Director, Major Gifts

Company DescriptionUncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!Job DescriptionAs Director, Major Gifts, you will build and manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, leading the full lifecycle of major gift fundraising, from identifying and cultivating new relationships to securing transformational philanthropic investments and stewarding long-term partnerships. You will develop individualized engagement strategies, partner closely with school and Home Office leaders, and connect donors to Uncommon Schools' mission through meaningful opportunities to invest in student success. Your work will play a critical role in expanding philanthropic support and advancing our organizational priorities.Portfolio Management & Fundraising StrategyBuild and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, with a focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationshipsDesign and execute individualized strategies to align donor interests with Uncommon’s prioritiesDevelop proposals, letters of inquiry, and tailored communications to support fundraising effortsDonor Engagement & Relationship BuildingLead in-person and virtual engagement with donors through meetings, school visits, and curated experiencesTranslate Uncommon’s impact into clear, compelling narratives that inspire philanthropic investmentEnsure timely, thoughtful stewardship to strengthen long-term donor relationshipsProspect Identification & Network ExpansionIdentify and qualify new prospective donors through research, events, and outreachPartner with internal stakeholders and leadership to expand access to new donor networksContribute to building a strong pipeline of high-capacity prospectsPipeline Management & Cross-Functional CollaborationMaintain accurate donor records and pipeline data in Salesforce or similar systemsForecast revenue and track progress toward fundraising goalsCollaborate with development, marketing, and program teams to align messaging and engagement strategiesQualificationsRequired:Bachelor's degree10+ years of professional experience or an equivalent track record building and managing sophisticated major gift portfoliosDemonstrated experience in frontline fundraising, with a focus on major or principal giftsProven success managing a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and personally cultivating, soliciting, and closing six- and seven-figure philanthropic giftsExperience building trusted relationships with senior executives, trustees, philanthropists, or other high-profile stakeholdersStrong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey mission and impactExperience developing donor strategies, proposals, and engagement plansProficiency with Salesforce or similar CRM systems, including pipeline tracking and revenue forecastingPreferred:Familiarity with the New York City philanthropic landscapeExperience collaborating across teams to support fundraising strategyStrong analytical skills to support planning and decision-makingPhysical Requirements:Minimal physical demands, including extended periods working at a deskNot sure you meet every qualification? We encourage you to apply—we’re excited to learn what you bring.Additional InformationOur people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent. Compensation: The full compensation range for this role is $116,800–$146,000. Typically, new hires who fully meet all qualifications listed in the job description will start at $124,100. Starting compensation below this reflects candidates with less experience or qualifications. Offers near the top end of the range are reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the qualifications, bringing extensive experience and specialized expertise beyond what is listed.Compensation determinations consider relevant professional experience and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Additionally, because we value internal growth and tenure, current staff members are not subject to salary caps within this range.Work Environment: Uncommon is an in-person organization, with a commitment of at least three days each week at our Central Office in downtown Manhattan (100 Church Street).Benefit Highlights: 19 days of paid time off3 weeks of paid Winter and Summer org-wide holidaysComprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans403(b) retirement savings program + employer matchPaid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefitsPre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health saving accounts*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE. At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email View email address on click.appcast.io: Full-timeFunction: Business DevelopmentExperience level: DirectorIndustry: Education Management