Organization Background

Position Summary

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and continuously strengthen a comprehensive individual giving program focused on gifts up to $500,000, generating up to $2 million in annual revenue over the next few years.
• In partnership with development operations, design and implement effective systems, processes, and prospect management practices to support sustained fundraising growth.
• Manage and steward a portfolio of 50–75 major gift prospects with capacity between the 5- and 6-figure range, while coordinating the seamless transition of principal and transformational level gift prospects to the Vice President of Development.
• Supervise and mentor development staff, including subdirectors and potentially annual giving or specialized donor-facing roles as the team evolves.
• Maintain deep knowledge of fundraising strategies, financial planning considerations, and planned giving vehicles, including charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts, life insurance, beneficiary designations, and bequests.
• Partner with donors and their legal and financial advisors to structure, secure, and document current and planned gifts, including complex assets such as real estate, tangible property, and closely held stock.
• Support the development of marketing, recognition, and stewardship strategies for planned giving donors.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner in overall fundraising planning, providing regular pipeline, proposal, and progress reporting utilizing data and metrics to guide decision-making.
• Help lead a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement during a period of organizational growth and transition.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and professional development efforts, including coaching and performance feedback to support team success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• 10+ years of frontline fundraising experience, with a proven record of securing major ($25,000+) and planned gifts.
• 5+ years of supervisory experience leading and developing high-performing fundraising teams and director-level staff.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, and analytical skills to drive results and optimize fundraising performance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to convey complex ideas persuasively.
• Proven relationship-building and donor stewardship skills, with experience using CRM systems to manage portfolios and track activity.

Skills and Knowledge Required

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication, including persuasive presentations and donor engagement.
• Strong strategic thinking, organizational, and analytical skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable fundraising strategies.

• Experience in major gifts, planned giving, annual giving, and comprehensive campaigns preferred.
• Proven relationship-building skills, with the ability to motivate prospects and steward donors effectively.
• Knowledge of multi-channel fundraising and marketing strategies, including social media, digital, phone, and direct mail campaigns.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Spektrix) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Self-starter who works independently and collaboratively, handles confidential information with discretion, and can work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must submit to a criminal background check.
• Applicant must be eligible to work in the U.S.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods at events
• Climbing stairs
• Stooping, kneeling, bending grasping, reaching, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling
• Moderate physical effort
• Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to hear and understand over the telephone
• Working Conditions
• May receive requests with simultaneous deadlines
• Open office environment

Other

• Reliable transportation
• Regular and predictable attendance
• Dress appropriately for work demands
• Maintain standards for personal grooming and hygiene

Pay and Benefits

• Fully paid medical, vision, and dental insurance at the employee level
• Optional life and disability insurance
• 4 weeks of paid time off