Major Gifts Officer

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: Major Gifts Officer
Department: Development
Reports to: Sr. Director, Development
Employee Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Primary Work Location: La Jolla
Pay Range: $85,500 – $90,000
Apply By: August 24th, 2025

JOB SUMMARY: The Major Gifts Officer at MCASD is responsible for managing and expanding a portfolio of major donors, securing significant gifts, and cultivating relationships with current and potential high-net-worth individuals and businesses. The role requires a strategic, results-oriented professional who is passionate about contemporary art and its role in the community. This position works closely with senior leadership, trustees, and the Development team to meet fundraising goals and support the museum’s mission and vison.


This position is integral to supporting the Museum's growth and sustaining its programming through major gifts. If you are passionate about contemporary art and possess the drive to make an impact in a leading cultural institution, we encourage you to apply.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:

• Develop and implement personalized engagement strategies for a portfolio of major donors and prospects. 
• Cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals to secure major gifts, sponsorships, and planned giving opportunities. 
• With Museum staff, organize donor stewardship activities, including private tours, events, and other personalized engagement strategies. 
• Track and evaluate the effectiveness of stewardship efforts and adjust strategies accordingly.  

Fundraising and Campaigns:

• Meet annual fundraising targets for major gifts. 
• With the Sr. Director, Development, create and lead solicitation strategies for both unrestricted and restricted gifts to support Museum programming, exhibitions, education initiatives, and capital campaigns. 
• Identify new major giving prospects, utilizing Museum and external networks, research, and prospect analysis.  

Donor Research and Data Management:

• Conduct in-depth research to identify and qualify potential major gift prospects, leveraging tools such as donor databases and public resources. 
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records on donor interactions, giving history, and engagement in the Museum’s donor database. 
• Prepare regular reports on fundraising progress, donor engagement, and key metrics for internal teams and leadership. 

Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Collaborate with the Museum's senior leadership and curatorial team to develop compelling funding opportunities that resonate with major donors. 
• Partner with the Director, Special Events, to organize and execute fundraising and donor recognition events. 
• Work closely with the Marketing Communications team to create impactful messaging and materials for donor communications and solicitation. 
• Manage and mentor the Individual Giving Manager.  

Board and Leadership Engagement:

• Support board members and leadership in engaging their personal networks to increase major giving participation. 
• Attend committee gatherings to update leadership on fundraising progress and opportunities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s or advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in major gifts fundraising, preferably in a museum or arts-related environment.
• Proven track record of securing gifts $25,000+, with the ability to close significant contributions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to engage and build relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Knowledge of contemporary art and the role of museums in the community is preferred.
• Proficiency with fundraising databases (CRM), Microsoft Office Suite, and general office software.

Skills and Attributes: 

• Passion for contemporary art and museum work.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to cultivate and sustain relationships. 
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and capable of working independently and collaboratively. 
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential donor information. 
• Ability to think strategically, while also executing day-to-day fundraising operations effectively.

Work Environment: 

• Fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple projects and competing deadlines. 
• Frequent interaction with donors, board members, museum leadership, and staff. 
• Evening and weekend work may be required for events or donor meetings.

OUR WORK CULTURE: MCASD provides employees with a collaborative work culture where they can combine both their love and support of the arts and work in an enriching and diverse environment, while further developing their specific professional knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ABOUT MCASD: It is an exciting time to join MCASD! Our La Jolla campus re-opened in April 2022 after a five-year expansion effort that doubled the building’s overall size. We are positioned to be a cultural beacon as the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time. From the coastal community of its La Jolla flagship building, MCASD provides an unprecedented variety of exhibition spaces and experiences for the community, showcasing an internationally recognized collection and a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and public programs.

BACKGROUND CHECKS AND LICENSING: Professional references and criminal background check.

EOE STATEMENT: We thrive by supporting and celebrating our diversity as a creative and collaborative team. MCASD prohibits discrimination and harassment against individuals based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, medical condition, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.