National Director, Leadership Giving

Role Description

The National Director (ND), Leadership Giving is a senior major gift officer who manages a mixed major and principal gift portfolio, operating with significant independence while engaging the AVP as a strategic thought partner on complex $1M+ gift strategies. The ND is developing toward principal gift leadership and is expected to have a growing pipeline of $1M+ prospects — not just the capacity to solicit them, but the relationship depth and strategic sophistication to navigate multi-cycle, multi-partner cultivation processes.

The ND differs from the AND in independence of execution, gift complexity, revenue expectation, and depth of $1M pipeline development. The ND does proactively initiate support and feedback from their AVP bringing fully formed strategy proposals to the AVP for partnership and refinement. The AVP is engaged as a thought-partner on $1M+ donor relationships.

This is a remote position open to candidates in Florida.

Core Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management & Fundraising
  • Manage a portfolio of 100–125 donors and prospects spanning major gift ($100K–$1M) and principal gift ($1M+) capacity.
  • Execute all $100K–$500K gift strategies independently; manage $500K–$1M solicitations with AVP input as needed.
  • Develop and execute $1M+ gift strategies in active partnership with the AVP — the AVP should co-own all $1M+ strategy decisions.
  • Achieve annual personal revenue goal as assigned based on the potential of the portfolio. (Typically $2.5M-$3M in first year with growth to $3M–$5M).
  • Ensure consistent pipeline growth: at minimum 10–15 qualified $1M+ prospects in active cultivation at all times.
• AVP Partnership & Collaboration
  • Engage the AVP proactively and consistently as a thought partner on $1M+ strategies — bring draft strategy documents, relationship context, and specific decision points to the conversation.
  • Participate in bi-weekly portfolio review with AVP ensuring AVP visibility to principal gift opportunities.
  • Model the escalation culture for AND colleagues by demonstrating appropriate collaboration and involved with AVP for key donor opportunities.
  • Request AVP co-attendance or support at key $1M+ solicitation meetings rather than conducting these independently.
• Relationship Management
  • Build and sustain complex, multi-year relationships with high-net-worth individuals and families capable of $100K–$5M+ gifts.
  • Navigate multi-stakeholder donor environments (family foundations, advisor relationships, board-engaged donors) with increasing independence.
  • Partner with chapter Territory Executives and Philanthropic Engagement roles in the field, volunteer leaders, and national staff to develop and execute comprehensive donor strategies.
  • Lead Planned Giving conversations within the portfolio; develop blended gift strategies where appropriate. Ensure engagement of the AVP, Planned Giving in more complex planned gift opportunities.
  • Identify donors who have connectivity to or are decision makers for corporate prospects; partner appropriately with the Corporate Development team.
• Team Contribution & Peer Mentoring
  • Informally share expertise and strategy insights with colleagues; serve as a resource when senior perspective is helpful.
  • Contribute to team strategy sessions and portfolio review meetings as a senior voice and active participant.
  • Model CRM discipline and data-driven portfolio management for the broader team.
• Mission & Operations
  • Maintain deep expertise in Breakthrough T1D's mission, research portfolio, and investment priorities; communicate with authority to sophisticated donors and advisors.
  • Maintain accurate, timely CRM documentation; use portfolio analytics to inform strategy and report pipeline health to the AVP.
  • Participate in strategic planning processes as a senior contributor to regional and national pipeline development.
  • While providing proper visibility to the AVP, identify opportunities to leverage mission partners, campaign cabinet members and other key volunteers in the fundraising process.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of major gift fundraising experience with demonstrated success closing gifts of $500,000+.
• Experience in a matrixed, chapter-based organization or similarly complex structure preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute principal gift strategies ($1M+), with evidence of a qualified $1M+ pipeline.
• Proactive, collaborative working style; models and welcomes active partnership with senior leadership on complex accounts.
• Strong relationship management skills with donors, advisors, volunteers, and cross-functional staff.
• Ability to develop and present complex, multi-asset gift strategies (outright, planned, blended).
• Proficiency in Salesforce or comparable CRM; strong data discipline and analytical approach to portfolio management.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel up to 40% of the time, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Voluntary benefits.
• Flexible spending and commuter benefit accounts.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).
• Life and disability insurance.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Generous paid time off.
• Benefits may vary by job level and full time or part time status.