Manager, Patron Programs

Overview

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st-century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.7 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. BPL provides nearly 60,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and across the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.

Reporting to the Director of Individual Giving and part of a collegial 13-person development team, this position is responsible for a portfolio of individual donors including the Whitman Circle, BPL’s mid-level patron program, and additional individual prospects.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute annual strategy to grow revenue from the Whitman Circle patron program, in collaboration with the Director of Individual Giving
• Personally manage the portfolio of 250+ Whitman Circle donors and prospects. Employ moves management and craft strategies for each donor to increase giving levels and overall numbers of gifts. Use data to identify and solicit existing BPL supporters with capacity upgrade to Whitman Circle membership
• Solicit and close a pipeline of new prospects and donors due for renewal through mailings, emails and one-to-one outreach
• Cultivate and steward strong donor relationships through consistent relevant touchpoints relating to BPL’s programs and Whitman Circle activities, including meetings, phone calls, emails, correspondence and the Whitman Circle email newsletter
• Develop guest lists, work with volunteer hosts to reach prospective supporters. Personally lead engaging donor tours of BPL locations and facilitate Whitman Circle access to various BPL events
• Become fluent in BPL programs and excel in sharing the Library’s story to make a case for support
• Write all Whitman Circle-related correspondence and copy, including solicitations, acknowledgements, emails, cover letters, event descriptions, brochures and web copy.
• Conduct donor research using databases and research tools; compile advance materials for events
• Analyze and report on Whitman Circle revenue and metrics
• Manage, engage and grow volunteer Whitman Circle Leadership Committee, including planning meetings, setting agendas, reporting on data and recruiting new members Support Leadership Committee and BPL trustees in identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding supporters
• As part of the development team overseeing the Annual Gala, support gala outreach; solicit gala gifts from donors in Manager’s portfolio and serve as point-of-contact for these gala donors
• Provide oversight and support for the Brooklyn Eagles young supporters group as needed, including supporting and executing periodic events, sending email newsletter and membership reporting

Qualifications

Education and/or Certification

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in individual giving, preferably with mid-level membership or patron programs

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills & Personal Attributes)

• Commitment to the Library’s mission – A passion for libraries, reading and learning, combined with a commitment to treating others with respect, valuing diversity of thought, background, identity and lived experience
• Development Knowledge and Skills Understanding of prospect research, donor cultivation, stewardship and moves management of individuals at varying degrees of net worth and giving capacity. Commitment to quality and staying up to date on emerging trends, best practices and innovation in the field
• Relationship Building: A natural relationship builder with a demonstrated capacity to work with a diverse array of individuals, donors and colleagues. Ability to connect the dots and strategize donor engagement to build productive working relationships
• Communication - Outstanding written, verbal and interpersonal communication and presentation skills. Commitment to delivering excellent and responsive service to internal and external stakeholders
• Entrepreneurial – Proactive self-starter with excellent organizational and time-management skills; able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to see the big picture and also pay close attention to detail, analyzing variables and planning strategically. Creative and resourceful mindset
• Collaborative – A commitment to teamwork and sharing of information and resources. Being a positive team contributor with a sense of humor. Ability to work effectively independently and as a team in a hybrid work environment
• Ethics and Integrity Ability to practice a high level of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality, maintaining trusting relationships based on honesty
• Technology: Proficiency with MS Office and video conferences on several platforms. Experience with Raiser’s Edge
• Available for work on occasional evenings and weekends as needed