Director of Major Gifts

NOTE: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and answers to candidate exploration questions through the Workable online platform . Applications received through other channels other will not be reviewed. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The Opportunity

Social Impact Partners (SIP) seeks a Director of Major Gifts to lead and grow a high-impact major gifts fundraising program including individuals, corporations, and local and national foundation grants at a pivotal moment in the organization’s trajectory. This is an entrepreneurial, senior-level opportunity for a seasoned development leader to secure transformative philanthropic investments that fuel systems-level change across Connecticut.

The Director of Major Gifts will design and execute strategies to identify, cultivate, and solicit high-net-worth individuals and foundations capable of making six- and seven-figure and multi-year commitments . This role is well-suited for a sophisticated relationship builder with a demonstrated ability to close complex gifts, navigate long cultivation cycles, and engage donors around big, bold solutions to entrenched social challenges.

The Director of Major Gifts will not inherit a large major donor portfolio. Instead, they will build one—developing new prospects and activating introductions through SIP’s volunteers, Board, existing donors, and an extensive cross-sector network. The organization’s leadership and Board are deeply committed to expanding SIP’s philanthropic partnerships and will actively support relationship development, donor engagement, and closing gifts.

Success in this role requires someone who thrives in an entrepreneurial growth environment, who is motivated by SIP’s mission, who is energized by prospect development and strategic networking, and who brings both persistence and creativity to relationship building.

Working closely with SIP’s leadership and Board, the Director of Major Gifts will help shape fundraising strategy, activate and steward high-level donor relationships, and develop proposals and donor communications that compellingly articulate SIP’s vision, impact, and path to scale. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable operating strategically and executing tactically—and can confidently serve as a senior ambassador for SIP with philanthropic partners.

About Social Impact Partners (SIP)

Social Impact Partners (SIP) is a dynamic, mission-driven nonprofit working at the intersection of education, workforce development, and economic mobility. In close collaboration with local and statewide partners across Connecticut, SIP advances strategies and builds solutions that enable more people to have access to the education, supports, and opportunities for living wage jobs, financial security and economic mobility.

Our work focuses on three deeply interconnected systems that shape opportunity and open doors to meaningful career pathways: Early Childhood Education, Postsecondary Education, and Workforce Development. By strengthening these systems together, SIP tackles root causes—not symptoms—of inequity and helps build a more inclusive and resilient economy for Connecticut and its residents.

Why This Work Matters

Despite Connecticut’s overall wealth, too many families and communities are being left behind:

• 40% of Connecticut families cannot afford basic living costs.
• 40% of the state is considered a child care desert, leaving families with little or no access to quality early care and education.
• Fewer than half of public high school graduates are college- and career-ready.
• Employers struggle to fill 90,000 open jobs due to gaps in postsecondary credentials and workforce skills.

These challenges are interconnected—and solvable. SIP exists to close these gaps by aligning policy, programs, and investment so that systems work better for the people they are meant to serve.

Our Approach

SIP works both locally at the community level, where services are delivered, and statewide, where policy, funding, and systems are shaped. We bring together leaders from nonprofits, education, business, philanthropy, and state government to drive coordinated, high-impact solutions.

Our model is distinctive: SIP pairs an experienced professional staff with a powerful community of highly skilled volunteers—leaders from business, consulting, and the public sector—who contribute time and strategic expertise to accelerate progress. This approach allows SIP to move faster, think bigger, and deliver results more efficiently than traditional models.

A Moment of Opportunity—and Growth

Founded in 2013, SIP has grown steadily in scale, credibility, and influence. Today, the organization includes:

• 17 professional staff
• 125 skilled volunteers
• A deep network of trusted relationships across nonprofits, state government, higher education, and business
• An annual operating budget of $4.5 million (FY26)

SIP’s strategic plan envisions doubling the organization’s revenue in the coming years to expand and deepen our impact across Connecticut. Our work is provided pro bono, and SIP is supported entirely by philanthropy—from individuals and corporate, family, and private foundations. Sustained and expanded philanthropic investment is essential to achieving our vision.

Why This Role Matters Now

This is a pivotal moment for SIP—and for a senior fundraising leader to help shape what comes next. The Director of Major Gifts will play a critical role in building the philanthropic partnerships that fuel systems-level change, connect donors to meaningful impact, and ensure SIP has the resources to meet this moment of opportunity.

For a development leader motivated by mission, transforming systems, scaling impact, and the power of philanthropy to drive lasting change, SIP offers a rare opportunity to make a measurable difference in the lives of children, families, and workers across Connecticut.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

• Lead SIP’s major gifts fundraising strategy across individuals, corporations, and local and national foundation grants in partnership with the Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, and Board of Directors
• Increase the number of donors to ensure that SIP has a diversified revenue base

Prospect Identification & Research

• Map and assess the high-net-worth philanthropic landscape in Connecticut.
• Identify national foundations aligned with SIP's mission and strategy that may support SIP
• Mine SIP’s donor network of supporters, volunteers, and Board members for financial support and for introductions to other potential donors.
• Identify and research potential individual donors. 
• Develop and qualify a portfolio of prospective donors capable of giving at the six- and seven-figure level.

