Manager of Philanthropy

Candidates should submit a cover letter demonstrating outlining qualifications and interest in the role.  

POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Manager of Philanthropy works closely with the Senior Manager of Philanthropy, Associate Director of Advancement and the Deputy Director to build and execute a major gifts program at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. Principal duties include defining strategies for identifying, soliciting, and stewarding gifts from individual donors and corporate entities that ultimately contribute to annual revenues of $8+ million. The Manager of Philanthropy’s primary focus is to construct and sustain myriad avenues for meaningful, productive relationships between the Museum and our donor community.  

Just like many institutions have more than one gift offer, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum has two Managers of Philanthropy. The people occupying these positions work as close partners but pursue unique and distinct portfolios of work. We currently seek a Manager of Philanthropy with a demonstrated history of securing gifts above the $10,000 threshold and corporate experience. The Manager of Philanthropy will convey fluency with the world of museums, art fairs, biennials/triennials, and demonstrate comfort navigating and organizing national and international travel. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Build and manage a portfolio of approximately 125 donors capable of making five-toseven figure gifts and planned gifts, actively adding, qualifying, and disqualifying donors. Spearhead initial outreach, make solicitations, and conceptualize appropriate stewardship. Portfolio will be comprised principally of individual donors and corporate entities with some family foundations, representing both existing and aspirational relationships. The Manager of Philanthropy will spend a significant portion of their time outside of the office, representing the Buffalo AKG among a broadening base of donors. 
• Continually refine the existing major gifts program at the Buffalo AKG, working with Manager of Advancement Services to ensure that cultivation and solicitation of donors is coordinated and tracked in the Altru database, resulting in a multi-year pipeline of strategic and major gift solicitations. With Manager of Advancement Services, use this tool to participate in annual revenue forecasting and campaign planning. 
• Encourage and engage other departments in the process of fundraising. Strategize monthly meetings to stay informed of upcoming programs that need support and invite colleagues to prospect meetings and prepare them for their role in the meeting. Engage all departments in the long-term process of stewarding donors. 
• Serve as the primary point of contact and strategist for one or more of the Buffalo AKG’s support councils: groups of leadership level donors who serve as ambassadors, thought leaders, and volunteer fundraisers for the museum. Councils currently include the Convergence Council, the National Council, the Founding Patrons of the Buffalo AKG Fund for Nordic Art and Culture, John J. Albright (planned giving) Society, and the Board Alumni Council. 
• Participate fully in the strategy, solicitation, and execution of all AKG-produced fundraising events, including working closely with volunteer event committees and chairs. 
• Ensure that planned gift opportunities are an integral part of donor conversations at the Buffalo AKG.  
• Develop individual goals for each donor in portfolio and as well as individualized plans for execution; execute on those goals according to department revenue goals and timeline. 
• Play an active leadership role in development of a future endowment campaign estimated to launch early 2026 in alignment with a new strategic plan. Build a deep knowledge of the case for support, strategize creative gift opportunities, and solicit gifts in the five-to-seven figure range. 
• Research and explore the rich community of Buffalo ex-pats who have maintained deep ties to the city but who live elsewhere. Create affinities within this group and strengthen ties back to Museum, contributing to the continued development of the National Council.  
• Serve as leader in ensuring that Advancement department, and greater Buffalo AKG, maintain superb donor relations through the timely and thoughtful solicitation and acknowledgement of major gifts and timely fulfillment of benefits. 
• Attend and participate in bi-weekly major gifts meetings, focused on upcoming and open proposals and spurring upcoming actions. Participate in the construction and tracking of a multi-year donor pipeline.  
• Play a leadership role in the management of the Advancement Committee of the Board of Directors: facilitate agenda development, assist in coordinating communications, and direct follow-up. 
• Be thoroughly knowledgeable about the history, mission, exhibitions, and programs of the Buffalo AKG and able to articulate this information to donors and prospects, aligning it appropriately with philanthropic interests and corporate goals. 
• Understand all AK gift-related policies and procedures and ensure full ethical and fiscal compliance with them. 
• Actively participate in community outreach efforts as needed, including on-campus activities and outside speaking engagements. 
• Utilize Altru database to add and extract information about donors and prospects. 
• Assist with review and verification of major gift donor recognition lists.  

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of four (4) years of successful professional fundraising OR 8+ years of comparable experience. 

 Minimum requirements  

•  Bachelor’s degree and minimum of four (4) years of successful professional fundraising or equivalent.  
• Major gift fundraising experience ($10,000+). 
• Experience soliciting, securing, and stewarding corporate gifts/sponsorships preferred.  
• Strong interpersonal skills. 
• Excellent written, verbal, and listening skills, including ability to make effective presentations to individuals and groups. 
• Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse population of donors and prospects, board members, staff, and community leaders. 
• Demonstrated success in working both independently and as a team member to create and implement fundraising strategies at the major gifts level. 
• Strong sense of organization, planning, and time management. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products. 
• Must be able to work some evenings and weekends. 
• Travel required; must have a valid passport.  

Additional requirements  

• Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse population of donors and prospects, board members, staff, and community leaders. 
• Knowledge of donor software programs, preferably Blackbaud products

Candidates should submit a cover letter demonstrating outlining qualifications and interest in the role.