Director of Major Gifts

Our client, a premier private university, is seeking a Director of Development (Major Gifts) to join their growing Advancement team to own and cultivate a robust portfolio of alumni, parents, and attendees of their performing arts, sports, etc programs.

Benefits

• Robust 403B matching (5%+)
• 22 PTO days + Holidays
• Strong, discounted medical, dental, and vision plans
• Summer Fridays
• 4 Days in Office | 1 Remote
• Onsite parking

Responsibilities

• Build and cultivate 50–70 prospects capable of giving $75,000+, meeting key metrics for meetings, solicitations, and annual revenue.
• Oversee Current Parent Giving, recruit members for the Parent’s Leadership Council, manage bi-annual meetings, and qualify 10–15 new parent major gift prospects annually.
• Prospect Research & Cultivation: Leverage institutional resources to identify, qualify, and steward new prospects into long-term philanthropic relationships.
• Collaborate with Advancement staff and campus leaders (e.g., Athletics, Performing Arts) to design donor-centric experiences and advance affinity-based fundraising strategies.
• Assist with the planning and execution of key signature initiatives, including the Trustees Gala, Winged Foot Golf Outing, and Homecoming.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with demonstrated success building and managing a donor portfolio within a high-functioning organization of philanthropy. Institutions of higher education a plus
• Knowledge and experience cultivating and closing gifts from a range of affinity groups, including but not limited to parents of current students, the Performing Arts, and in support of Athletics.
• Demonstrated success closing commitments of $75,000 and above a plus.
• Proven ability to set priorities, be innovative, and challenge the status quo.