DescriptionThe Major and Planned Gifts Officer is a member of the Advancement team responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting donors and for building and strengthening philanthropic resources for Chautauqua Institution.Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Advancement (AVP) and working closely with the Advancement leadership team, Institution President, Foundation Executive Director and program partners, the incumbent is responsible for growing and enhancing both the major and planned gift programs.About Your WorkManage a portfolio of 120 major and planned gift donors and prospective donors to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward supporters including:Planned giving donors and prospects to secure and formalize their intentions, to deepen their relationship with Chautauqua Institution and to help grow Chautauqua Foundation’s endowmentPotential and current major and leadership level gifts to support current operations, special initiatives, Boundless, A Campaign for Chautauqua, and endowmentEngage with donors within portfolio through face to face or video visits, email, phone call etc. with specific metrics to be determined annuallyDevelop written proposals, gift illustrations and other donor communications as neededWorking with the AVP and Director of Advancement Communications, assist in developing and executing planned giving marketing strategies to promote planned gift opportunitiesWork with AVP to coordinate activities among Advancement and Institution leadership as well as program staff to ensure fundraising efforts are cooperativeDocument donor contacts in Raiser’s Edge and provide regular reports on activityProvide additional support for Planned Giving Advisory CouncilParticipate in all donor events as neededAssist AVP in developing annual budget for major and planned gifts teamAbout YouEducationBachelor’s degree or equivalent experienceExperienceFive or more years of experience in prospect management, donor cultivation and solicitation or comparable experience in estate, tax or financial planningExperience with Raiser’s Edge or other CRM softwareExperience with Crescendo or PG Calc planned gift illustrating softwareThorough knowledge of gift planning techniques and principlesKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesExperience identifying, cultivating and directly soliciting major and planned giftsExperience developing and structuring major and planned giftsUnderstanding of tax guidelines governing charitable giftsKnowledge of campaignsAbility to interact effectively with volunteers, leaders and program partnersAbility to oversee multiple projects and quickly discern complex and competing interestsTechnical proficiency – solid computer skills with basic office software (e.g. Office 365, Raiser’s Edge and gift illustration software)Experience guiding and motivating volunteersRequires travel, presence during the 9-week summer assembly and attendance at weekend/evening events throughout the yearAbout Chautauqua InstitutionChautauqua Institution ( is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities. Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company ( , a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization. The Institution’s office in Washington, DC is located strategically for an ongoing role in the cultural conversations of the nation.About Your Work Schedule & LocationThis position may be based at the main campus of Chautauqua Institution, which is in Southwestern New York (Chautauqua County), the Institution’s Offices in Washington, DC. or fully remote. If based in Washington D.C. or remote, onsite work is required at the main campus during Chautauqua’s Summer Assembly (June – August) with travel to this location periodically as required by business needs. Off season travel to meet with donors and prospects is required.About the DepartmentIn 2023, the Advancement team successfully raised more than $36 million in annual and major gifts and pledges to support Institution programs, strategic initiatives and capital projects. Chautauqua Foundation confirmed planned gift commitments exceeding $20 million, and the endowment now stands at more than $133 million with 850 individual funds. The Institution’s largest campaign to date Boundless, A Campaign for Chautauqua launched publicly on January 5, 2024 with a goal of raising $150 million.The Advancement Department works in close alignment with Marketing & Communications, IT and Project 360 – an interdepartmental team responsible for development and implementation of a standardized, robust, versatile technology ecosystem and data governance program, creating a 360-degree view of each patron and supporting the 150 Forward Strategic Plan.Total Rewards for Our TalentCompensation for this position starts at $120,000.00- and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $130,000.00.Chautauqua Institution’s competitive compensation and a benefits suite that includes a national health insurance network with Highmark, flexible spend (or health savings) account options, dental and vision insurance, complimentary life insurance, wellness incentives, and fitness options, an employee assistance program, and supplemental life insurance and long-term disability options. The Institution supports planning for retirement through a discretionary employer retirement plan contribution, which has recently been (10%) of gross compensation following a designated service period.About the Referral ProgramChautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program ( is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.Discovering Your Chautauqua ExperienceThere are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience. Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater. In addition to a traditional gate pass, employees and their families will receive full access to our current and historical programs online at CHQ Assembly ( .Our Commitment to IDEAChautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.” We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.Joining Our Talent CommunityJoin our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment. You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.QualificationsEducationPreferredDoctorate or better