Director of Major and Leadership Gifts

West Point Association of Graduates•West Point, NY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) is seeking a Director of Major and Leadership Gifts to lead its fundraising program for individual donors capable of making gifts of $250,000 or more. Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Director will manage a team of nine, setting objectives, priorities, and individual goals, and regularly reporting on progress. This role involves supervising three Major Gifts Officers and five Leadership Gift Officers in developing and executing cultivation and solicitation strategies, ensuring gifts align with donor interests and institutional needs. The Director will also oversee a Major Gifts Senior Development Manager. Strong organizational, analytical, time management, and communication skills are essential, as is a goal-oriented mindset and the ability to thrive in a collaborative environment while demonstrating leadership and influencing skills. An understanding of fundraising strategies, particularly for mid-level and high-level donors, is highly desirable.

Requirements

Strong organizational and analytical abilities.
Time management skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Goal-oriented.
Ability to thrive in a competitive yet collaborative and collegial environment.
Demonstrating a strong leadership presence.
Ability to influence and engage teammates and senior stakeholders.
A Bachelor's Degree is required.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of fundraising strategies, particularly in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of mid-level and high-level donors, though relevant and transferable skills in a related field will also be considered.
Graduate Degree preferred.
Certified Fundraising Executive credential (CFRE) preferred.
Greater than eight years of experience in fundraising.
Familiarity with USMA and the Army is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the WPAOG's fund raising program aimed at individual donors with the capability of making gifts of $250,000 or more.
Ensuring that the nine-member Major Giving team reaches its annual cash and pledge targets.
Setting the team's overall objectives and priorities as well as individual goals for each team member using a clearly defined performance matrix.
Regularly reporting on the team's progress toward its established goals.
Supervising three Major Gifts Officers (MGOs) and five Leadership Gift Officers (LGOs) in the development and execution of cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Ensuring solicited gifts and pledges match a donor's interests and giving ability, while fulfilling the needs of either the USMA or the WPAOG.
Supervising a Major Gifts Senior Development Manager tasked with providing professional support to the Director and members of the Major Giving team.