Donor Cultivation, Solicitation and Stewardship

• Secure and conduct face-to-face meetings with prospects (80% of time).
• Present the mission, impact and investment case of Social Impact Partners in a strategic, persuasive and compelling manner.
• Strategically move prospects through the donor pipeline toward investment in collaboration with the Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, members of the Board of Directors, and key stakeholder investors.
• Nurture strategic relationships with current donors to encourage renewals and increased support.

Fundraising & Goal Achievement

• Drive toward a target of $15 - $20 million in new funding (over 3 – 5 years)
• Develop and execute customized engagement and solicitation strategies.
• Close six- and seven-figure and multi-year gifts that align donor interests with organizational priorities.

Relationship Management

• Build authentic, trust-based relationships with high-net-worth individuals, families and foundations.
• Serve as the lead external representative of the organization in donor-facing contexts.
• Collaborate with internal teams, board members, and other volunteers to advance fundraising strategies and goals and steward and advance strategic donor partnerships. 
• Organize targeted fundraising events to support donor cultivation
• Work with marketing team to develop communications that support fundraising strategies

Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare reports on fundraising performance and donor/foundation cultivation pipeline·

Requirements

Qualifications

Relationship Building and Management

• Highly skilled relationship builder, particularly with external prospects and donors
• Experience stewarding diverse donors/funders

Fundraising or Sales Expertise

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in major gifts fundraising, high-end sales, or business development.
• Background in higher education development, healthcare philanthropy, nonprofit development, or financial sales strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience in the Connecticut fundraising landscape.

Track Record of Success

• Demonstrated ability to close multiple six- and seven-figure commitments.
• Proven experience building a donor or client base through prospecting, without relying on pre-existing lists.

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional interpersonal, networking, and relationship-building skills.
• Persuasive communicator with strong executive presence.
• Strategic fundraiser with a track record of strong donor base growth and increasing support.
• Proven experience writing compelling proposals with strong writing and editing skills.
• Experience working closely with senior leadership and Boards on fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and revenue growth.
• Self-motivated, a bias toward action, results-driven.
• High comfort level spending the majority of time externally and securing meetings with new prospects.
• Strong technology skills, including proficiency with MS Office Suite, Salesforce, internet/wealth screening tools, and AI.

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits

This opportunity is intentionally designed for a seasoned fundraising professional who is looking to make a significant impact without the demands of a traditional full-time position. The role is expected to average approximately 60% time over the course of the year, with flexibility in how that time is distributed across weeks and seasons. SIP values results, relationship-building, and responsiveness, and is open to creative arrangements that accommodate both the successful candidate's needs and the organization's fundraising priorities.

SIP recognizes the strategic importance of this role and offers a compensation package that includes a competitive annual base salary range of $80,000–$100,000 for this 60%-time position, commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as performance-based incentives aligned with fundraising growth, major gift and foundation fundraising success, and the development of long-term philanthropic partnerships.

Part-time employees working at least 25 hours/week are eligible for pro-rated paid vacation and sick time, participation in SIP's medical, dental, life insurance plans, and participation in SIP’s 401K retirement savings plan.

Work Location and Requirements

This is a hybrid, primarily field-based role, with approximately 80% of time spent meeting with donors, prospects, and partners throughout Connecticut and 20% devoted to administrative, planning, and internal meetings. SIP maintains a flexible hybrid work policy and provides office space for staff members.

Because this is a frontline fundraising role, occasional evening and weekend commitments are required to accommodate donor meetings, cultivation events, and community engagements. The successful candidate must be willing and able to travel regularly throughout Connecticut and must be able to maintain a regular in-person presence with donors and prospects throughout Connecticut, regardless of primary residence.

SIP welcomes candidates who value flexibility and autonomy in how they structure their work. This role may be particularly attractive to an experienced fundraising professional seeking a meaningful part-time leadership opportunity, including those who divide their time between Connecticut and another location during portions of the year.

Physical Requirements

This hybrid, donor-facing role requires the stamina and mobility to travel regularly, attend meetings and events, and represent the organization in public settings. The Major Gifts Officer must be able to commute reliably to the office, donor homes, and local venues; drive safely for 1 to 3 hours at a time across the state with a valid driver’s license; and navigate occasional regional travel by air and ground transportation. The role may require extended sitting, standing, walking, public speaking, computer use, phone and in-person communication, occasional evening and weekend work, and minimal lifting of 10 to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Social Impact Partners is an equal opportunity employer and committed to sound EEO practices in all professional activities and employment practices. We comply with the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act, and all other applicable federal, state and local laws. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We prohibit discrimination, including harassment, against any employee or applicant on the basis race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or pregnancy status, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other category or characteristics protected under federal, state or local law. 

How to Apply 

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and answers to candidate exploration questions through the Workable online platform Applications received through other channels other will not be reviewed. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.