Director of Major Gifts & Foundations

About this position

Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization providing Service Dogs to military Veterans nationwide suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma — at no financial cost to the Veteran. Founded in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors is committed to saving lives at both ends of the leash by primarily rescuing dogs and pairing them with Veterans in need. In order to continue the great work we’re doing, we’re looking to add a Director of Major Gifts & Foundations to our amazing team!

Role and Responsibilities

The Director of Major Gifts & Foundations is a strategic leadership role responsible for designing, executing, and advancing a comprehensive major gift, foundation and planned giving program. This individual will play a critical role in strengthening fundraising performance, rebuilding momentum, and driving revenue growth across high-capacity donors, foundation partners, and legacy giving. The ideal candidate brings deep experience across these areas, a strong track record in closing six and seven figure gifts, and the leadership ability to elevate team performance.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive major gift, foundation and planned giving strategy aligned with organizational revenue goals.
• Assess current portfolio performance and implement data‑driven improvements to get the team on track to exceed goals.
• Establish clear goals, metrics, and accountability systems for major gifts, grants, and planned giving team members.
• Partner with senior and executive leadership to align fundraising priorities with organizational growth initiatives.
• Build and execute multi‑year strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Advise the CEO and CRO on matters related to fundraising and philanthropy; maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Directors, staff members, and individual donors.
• Collaborate with marketing, corporate partners, events, and finance teams.

Major Gifts Fundraising

• Manage a personal portfolio of high-net-worth donors and prospects, including the K9s For Warriors Board of Directors, with a focus on securing gifts of $25,000+.
• Lead cultivation and solicitation strategies for top-tier donors, including personalized engagement and stewardship plans.
• Identify, qualify, and develop new major gift prospects through research, networking, and relationship building.
• Oversee donor stewardship strategies to ensure long‑term engagement and retention.
• Partner with senior leadership and board members to support high‑level donor engagement and solicitations.

Grant, Foundation & Institutional Giving

• Oversee the grants team, including assisting with foundation relations strategy, identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of institutional funders.
• Ensure the development of compelling grant proposals, reports, and impact narratives.
• Help the grants team expand the foundation pipeline and deepen relationships.
• Collaborate with other departments to align funding opportunities with organizational initiatives.

Planned Giving & Estate Gifts

• Develop and lead a comprehensive planned giving program, including bequests, charitable trusts, beneficiary designations, and other legacy vehicles.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit donors for estate and legacy gifts, integrating planned giving into major gift strategies.
• Partner with donors and their advisors (attorneys, financial planners, wealth managers) to structure and close planned gifts.
• Create marketing and outreach strategies to promote legacy giving opportunities and grow the planned giving pipeline.
• Establish stewardship and recognition programs for legacy donors.
• Ensure proper documentation, compliance, and administration of planned gifts in coordination with legal and finance teams.
• Provide training and support to development staff and leadership on incorporating planned giving conversations into donor management.

Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of major gifts, grants, and planned giving professionals.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching and professional development.
• Conduct regular pipeline reviews and strategy sessions to improve outcomes.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
• Evaluate team structure and recommend adjustments to improve efficiency and results.

Data & Reporting

• Utilize CRM systems to track donor activity, pipeline progress, and revenue projections across all giving channels.
• Analyze fundraising data to inform strategy and improve performance.
• Prepare regular reports for senior and executive leadership.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive fundraising experience, with a strong emphasis on major gifts, foundation relations, and/or planned giving and Capital Campaigns.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience managing projects and teams.
• Proven track record of securing six and seven figure gifts, including complex and blended gifts.
• Demonstrated experience building or expanding a planned giving or legacy program.
• Demonstrated experience rebuilding or scaling a major gifts program and improving team performance.
• Strong leadership and team management experience, including coaching and developing high-performing staff.
• Expertise in donor cultivation strategies, moves management, and relationship-based fundraising.
• Working knowledge of planned giving and related regulations.
• Experience collaborating with legal and financial professionals on estate and gift planning.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using CRM systems (Raisers Edge and/or Salesforce) and fundraising metrics to drive decisions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence in donor interactions.
• Knowledge of Raisers Edge, Microsoft Office Suite, and database best practices and management theory.

Preferred Skills

• Strong dedication to the K9s For Warriors mission.
• Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, mentor, and develop a goal-oriented team.
• Enthusiasm and commitment to resource development and community impact work.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; advanced degree preferred.
• Certified Fund‑Raising Executive (CFRE) or Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) preferred.
• Formal training or coursework in planned giving, nonprofit management, or philanthropy is a plus.
• Experience working in a national nonprofit organizational or similarly complex environment preferred.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining relationships with high‑capacity donors, foundation executives, and professional advisors.
• High level of self‑direction and orientation to achieve results.

Core Competencies

• Coaching
• Customer Orientation
• Delegating
• Managing
• Persuasiveness
• Social Awareness
• Networking