Director of Major Gifts

Director of Major Gifts

Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, sponsored by the Mercy Education System of the Americas, is a Catholic college preparatory, all-girls high school, located on the southwest side of Chicago. With a balanced vision of academic excellence, cultural wealth in the liberal arts, athletic achievement, and a strong spiritual life, Mother McAuley is a place young women grow as compassionate, responsible, and productive Christian leaders. It is through our innovative liberal arts and college-preparatory program that students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they will need to meet the demands of a fast-changing world as decision makers and leaders guided by strong Mercy values. As such, we seek professionals who are committed and capable to fulfill this incredible mission.

Position Summary: The Director of Major Gifts serves as a senior member of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School's Institutional Advancement team and plays a leading role in achieving the school's annual fundraising and long-term philanthropic goals. The Director is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors in support of Mother McAuley's strategic priorities. As the school's primary frontline major gift officer, the Director independently manages a portfolio of approximately 100-150 major gift prospects and donors while building meaningful relationships with alumnae, families, and friends of the school. This role requires a highly motivated, relationship-driven fundraising professional who thrives on engaging donors, traveling locally and nationally, and securing transformational philanthropic investments that advance Mother McAuley's mission of empowering young women through a Mercy education. The Director also serves as a strategic partner to the President, Senior Leadership Team, Board of Trustees, and campaign leadership by identifying and preparing leadership-level prospects for successful solicitation and long-term engagement.

Essential Duties (other duties may be assigned):

• Manage and strategically cultivate a portfolio of approximately 100-150 major gift and planned giving prospects.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies using a comprehensive moves management process.
• Conduct approximately 8-10 meaningful donor visits or qualification meetings each week through local and national travel.
• Secure leadership annual gifts, multi-year commitments, campaign gifts, planned gifts, and other philanthropic investments that support Mother McAuley's fundraising priorities.
• In partnership with the Institutional Advancement team, identify and qualify new major gift prospects while expanding engagement with alumnae and supporters across the country.
• Collaborate with the President, Senior Leadership Team, Board members, campaign leadership, and volunteers to prepare for and execute strategic donor solicitations.
• Research prospective donors and prepare briefing materials, cultivation strategies, solicitation plans, customized gift proposals, and stewardship reports.
• Serve as an ambassador for Mother McAuley's mission by effectively communicating the school's Mercy heritage, impact, and Lifetime Advantage to prospective donors.
• Partner with school leadership and the Sisters of Mercy to develop compelling funding opportunities and demonstrate meaningful donor impact.
• Monitor progress toward annual fundraising and campaign goals through regular reporting, forecasting, and portfolio analysis.
• Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, proposal tracking, and pipeline activity within Raiser's Edge NXT.
• Coordinate donor events, campaign activities, and stewardship opportunities with the Institutional Advancement team.
• Mentor and provide strategic guidance to advancement staff as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Performance Expectations Success in this position will be measured by: Achievement of annual fundraising goals for major gifts, the annual fund, and the capital campaign. Successful solicitation and closure of leadership and transformational gifts, including five-, six-, and seven-figure commitments. Consistent completion of approximately 8-10 meaningful donor visits or qualification meetings per week. Growth and effective movement of prospects through the major gift pipeline. Development of new major gift opportunities and expanded engagement with Mother McAuley's national alumnae network. Timely and accurate management of donor activity, proposals, and portfolio performance.

Education/Experience Required: Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School and a Mercy education. 7+ years of progressively responsible fundraising or consultative sales experience with demonstrated success securing major gifts or high-value investments. Experience in education is preferred; nonprofit fundraising experience is a plus. Experience supporting annual giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, or comprehensive fundraising initiatives. Exceptional relationship-building, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Self-directed with strong time management skills and the ability to effectively manage a complex portfolio and travel schedule. Strategic thinker with strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills. Experience working collaboratively with executive leadership, volunteer solicitors, and governing boards. Proficiency with Raiser's Edge NXT or a comparable fundraising CRM. Bachelor's degree required. Ability to travel locally and nationally, and attend evening and weekend meetings and events as needed.

To apply: Apply through the link on the employment page of our website.

Additional Information: We offer a competitive salary, with a range of $100,000-120,000 commensurate with experience. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, and a retirement plan. Many opportunities to be involved in extra-curricular activities such as club moderator and coaching are also available. Participation in these activities is strongly encouraged and welcomed. Mother McAuley is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants equally. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.