Position Title: Manager of Major Gifts

FLSA Classification: Full-Time; Exempt

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum Department of Development

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has an opening for the full-time, exempt position of Manager of Major Gifts, in the Development division.

Company Overview:

Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum documents and interprets the history of country music—a musical genre and culture central to the identity of the city, the state, and the nation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the museum proudly combines subject expertise, ambitious research, and preservation of an unparalleled collection with expressions of creativity in music, art, and history. The museum collects artifacts that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music and provides diverse learning opportunities through educational programs, publications, and exhibitions. The core exhibit follows the story of country music from its folk beginnings through its evolution as a commercial art form. Rotating exhibits examine a broad range of topics, from country classics to contemporary and emerging artists in American Currents. The museum owns Hatch Show Print, a letterpress print shop opened in 1879, and it operates Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley and many others recorded.

What We Offer for Full-Time Staff:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Options
• Competitive Pay
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Paid Holidays (13) and Floating Holidays (2)
• 401(K) with Up to 3% Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program (Free Counseling and Legal Services)
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• FREE 24/7 Downtown Parking and Transit Benefits
• Continuing Professional Offerings
• Complimentary Museum Admission (For Yourself, Family, and Friends)
• Reciprocal Partnerships with Local Venues (The Nashville Zoo, Dollywood Theme & Water Parks, National Museum of African American Music, tours at The Opry and The Ryman Auditorium, and more)
• Up to 25% Discount in Retail Stores and Onsite Restaurant Venues
• Opportunities to Attend Exhibit Openings, Concerts and Special Events
• Employee Engagement Activities and Opportunities
• FSA and Dependent Care Options
• Dog Friendly Work Environment
• Volunteering and Community Engagement Opportunities

Division Overview:

The Development Division leads all philanthropic efforts on behalf of the Museum. Areas of responsibility include membership; annual, major, and planned giving; special events ranging from exhibition openings to fundraising initiatives; and foundation, corporate sponsorship, and government giving programs.

The division stewards relationships with Country Music Hall of Fame members, the broader music community, elected officials, local and national arts organizations, and Museum donors. As advocates for the arts at both local and national levels, the team also produces strategic communications, including the Museum’s annual report.

Through thoughtful engagement and stewardship, the Development Division supports the Museum’s mission by honoring and cultivating those who contribute their time, talent, and treasure.

Position Overview: The Manager of Major Gifts supports the daily operations and strategic growth of the Museum’s major gifts program. This role is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors capable of making annual gifts of $1,000 or more, including contributions through Honor Society memberships, fundraising events, and special projects. Working in close collaboration with the Vice President of Development, the Manager of Major Gifts helps advance measurable fundraising goals while ensuring exceptional donor engagement and stewardship.

Specific Job Duties Include:

Major Gift Strategy & Portfolio Management

• Implement strategies to grow the Museum’s major gifts program and achieve defined fundraising goals.
• Identify, qualify, and cultivate prospects for annual giving, planned giving, and special projects.
• Manage and maintain an active portfolio of up to 400 major gift donors and prospects.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies.

Solicitation & Moves Management

• Solicit gifts of $1,000 and above for memberships, appeals, and special initiatives.
• Support the Vice President of Development in the solicitation of major gift prospects.
• Track and manage moves management activity to ensure timely and strategic donor engagement.

Donor Recognition & Stewardship

• Oversee recognition and benefit fulfillment for major donors, including acknowledgement letters, donor wall listings, and related materials.
• Lead select VIP tours of Museum galleries and event spaces.
• Ensure donors receive consistent, meaningful, and mission-centered engagement.

Data & Record Management

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive donor records in Tessitura, including gift entry, acknowledgements, contact reports, and updated contact information.
• Collaborate with Development colleagues to ensure proper documentation of donor interactions and institutional knowledge.

Departmental Engagement

• Serve as a public advocate for the Museum and its mission.
• Participate in weekly Development Division meetings.
• Provide support for select after-hours events and fundraising initiatives as needed.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three years of experience in major gift fundraising.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and grow a portfolio of donors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fundraising experience in a museum, university, or cultural institution.
• Coursework or degree in a related field.
• Experience with Tessitura or similar arts and cultural CRM platforms.
• Knowledge of country music and its history.
• Experience in planned giving.

Key Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency in donor database management.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Notes to Applicants:

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We respect the varied attributes, characteristics, and perspectives that make each person unique. The museum promotes an environment of respect, communication, and understanding, while actively providing opportunities for all employees of all backgrounds the skills, experience, and information necessary to succeed. The museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or characteristics, age, membership in an employee organization, military or veteran status, or other non-merit factor. The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

We are a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified candidates to apply for open positions. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and visitors. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and employment verification, including federally mandated E-Verify processes, as required for position.

Due to the high volume of applications received for this position, hiring managers will only contact candidates they are interested in scheduling for an interview. Please refrain from calling to inquire about the status of your application.

Please upload a resume and cover letter when applying for the position.

Applications are only accepted online on our career page: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/careers