Director of Major Gifts
About The Position
The Director of Major Gifts (Director) is a high-impact role within the Resource Development team responsible for building, managing, scaling, and strategic direction of major gifts and corporate giving programs at NFHA. Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Advancement and Partnerships (VP), the Director will serve as the primary architect of major gift and high-net worth (HNW) programs and strategies to ensure fulfillment of organizational funding goals. A vital part of NFHA’s growth strategy, the Director will ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability by building relationships and securing significant gifts that support its mission. The Director will lead strategy development, oversee a portfolio of major donors and prospects, and partner closely with executive leadership, Board members, and teams across the organization focused on HNW individuals. The Director will manage the full donor lifecycle to develop donor relationships at the major gifts level, specializing in personal interactions with donors, face-to-face meetings, event participation, conference calls, and mail/email correspondence.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree required in public administration, nonprofit management, business administration, public relations, or related field of study.
- 7 years of progressive experience in frontline fundraising, with a proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts.
- Strong attention to detail and excellent problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, environment
- Excellent computer skills including demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office, Salesforce, and grants management platforms.
- Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to efficiently manage multiple deadlines and workflows.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Excellent relationship-building and follow-up skills
- Ability and willingness to travel.
- Integrity, humility, and an entrepreneurial attitude.
- A positive attitude and a sincere interest in providing good customer service to our members, partners, and state chapters.
- A firm commitment to NFHA's mission and overall civil and human rights.
Nice To Haves
- CFRE certification preferred
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a major gifts strategy to significantly grow individual and corporate giving revenue.
- Design and implement a mission aligned major gifts program focused on sustainable growth and transformational giving.
- Strengthen internal systems, processes, and donor stewardship infrastructure to support long‑term revenue expansion.
- Collaborate with program, communications, and finance teams to develop accurate, inspiring donor materials.
- Identify, research, and qualify new prospects for major and corporate giving.
- Develop individualized strategies for each donor, including goals, cultivation steps, solicitation plans, and stewardship pathways.
- Build, manage, and advance a portfolio of 75–125 major donors and prospects, depending on level.
- Maintain and grow a pipeline of donors capable of giving $100K+, with efforts aimed at reaching $1M+ commitments.
- Plan, execute, and evaluate a portfolio of donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events—including friend-raising, prospect engagement, and major gift-focused gatherings.
- Conduct regular donor meetings, including face‑to‑face solicitations, cultivation visits, and stewardship touchpoints.
- Engage long‑term supporters, lapsed donors, and new prospects to deepen connection and investment.
- Draft compelling proposals, reports, cases for support, and tailored donor communications.
- Drive follow-up from donor meetings to ensure donor commitments.
- Partner closely with senior leadership, Board members, and Advisory Council to activate networks and support donor engagement.
- Confidently manage up and across teams to align fundraising strategy with organizational priorities.
- Assist with major donor events and national events as needed.
- Contribute to department planning, budgeting.
- Handle ad hoc project management responsibilities related to donor communication, collateral materials, cultivation event planning, donor program stewardship, and meeting preparation.
Benefits
- 100% paid health, vision, and dental coverage for employees and family
- 100% paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
- Employer contribution to 403(b) retirement plan, separate from employee contribution
- Comprehensive paid time off benefits including holidays, vacation, and sick leave
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
