Director of Major and Planned Gifts

Reed College • Portland, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Gift Planning and Major Gifts is a senior leader within Reed College’s Advancement office, responsible for advancing the college’s philanthropic priorities through strategic leadership of major gift and gift planning programs. The Director will oversee a program focused on securing philanthropic support while strengthening Reed’s long-term culture of philanthropy. The Director will lead and manage a team of development professionals spanning major gifts ($100,000 plus) and planned gifts, providing coaching, strategic direction, and accountability to ensure strong portfolio management, collaborative fundraising practices, and successful donor outcomes. The role combines team leadership with frontline fundraising, including management of a personal portfolio of leadership-level donors capable of making six- and seven-figure commitments through current and deferred gifts. This position reports to the Executive Director of Development Leadership and Strategies, under the division of the VP of College Advancement, and primarily works on campus interfacing with faculty and staff.

Requirements

• 5 years experience managing fundraising staff
• 10 years of fundraising experience
• Bachelor’s degree or experience in lieu

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated success securing major gifts and planned gifts, including six-and seven-figure commitments

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated strategy for major gifts and gift planning that aligns with Reed College’s fundraising priorities and campaign goals
• Lead coordination between major gifts and gift planning to ensure cohesive donor strategies that maximize both current and deferred philanthropic support
• Contribute to campaign planning
• Supervise a team of fundraisers, including coaching and performance management
• Establish clear goals, metrics, and accountability systems aligned with institutional fundraising targets
• Support training initiatives for advancement staff related to major gifts and gift planning concepts
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture
• Manage and actively cultivate a portfolio of 50+ leadership-level donors
• Help shape fundraising policies, procedures, and best practices
• Partner with Advancement Operations to develop reporting tools, analytics, and performance metrics
• Collaborate with prospect researcher to maintain a strong pipeline prospects
• Partner with administrators and faculty to advance donor relationships and solicitations
• Work closely with Annual Giving, Donor Relations, Alumni Relations and Parent Engagement, to support donor experience
• Strengthen stewardship practices that promote long-term engagement

Benefits

• comprehensive medical and dental insurance option for you (Reed pays 60% on medical and dental insurance premiums for your dependent)
• 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution (after one year of service)
• educational assistance for employees and their children
• 22 days of paid vacation
• paid holidays
• half-day Fridays in the summer
• many other campus amenities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior