Deputy Director of Philanthropy and Major Gifts

Bread For The World, Inc•Washington, VA

26d

About The Position

Bread for the World is a Christian advocacy organization urging U.S. decision makers to do all they can to pursue a world without hunger. Our mission is to educate and equip people to advocate for policies and programs that can help end hunger in the U.S. and around the world. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The Deputy Director for Philanthropy and Major Gifts will provide strategic and operational leadership for Bread for the World’s major gifts program, overseeing the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors giving $5,000 and above. This role leads the major gifts team in building authentic, mission-centered relationships that grow revenue, deepen donor engagement, and advance Bread’s campaign and organizational priorities. The Deputy Director ensures disciplined portfolio management, strong pipeline development, and a culture of accountability and excellence across the philanthropy team.

Requirements

Minimum of 8 years of progressive fundraising experience, including major gifts leadership.
Demonstrated success securing and closing five- and six-figure gifts.
Experience managing portfolios and leading frontline fundraising teams.
Strong understanding of pipeline development, donor lifecycle strategy, and revenue forecasting.
Proven ability to coach and develop high-performing fundraisers.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
High integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive major gifts strategy for donors at the $5,000+ level.
Set annual and multi-year revenue goals aligned with organizational growth plans and campaign priorities.
Oversee portfolio strategy, ensuring proper segmentation, qualification, and movement of donors through the pipeline.
Monitor progress toward goals, analyze performance metrics, and adjust strategies as needed.
Lead strategy for campaign and special initiative fundraising at the major gift level.
Identify and implement strategies to upgrade donors, secure multi-year commitments, and increase lifetime value.
Maintain a personal portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, with a focus on six- and seven-figure opportunities.
Conduct donor visits, virtual meetings, and cultivation events to deepen engagement and secure commitments.
Develop tailor cultivation and solicitation strategies for top prospects.
Partner with the President & CEO, Vice President, Development & Membership, and board members on strategic donor engagement.
Ensure exceptional stewardship practices, including personalized communication and impact reporting.
Directly supervise Philanthropy Advisor(s), Special Events Manager, and Church Giving Manager.
Establish clear performance expectations, visit metrics, and revenue benchmarks.
Provide coaching and support to strengthen fundraising skills, donor strategy, and accountability.
Lead regular portfolio revenue meetings and pipeline discussions.
Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture grounded in service, discipline, and mission alignment.
Contribute to succession planning and team development.
Partner with Development Operations to ensure accurate portfolio reporting and donor tracking.
Collaborate with Communications on donor messaging and customized proposals.
Coordinate with Advocacy, Organizing and Programs to align donor interests with strategic initiatives.