Senior Manager, Major Gifts

Overview

The Advancement team cultivates, solicits, and stewards individuals, as well as foundation, government and corporate partners who invest in the Society to drive impact through science, technology, education, exploration, and storytelling. The team collaborates with Society teams to build transformative and impact-driven strategic partnerships. The team also produces global events that deepen connections and leverage the Society’s power to convene, and directs robust annual, major and planned giving programs empowering the Society with a broad base of public support.

Reporting to the Director of Major Gifts, the Senior Manager, Major Gifts (Sr. Manager) will support the growth and health of National Geographic Society’s Advancement program in support of institutional revenue objectives. The Sr. Manager will be responsible for qualifying donors, building a donor pipeline, creating and implementing cultivation strategies for new and existing major gift candidates, soliciting annual and major gifts, and thoughtfully stewarding donors.

Working closely with colleagues across the Society, the MGO will develop, execute, evaluate, and refine strategies for assigned priority projects or region(s) to maximize their development potential.

Fundraising (80%)

• Manage a portfolio of 125+ donors and prospects, executing strategic outreach and face-to-face visits to drive the full gift cycle—from identification and qualification to solicitation and stewardship—resulting in successful gift closures ranging from $10K to $1M+;
• Partner with the Director of Major Gifts to drive high-level results, consistently meeting or exceeding revenue and engagement targets with a focus on securing six-figure, multi-year, and increased gift commitments;
• Independently design, execute, and continuously refine cultivation and solicitation strategies for the Society’s priority projects and funding initiatives;
• Collaborate with organizational leadership and key stakeholders to strategically leverage high-profile events and influential networks, positioning the Advancement team to maximize major and principal gift opportunities;
• Lead the strategy and execution of high-impact regional events across assigned markets, partnering with the Global Special Events team to ensure each engagement aligns with National Geographic’s brand and donor expectations;
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between Advancement and Marketing divisions to synchronize with regional initiatives. Strategically integrate donor engagement and high-impact special events ensuring every donor touchpoint is an opportunity to move prospects through the cultivation pipeline, accelerate philanthropic growth, and drive institutional goals.

Administration (20%)

• Develop and maintain a thorough and accurate understanding of NGS programs and funding priorities in order to effectively connect donors and prospects to NGS priorities and content;
• Effectively communicate NGS priorities and successfully match donor’s philanthropic interests to funding needs;
• Provide and review written materials, including briefings, solicitations, reports, and acknowledgements in a quality consistent with NGS and Advancement team standards;
• Serve as a Point of Contact for the Advancement team with one or more programs, initiatives, or teams at NGS;
• Utilize and update the Raiser’s Edge database by recording activities, contacts, and strategies on an on-going basis consistent with department policies.

Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree required.

Minimum Years And Type Of Experience
7+ years of development experience with donor/donor candidate management and gift solicitation, including a proven track record of closing gifts $25,000+ and stewarding donor relationships.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Sophisticated communication skills and demonstrated ability to increase current donor support, and to attract new donors.
• Success managing high-visibility projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and capable of working proactively and independently.
• Strong oral and written communication skills are necessary with a demonstrated ability to…