Director, Major Gifts

Responsibilities Overview: 

The Director of Major Gifts is responsible for planning, directing and overseeing the Agency’s major and mid-level gifts fundraising program. This position will be responsible for identifying strategic opportunities, developing, and implementing initiatives to identify, cultivate and solicit major and mid-level gifts to ensure a strong base of financial support. This position will manage a portfolio of their own. Must work collaboratively with the CEO, CEAO, Development staff and other departments. The Director maintains a portfolio of active prospects for support, and is responsible for the successful solicitation of these prospects.  

Essential Functions:

• Directs all aspects of major and mid-level donor activity 
• Manages the Philanthropy Assistant, Philanthropy and Stewardship Manager and Major Gift Officer when hired. 
• Ensures execution of plan for cultivation and stewardship of major and mid-level donors 
• Design and implement innovative strategies to identify, cultivate and solicit high-net worth donors for major gifts 
• Works with volunteer constituencies in support of development/major gifts objectives 
• Effectively prepares meeting materials, stewardship reports and major gift solicitations including, but not limited to solicitation materials and proposals. Manages communication and donor interactions. 
• Work with CEO and CEAO to create new fundraising opportunities to identify and attract new donors 
• Assists in the oversight of Agency's special events for donors, as appropriate  

Minimum Education, Licensure, and Work Experience Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.  
• A minimum of six years of progressive experience in development, major gifts and fundraising in a nonprofit work environment 
• Strong presentation skills and comfortable making presentations in a variety of settings 
• Prior experience working in the nonprofit sector with supporting the work of a nonprofit board. 
• Strong goal orientation and leadership skills. 
• Works well independently and be self-motivated in initiating contacts with potential and existing donors 
• Must be a highly energetic professional with a track record of building major gifts relationships and closing five and six figure gifts 
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, strong analytical skills and managing multiple tasks. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills; proficiency in donor databases and supporting technology; experience in Virtuous a plus. 
• Maintain professionalism and respect the confidentiality of donor’s personal information 
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evenings and weekends