About Pioneer Works

Pioneer Works is an admission-free cultural center in Brooklyn, New York dedicated to experimentation, education, and production across the disciplines of art, science, music, and technology.

Position Description
We are seeking an energetic, relationship-driven Major Gifts Officer to expand individual philanthropy in alignment with our ambitious artistic and programmatic vision.

Reporting to the Director of Advancement under the COO and working in close partnership with the Executive Director and Founder/Board President Dustin Yellin, this role will manage and grow a revolving portfolio of major gift prospects and donors with a giving capacity of $25,000 and above. This is a highly external-facing role, expected to significantly increase Pioneer Works’ individual major gift revenue over time, ultimately driving approximately $1M+ in annual support through new and upgraded, multi‑year gifts.

The Major Gifts Officer will serve as a visible ambassador for Pioneer Works—comfortable in rooms with artists, scientists, philanthropists, and finance leaders alike—building trust-based relationships, connecting people to the mission, and converting those relationships into meaningful, long-term support for the organization.

Key Responsibilities
Relationship Building

• Build, manage, and grow a portfolio of approximately 30–40 major gift prospects and donors giving $25,000+ annually, with clear revenue and activity goals.
• Identify and qualify new major gift prospects—from Pioneer Works’ existing ecosystem and through the MGO's personal and professional networks—in collaboration with the Founder and senior leadership.
• Work closely with the Founder to steward and deepen his relationships, gradually taking primary responsibility for select prospects and donors as trust is built.
• Maintain a consistent schedule of donor meetings, studio/gallery visits, tours, and stewardship touchpoints—both at Pioneer Works and off-site—including regular attendance at programs and external social, cultural, and industry events (parties, galas, conferences, gatherings) where donor cultivation happens.

Cultivation Strategy

• Participate as an active member of the Development team, contributing to prospect strategy discussions and sharing what’s being learned from external relationships.
• Partner with organizational leadership to design and execute tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for the portfolio.
• Develop personalized ways to connect donors with key exhibitions, performances, residencies, and community programs, including special initiatives and naming opportunities where appropriate.
• Bring in program staff when helpful to ground philanthropic conversations in the real work and impact of Pioneer Works.
• Support the planning and execution of donor experiences and cultivation events that deepen engagement and make impact tangible.
• Work with the Database Manager to ensure donor interactions, proposals, and revenue projections are accurately captured in Salesforce, supporting coordinated follow-up, strategy, and reporting.

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of frontline fundraising experience, including direct solicitation of major gifts at the $25,000+ level, or a comparable mix of relationship-based revenue experience and philanthropy knowledge.
• Demonstrated success building and managing a donor portfolio and closing significant gifts; arts/culture/science experience is a plus.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills: highly social, at ease in new environments, and able to build rapport quickly across a wide range of backgrounds, including high-net-worth individuals.
• Ability to speak comfortably and respectfully with people of wealth about their values and philanthropic goals, helping them feel recognized and genuinely connected to Pioneer Works.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to clearly and compellingly describe Pioneer Works’ mission, programs, and impact.
• Comfort spending a significant portion of time outside the office at programs, events, meetings, and gatherings (including evenings/weekends).
• Experience partnering closely with founders, executive leaders, and board members on donor strategy, including navigating shared relationships.
• Ability to leverage personal and professional networks to open doors, while also building new relationships beyond existing circles.
• Proficiency with Salesforce (or similar CRM) and comfort using data to track activity, forecast revenue, and inform strategy

Compensation and Schedule
Full-time position based at Pioneer Works in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Consistent evening and weekend hours required for programs, donor events, and cultivation opportunities.

• Salary range: $95,000 – $125,000, commensurate with experience.
• Competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k) with up to 3% employer match, and flexible/unlimited PTO.