategic planning and implementation within fundraising campaigns.

Skills and Competencies:

• Communicates the organization’s vision and goals to teams and stakeholders.
• Represents the organization professionally, fostering engagement with partners and community groups.
• Guides and motivates teams through clear direction, mentorship, and feedback.
• Supports a collaborative, high-performing work environment aligned with department goals.
• Develops and maintains relationships with stakeholders and community partners.
• Assists in external representation to strengthen community engagement.
• Implements initiatives that support departmental and organizational objectives.
• Ensures inclusivity in program execution by integrating diverse perspectives.
• Proficient in utilizing technology, software, and tools relevant to the role to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and collaboration
• Experienced in project management, financial planning, and data visualization tools.
• Uses data and KPIs to assess team and program performance.
• Assists in managing budgets, ensuring cost-effective operations.
• Monitors expenses and identifies opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Addresses challenges, develops solutions, and improves processes.
• Anticipates and mitigates risks to support successful project execution.
• Manages time effectively to meet deadlines and maintain quality.
• Balances multiple responsibilities efficiently without compromising outcomes.
• Handles sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Adapts to changing priorities and challenges with resilience.
• Actively pursues professional development and learning opportunities.

Standards of Excellence:

• Strives to maintain a friendly and welcome attitude toward all.
• Builds positive relationships through kindness, respect, and attentiveness.
• Respects and is sensitive to diverse cultures, orientations, and perspectives.
• Supports inclusivity by promoting equity and addressing barriers.
• Communicates effectively and professionally.
• Adheres to the PMA brand charter and style guide.
• Delivers exceptional customer service in all visitor areas.
• Works collaboratively to achieve common goals.
• Inspires and motivates others.
• Demonstrates responsibility, reliability, and ethical behavior.
• Always follows safety protocols and procedures.

Other Requirements:

• Successfully pass a background check and any required pre-employment screenings.
• Valid State of Maine Class C driver’s license.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support programs and events.
• Frequent for regional and national travel, with occasional international travel for donor meetings, philanthropic initiatives, fundraising events, donor engagements, and global development efforts.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

Work Environment: In-person at PMA or affiliated sites, primarily office-based with event participation.

Physical Demands: Frequent computer use; visual acuity for data management; standing, walking, and light lifting (up to 30 lbs) for donor events and campaign setups; occasional long hours during major fundraising events.

Exposures: Fluctuating noise levels at events; large crowds; potential outdoor exposure for event coordination.

Flexible Workday Agreements allowing employees to work remotely one day per week may be available to eligible employees consistent with the PMA’s Flexible Workday Policy.

Other Duties as Assigned:

This job description outlines the primary duties, responsibilities, and expectations for this role. However, the employer reserves the right to modify or update job functions as needed to meet evolving business needs, with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The PMA is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, whistleblower status, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Maine Human Rights Act, the PMA provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would result in undue hardship. This policy covers all employment practices, including the application process. For accommodation requests, please contact the PMA’s Human Resources department.