Beyond Plastics is in an exciting phase in its seven year history with multiple new initiatives and events, increased staff, a growing advocacy and organizing constituency, and last year, the publication of our first book, The Problem with Plastic. In anticipation of continued impact, Bennington College invites applications for a Senior Major Gifts Manager with Beyond Plastics, to cultivate prospects, steward donors, and engage individuals in fundraising opportunities and events. The work will contribute directly to development goals to ensure Beyond Plastics’ fiscal strength by identifying, engaging, and soliciting major and mid-level gifts from individual donors, and securing fundraising event support. 

Reporting to the Development Director, the Senior Major Gifts Manager will plan and implement a comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program that promotes meaningful interaction and connection with individual donors and partners, with a focus on impactful engagement, strategic fundraising, moves management, donor and partner retention, and unique, high-impact fundraising events. 

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in cultivating and stewarding philanthropic relationships and in the design, planning, and execution of fundraising events. Though this role serves our national fundraising goals, the majority of the events and donor engagement take place in the Northeast, particularly along the Boston to DC corridor, with a major emphasis on the NYC metro area. This position offers a remote work arrangement. 

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities, as well as diverse gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building a community that promotes student and employee success and community cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values.  The College’s approach to pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to apply.

General Responsibilities

Donor Stewardship, Moves Management & Gift Solicitation (55%)

• In collaboration with the Development Director, develop and execute a comprehensive national donor relations program, with a focus on the Northeast; support donor moves management and touchpoints; visit individual donors one-on-one, in-person and virtually, continuing to ascertain donor priorities and needs, while building relationships and soliciting gifts; write individual donor correspondence and other content;  in collaboration with Senior Digital Strategy Manager, manage fundraising digital outreach strategy.

Tracking & Reporting (15%)

• Ensure effective donor and event records management; work with Development & Outreach Coordinator for Action Network fundraising uploads and data management, including monthly Action Network reconciliation of individual donor gifts, donor list re-engagement, and clean-up; reconcile fundraising event funds; upload donor reports and reconcile fundraising records from Raiser’s Edge with recommended stewardship actions.

Fundraising Initiatives & Events (30%)

• Lead fundraising event planning and coordination, attend when geographically possible; provide management for all Development fundraising and donor cultivation events and activities, including but not limited to: event concept development and fundraising strategy, vendor relations, RSVPs, invitation creation (Canva), event budgeting, etc.; work with members of the Development & Outreach team to craft compelling email and social media messaging to maximize fundraising event attendance and funds raised.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of experience in relationship building and stewardship in a non-profit setting.
• Demonstrated experience identifying, securing, and building relationships with individual donors.
• Ability to maintain donor records and conduct donor research.
• Experience working effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a solution-oriented approach to work. Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• A strong interest in ending plastic pollution through policy change and a commitment to the goals of Beyond Plastics.
• A demonstrated commitment to environmental  justice and civic engagement.
• Confidence, maturity, creative thinking, and excellent listening skills to engage with donors and maintain confidentiality.
• Superior written communication skills, specifically grant writing.
• Entrepreneurial, innovative, and strategic thinking skills.

• Proficient in Google Workspace and Raiser’s Edge.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion and acceptable results of a background check. 

Compensation: The annual salary for this position starts at $105,000. 

ABOUT BEYOND PLASTICS

Founded in 2019 by Judith Enck, Beyond Plastics is a growing project housed at Bennington College with the mission to end plastic pollution everywhere. Beyond Plastics focuses on policy and advocacy, building a grassroots movement, and educating the public to further its mission. You will be an employee of Bennington College, working only on issues related to Beyond Plastics.

The College

Bennington College offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, retirement, and tuition benefits, including Tuition Exchange scholarships. The College also offers an on-site fitness center as well as generous time off benefits.

Bennington College is a small residential liberal arts college in southern Vermont, long distinguished for its progressive approach to higher education. The College was founded in 1932 on the principle of active engagement in learning, which is manifest in individualized plans of study developed by students together with faculty. We serve a diverse student population, and our faculty and staff also reflect diverse backgrounds and identities.  Our aim is to educate students towards self-fulfillment and constructive social purposes, and we believe that equity, diversity, and inclusivity--in community and in curriculum--are vital to achieving those aims.

Nestled at the foot of the Green Mountains in Vermont, the campus consists of approximately 370 acres. The College was named one of ten with the best architecture by Architectural Digest.  From campus, it is a short drive to the cultural offerings of the northern Berkshires in Massachusetts, Albany, New York, and many of Vermont’s top recreational centers. New York City, Boston, and Burlington, Vermont are all within three and a half hours by car.