Job Description

About the Nantucket Atheneum

The Nantucket Atheneum is the island’s public library and a vibrant center for learning, connection, and community. With a rich history and a deep commitment to free and open access, the Atheneum serves residents and visitors of all ages through its collections, programs, educational resources, cultural events, and welcoming public spaces.

The Atheneum received 25% of its operating revenue from the town and state governments, with the remaining 75% raised annually through fundraising.

Position Summary

The Development Officer is an integral member of the Nantucket Atheneum’s Development team, working closely with the Director of Development to advance the Atheneum’s fundraising goals and mission.

This position plays a key role across the organization’s development activities, including annual giving, donor stewardship, special events, prospect research, volunteer coordination, and development operations. The Development Officer is responsible for the day-to-day management and integrity of the fundraising database, gift processing and donor acknowledgements, and provides essential coordination and execution of fundraising campaigns and events.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, responsive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities. This position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a broad range of fundraising initiatives while building relationships with donors, volunteers, vendors, colleagues, and members of the Nantucket community.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Annual Giving & Donor Engagement

• Support the Director of Development in the planning of the Atheneum’s Annual Giving Campaign and coordinate campaign implementation, including appeals, donor data, reporting, mailings, and follow-up.
• Assist with donor outreach, cultivation, stewardship, and other fundraising initiatives throughout the year.
• Respond to donor and constituent inquiries in a timely, thoughtful, and professional manner.
• Conduct ongoing prospect and constituent research to maintain accurate records, identify prospective supporters, and help expand the Atheneum’s donor pipeline.
• Support the preparation of donor lists, reports, correspondence, and other materials related to fundraising and stewardship activities.

Development Operations & Database Management

• Oversee the day-to-day management and maintenance of the Atheneum’s fundraising database, ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of donor and constituent records.
• Manage gift entry, processing, reconciliation, and donor acknowledgement procedures.
• Generate and maintain reports related to donors, gifts, campaigns, appeals, and other development activities.
• Maintain accurate donor records and update constituent information on an ongoing basis.
• Work closely with the Director of Development to support effective tracking and reporting of fundraising activity and progress toward departmental goals.
• Handle confidential donor and financial information with discretion and professionalism.

Special Events & Volunteer Coordination

• Coordinate the planning and execution of fundraising and special events, working closely with the Director of Development and other Atheneum staff.
• Manage event logistics including permitting, vendor coordination, volunteer scheduling and communication, guest information, event materials, and on-site execution.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with event vendors and assist with tracking contracts, invoices, and related expenses.
• Coordinate volunteers in support of development events and initiatives, providing clear communication and ensuring a positive volunteer experience.
• Provide hands-on support before, during, and following events as needed.

Department & Organizational Support

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Atheneum to support fundraising initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Maintain positive and professional relationships with donors, volunteers, vendors, Board members, staff, and visitors.
• Provide administrative and project support to the Director of Development as needed.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines while adapting to changing departmental priorities.
• Undertake special projects and other responsibilities as needed to support the goals of the Development department and the Nantucket Atheneum.

Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or a comparable fundraising or constituent relationship management database.
• Familiarity with fundraising campaigns, donor relations, development operations, or related nonprofit activities.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A high degree of accountability, dependability, and ownership of responsibilities.
• Initiative and the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact professionally and warmly with a wide range of constituents.
• Strong analytical skills and comfort working with data, reports, and numerical information.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments, deadlines, and competing demands.
• Flexibility and composure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Sound judgment and discretion when working with confidential donor and organizational information.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to a culture of teamwork, respect, and cooperation.
• Commitment to the mission, philosophy, and vision of the Nantucket Atheneum.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Previous experience in development, fundraising, nonprofit administration, donor relations, events, or a related field preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar fundraising database software strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 15 pounds.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and photocopiers.
• Ability to provide on-site support for events, including occasional work outside regular business hours as required.

Why Join Us

Joining the Nantucket Atheneum means becoming part of a collaborative, mission-driven organization with a meaningful role in the life of the island. The Development Officer will have the opportunity to work across many aspects of fundraising and donor engagement, take ownership of important initiatives, and build relationships throughout the Nantucket community. For someone who is organized, curious, energetic, and eager to grow as a development professional, this role offers both hands-on experience and the opportunity to make a visible impact.

To Apply

Please send resume and cover letter to: Maggie O’Reilly, Director of Development moreilly@nantucketatheneum.org