Development Associate, Planned and Major Gifts

The Folger Shakespeare Library, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, is seeking a Development Associate for Planned and Major Gifts (Associate). This individual, under the supervision of the Associate Director of Planned and Major Gifts, will support the fundraising and stewardship efforts of the Folger Shakespeare Library, including the capital campaign, major gifts, and planned giving programs. 

The Associate is an integral member of the Development team, and provides support in areas such as: coordinating the Folger’s prospecting and moves management system; conducting research and wealth screenings; assisting with gift entry, acknowledgments, and donor recognition; supporting cultivation and stewardship activities; providing regular review and updates to Tessitura database records; and maintaining planned giving and capital campaign webpages.  

Successful candidates for this position will have experience in donor or customer relations, databases and data entry, and donor/prospect research, and at least one year of experience in development or fundraising, preferably at a higher education or cultural institution. The ability to perform well, both with independent initiative and as part of a closely woven development team, is essential.   

The standard schedule for this role is Monday-Friday, 8:45am-4:45pm, which is a 35-hour workweek. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required for special programs. This position is currently hybrid with ~3 days on-site per week. The selected candidate will need to be within a commutable distance to the D.C. office (DC, MD, VA) by their start date. 

Health & safety: The health and well-being of all staff, contractors, and visitors is our top priority. While the Folger no longer requires masks or vaccinations (except for AEA spaces), we support and encourage individuals to take the safety precautions they are most comfortable with, and we ask that individual choices are respected. Folger offers organization-funded healthcare plans for full-time staff and extensive leave options to all staff in case of any health issues that arise. 

Compensation:  

• This is a weekly-paid hourly position, with a pay of $27-30 per hour for a 35-hour work week. This role is eligible for overtime pay. 
• Total compensation includes an extensive benefits plan, including a generous 403(b) contribution and match, outlined on our website. 

Duties:  

• Supports the Associate Director, Planned and Major Gifts with the Folger’s fundraising efforts, including capital campaign, major gifts, and planned giving. Prepares donor and prospect mailings, fundraising status reports, and research profiles. 
• Serves as key coordinator for the Folger’s prospect and moves management system. Tracks moves over time and reminds fundraisers of follow-up activities. Screens new donors for giving capacity using iwave. Prepares reports for prospect strategy meetings and other needs of front-line fundraisers.   
• Assists with gift entry process and drafts donor correspondence, including acknowledgements, responses to inquiries, and newsletters. Facilitates annual stewardship letters to endowment fund donors and collaborates with other departments to prepare accompanying financial reports and documentation. 
• Supports cultivation and stewardship events, including Parlor Meetings, Tours, and First Folio Society Tea. Manages invitations and reminders, tracks RSVPs, and supports event logistics.  Prepares biographies of attendees prior to each event. Coordinates post-event stewardship. 
• Supports the entire Development team by maintaining individual donor records in the database, ensuring contact information is correct, tracking meetings and solicitations, event attendance, and other actions. Creates database records and plans for new prospects and donors.  
• Works with Marketing and Communications to maintain planned giving and campaign web pages by writing and uploading new content, photographs, and forms. Manages website recognition for capital campaign and planned giving program. Collaborates with external partners on planned giving and campaign communications. 
• Works at major Development events, including Acquisitions Night, the annual Folger Gala, the Renaissance Circles Dinner, First Folio Society Tea, opening nights, and other donor events as needed. 
• Performs general administrative tasks and assists in general fundraising activities. 
• Performs other duties as may be assigned. 

Education and Experience:          

• B.A. or equivalent experience required.   
• At least one year of experience in development or fundraising, preferably at a higher education or cultural institution, required. 
• Must have experience in donor or customer relations, databases and data entry, writing and donor/prospect research.    

Skills and Knowledge:  

• Excellent skills in organization, time management, interpersonal communication, and writing, and strong attention to accuracy and detail.  
• Ability to perform well both with independent initiative and as part of a closely woven development team is essential. 
• Knowledge of donor databases, particularly Tessitura, iwave, and email messaging systems such as WordFly, is highly desirable.   
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is required.   
• Familiarity with InDesign and editing website content is a plus.   
• Must be able to handle confidential constituent information with discretion, and to successfully manage multiple activities in a fast paced and deadline driven environment.