Job Description

About the Clark

The Clark is a leading cultural institution and actively seeks employees who are energized and motivated by its dual mission as an art museum and a center for research and higher education, dedicated to advancing and extending the public understanding of art. The Clark’s mission and its geographical location define three essential aspects of its character and identity: the quality of its art, the beauty of its pastoral setting, and the depth of its commitment to the generation of ideas. Clark employees enjoy the opportunity to live and work in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, a place of rich natural beauty, a dynamic environment defined by its deep cultural resources, and a region that is growing as both a center of innovation and a major tourist destination.

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Position Summary
The Senior Development Officer for Planned Giving and Stewardship is a key member of the Institutional Advancement Department and reports to the Associate Director of Advancement. This position is charged with establishing and maintaining a robust planned giving program as well as managing a comprehensive stewardship program. It is a front-facing role, interacting with colleagues across the museum as well as with Clark Trustees and major donors to ensure clear communication, effective engagement, and a strong fundraising operation. In addition, this position will play an important role throughout the Clark’s $100 million+ campaign.  

Major Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• In consultation with Clark leadership and general counsel, develops planned giving strategy (through bequests, retirement plans, trusts, and other pertinent vehicles) and program for stewarding donors who have made planned gifts to the Clark, known as the Legacy Society;
• Creates and maintains active network with donors, financial advisors, trusts and estate lawyers, and other related professionals for the Clark’s planned giving program;
• Updates and handles compelling marketing tools for the planned giving program—on the website, mailings, newsletters, and through events; 
• In coordination with Advancement colleagues, researches, identifies, cultivates, and solicits donors to secure planned gifts; 
• Manages portfolio of 25-50 planned giving donors through regular communications, meetings, and active Legacy Society program; 
• Oversees Legacy Society program, which includes bespoke events and integration into the Clark’s overall stewardship strategy; 
• As part of managing comprehensive stewardship program for the Institutional Advancement Department: 
  • evaluate and maintain recognition levels (tribute gifts, named spaces, endowed funds); 
  • draft annual reports for individual donor-related funds and gifts (working with Finance and related departments that those funds support); 
  • develop ideas for and participate in Clark Society, membership, and other special events; 
  • lead VIP tours of the museum as needed; 
  • organize and oversee patron travel, including one domestic trip and one international trip annually (identify location, build itinerary, handle logistics, track budget etc.); 
  • update donor lists annually (in galleries, in publications, and online);
• As new gifts are received, work closely with Advancement leadership and appropriate Advancement colleagues to proactively initiate stewardship and recognition (press releases, celebratory events, etc. as appropriate);
• Routinely review and update plans for donors in portfolio (including Clark Trustees and major donors); 
• Drive the resolution of complex donor relations issues in collaboration with Advancement colleagues and Clark staff; 
• Participate in maintaining an accurate comprehensive filing and tracking system on all activities in database (Raiser’s Edge); 
• Remain current with creative engagement trends in the museum and nonprofit field and consider multiple ways of connecting with donors about the impact of their philanthropy; 
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Starting Salary: $73,000/yr.

Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Excellent communicator in verbal, written, and presentation forms. 
• Demonstrated success in fundraising.
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles, donor advised funds, basic estate and financial planning for individuals, including tax implications of charitable giving, and current trends in philanthropy.
• Track record as a creative and innovative thinker, as well as a resourceful problem solver
• Must be able to treat confidential information with discretion.
• Effective computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office, Raiser’s Edge and/or other CRMs.
• Ability to interact positively with a wide range of constituencies in person, via Zoom/Teams, telephone, on email and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, follow through on projects, and to be proactive and solution-oriented.
• High level of integrity and demonstrated judgment.
• Ability to work independently and as well as part of a small, highly efficient team in a fast-paced and challenging atmosphere.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 5-7 years relevant experience. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands: This position requires sitting at a desk/workstation and using a computer for prolonged periods of time. 
Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and museum spaces. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Some overnight travel may be necessary.
Employment at the Clark is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant.

The Clark is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). We strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds.

The Clark provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or transgender status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The Clark considers equivalent combinations of experience and education for certain jobs. All candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply.

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