Director of Major Gifts

Project Harmony•Omaha, NE

About The Position

Project Harmony is seeking an experienced Director of Major Gifts to join its Development Department. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this role identifies, cultivates, solicits, and secures significant financial contributions that support the organization’s mission of serving children and families. The Director builds relationships with internal and external stakeholders to implement, sustain, and diversify the organization’s funder base and fundraising strategy, with a focus on major and endowed gifts. The role develops and supervises a multi-year legacy giving program, expands the donor pipeline, manages major-donor relationships and stewardship, and works with the Chief Development Officer and Development team to set goals and secure funding. The Director also collaborates across the organization to understand program needs, creates donor proposals and presentations, makes direct solicitations, supports board and staff fundraising, and tracks results and donor information. Local, regional, and national travel may be required, along with occasional evening and weekend hours for networking and community events. Project Harmony provides support to child abuse victims and their non-offending family members, with a mission focused on ending the cycle of child abuse and neglect. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, strategic innovation, quality service, and collaborative relationships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.
At least 5 years of professional experience in a development function within a nonprofit organization.
Experience in gift planning, fundraising, sales, and/or business development.
Proven track record of securing major gifts.
Experience with Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud, or other donor database/CRM systems.
Ability to identify, expand, and diversify major-gift resources.
Knowledge of estate and trust principles and vehicles.
Ability to articulate Project Harmony’s work and understand programs related to Response, Prevention, and Early Intervention.
Ability to work with donor audiences of varied ages, backgrounds, cultures, and industries.
Strong organization, preparation, attention to detail, and follow-through.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with donors, staff, and volunteers.
Ability to work collaboratively and independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Proficiency with donor databases and tracking donor transactions and information.
Ability to use research, donor databases, and wealth-screening tools in fundraising.
Excellent written, editing, verbal, active-listening, and public-speaking skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Knowledge of ethical fundraising standards and nonprofit financial-management best practices.
Professionalism, initiative, energy, and confidence.
Ability to negotiate complex, high-profile, and/or sensitive situations.
Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
Willingness to work flexible hours.
Must submit to a thorough criminal-history background check.
Must have access to a vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.

Nice To Haves

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification.
Experience in legal and/or financial industries.

Responsibilities

Develop, initiate, coordinate, and supervise a multi-year legacy giving program that encourages planned giving and permanent endowments.
Expand and diversify Project Harmony’s donor base and pipeline, and work with the Development team to secure funding for new initiatives.
Help donors achieve their philanthropic goals through a relationship with the organization.
Cultivate and manage relationships with major donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Work with the Chief Development Officer to create major-gift goals and strategy.
Steward existing major donors and potential prospects to encourage continued support.
Align major-gift efforts with the Development Department’s calendar, including the Annual Giving Campaign, annual fundraising events, and community campaigns.
Collaborate with the Development team to prepare donor acknowledgements.
Make direct, face-to-face solicitations and assist the board and other staff with solicitations, portfolio development, strategic counsel, and donor communications.
Track and report progress using metrics and maintain accurate records of donor interactions and gifts in the donor database.
Collaborate across the organization to understand programmatic needs and prioritize funding opportunities.
Create and deliver proposals and presentations that connect prospective major donors’ interests with the organization’s mission.
Travel locally, regionally, and nationally as needed to meet donors and prospective donors.
Attend networking and community events, including occasional evening and weekend events.
Ensure culturally competent services are provided to families without regard to listed personal or socioeconomic characteristics.
Perform other duties as assigned.