Job Description

POSITION: Major Gifts Officer

Reports To: Director of Development

CLASSIFICATION: Full time, exempt
REPORTS TO: Director of Development
COMPENSATION: $55,000-60,000, based on experience plus benefits

The Major Gift Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift and corporate prospects. This person will create short and long-term strategies for donors with the goal of building closer relationships that advance the PSO’s organizational initiatives and meet financial goals. The selected candidate will work collaboratively with the Director of Development, as well as Trustees, peers, musicians, and colleagues to meet PSO contributed income goals.

This person will devise a cultivation and solicitation program, all focused on shaping a sustainable tradition of giving to the Symphony. This person needs to have a demonstrated record of success in all phases of cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts from individuals and corporations, and a demonstrated ability to establish long-term relationships. Attendance at concerts and events is required, as well as offsite visits with prospects or donors. This person will document meetings, write briefings, proposals, and stewardship reports.

This position will report to the Director of Development. The PSO staff works both in-person at the office on designated days and at home on remote workdays. A deep understanding of the PSO’s programs and passion for the Symphony’s service to the community is essential. An ideal candidate has a desire to work as part of a collaborative team and can maintain a sense of humor under pressure.

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least 5-7 years of progressive, successful relatable experience is required. A high degree of ownership and flexibility is required for this position, as it demands a highly motivated person who can multi-task efficiently in a fast-paced office; be responsive to meeting deadlines; be a team player on the staff; and can communicate effectively in-person, on the phone, or in email correspondence. This position requires a person who has experience working in a development office, connecting with and soliciting donors, and telling an organization’s story. Microsoft Office is required. Donor software knowledge is highly recommended.

This is a full-time position, and it offers medical, dental, and life insurance; IRA contribution package; vacation and personal time; and sick leave.

· This position is full time (exempt), and general hours are M-F during business hours. The PSO has a hybrid schedule (days in office + remote). Candidate must be able to attend concerts and events outside of general hours.

· This position requires work seated at a computer, phone and email communication, and active attendance at events/concerts (offsite).

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office is required. Donor software knowledge is recommended.

· The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office or at events to access file cabinets, office machinery, event setup/breakdown, etc.

· The duties of this position require standing, walking, bending, and ability to lift up to 35 pounds as needed.

· Primary locations of work are at the PSO’s office and Merrill Auditorium. Regional travel is required on occasion for offsite events.

· Valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and a vehicle are required.

· Smartphone available to support Microsoft office and PSO Phone apps.

HOW TO APPLY: Please email resume and cover letter to jobs@portlandsymphony.org by November 24, 2025. A single PDF is preferred, .doc format accepted. Please use the subject line: Major Gifts Officer .

The Portland Symphony is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and dignity. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. The Portland Symphony will provide reasonable accommodation for applicants or employees with a disability or sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice, unless doing so would present an undue hardship.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Portland, ME 04101

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