Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research is a leading, nonprofit research and educational institution that has defined the cutting edge of biomedical science, creating a legacy of research excellence and academic eminence since 1982. Wholly independent in its governance, finances and research programs, Whitehead shares a teaching affiliation with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), offering the intellectual, collegial and scientific benefits of a leading research university. Whitehead’s Faculty Members and Fellows run pioneering programs in cancer research, immunology, developmental biology, stem cell research, regenerative medicine, genetics and genomics—programs with a record of success.
We offer excellent benefits including a choice of health insurance options; a generous retirement plan; comprehensive dental, disability and life insurance coverage; competitive salary, substantial vacation and holiday time; and programs for tuition reimbursement, dependent care assistance, pre-tax spending accounts, and subsidized public transportation or parking.
Whitehead Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt; Administrative Support Staff
REPORTS TO: Manager of Advancement
SALARY: $115,000 - $135,000
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY
Reporting to the Manager of Advancement, the Individual Giving Officer (IGO) will be responsible for the direct engagement and solicitation of existing and prospective donors to the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. The IGO will work to ensure that the Institute's endowment, capital, planned giving, and special project funding priorities are met by raising annual and major gifts. The IGO will also work closely with Institute Faculty, Fellows, and high-level volunteers, as well as the Manager of Advancement and the Manager of Advancement Operations and their teams, to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospective donors according to best practices and team procedures and policies. The IGO will carry a portfolio of annual and major gift prospects. They will oversee fundraising for the Annual Fund and Alumni Network, planned gifts, special projects, and initiatives as charged. The IGO should devote 60% of their time to visits with prospective donors and existing donors, either alone or in tandem with leadership.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES
Reporting to the Manager of Advancement, engage, solicit, and manage a portfolio of 100+ individual prospects in various stages of the development cycle at the annual and major gift levels.
Identification and qualification of annual and major gift prospects with a focus on donor acquisition, including through the Whitehead Alumni Network.
Build capacity in the area of support from individuals particularly in the area of planned giving. Personally responsible for cultivation and solicitation of at least $3M/year in his/her pipeline.
Independently develop and implement strategies for individual donors and prospects for annual and major gifts, as well as planned gifts.
Meet specific personal goals for qualification, engagement, and solicitation of prospects as developed with the Manager of Advancement.
Support or conduct face-to-face visits, solicitations, and other high-level interactions with annual and major gift donors and prospects either independently, or as staff to the Director, Vice President for External Relations, Manager of Advancement, Faculty or high-level volunteers as individual strategies may require.
Must be willing to actively and assertively contact prospective donors resulting in 15 donor visits monthly and provide visit and gift tracking data.
Track all prospect outreach and information in Raiser's Edge and produce contact reports in a timely fashion.
Coordinate involvement of board members, volunteers, WI management, alumni and staff as appropriate with donor strategies.
Oversee the Annual Fund and Alumni Network with a goal to raising donations from both categories; will work closely with the office’s Development Associate to meet this goal.
Coordinate and support special projects and initiatives as charged.
Complete other projects as assigned by the Manager of Advancement.
Frequent travel, regional, national and potentially international, may be required to meet donors and prospects, as well as regular participation in evening and weekend events.
The gift officer is expected to conduct an average of between 3 to 5 visits a week. That equates to 12 to 15 visits a month; 145 to 180 meetings a year. The gift officer should visit approximately 75 percent of their portfolio each year.
Other duties, as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Background in fundraising for biomedical research.
Collaborative team player, who interacts successfully with colleagues on organizational goals.
Excellent social, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
Experience working with high-level decision makers, trustees, and other volunteers. Excellent verbal/written communication, organizational and presentation skills.
Must exercise significant judgment and confidentiality in working with prospects, volunteers, faculty and staff.
Proficiency in planned giving concepts and principles and in closing planned gifts.
Knowledge of prospect management systems. Ability to work within electronic environment for solicitation and gift tracking.
Must be willing to travel as necessary to achieve goals.
Computer literate and fluent with current software and shareware, as well as Zoom and video conferencing software.
EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of seven years of development experience with a proven record of accomplishment in closing seven figure commitments or more.
Experience in fundraising for academia, hospitals and research institutions preferred.
Proficiency working with volunteers.