Director of Philanthropy & Major Gifts

DCAC•Mesquite, TX

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Philanthropy – Major Gifts serves as the lead frontline fundraiser responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors in support of the Foundation’s strategic priorities. This position builds meaningful, long-term relationships with individuals, families, family foundations, and philanthropic leaders capable of making transformational investments in the mission. The Director manages a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, develops individualized engagement strategies, and partners closely with the President & CEO, Chief Advancement Officer, Foundation Board members, and volunteer leaders to secure significant philanthropic investments. Success in this role is measured by building lasting relationships that result in increased philanthropic support and a growing pipeline of future major and planned gifts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience with an emphasis on major gifts.
Demonstrated success securing five-, six-, and preferably seven-figure philanthropic commitments.
Experience managing complex donor portfolios and cultivation strategies.
Experience working with executives, governing boards, and volunteer leaders.
Deep understanding of major gift fundraising principles and moves management.
Knowledge of planned giving concepts and philanthropic vehicles.
Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
Strong strategic planning and donor qualification abilities.
Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Ability to inspire philanthropic investment through compelling storytelling and mission impact.
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Experience using donor CRM systems such as Raiser’s Edge NXT, Salesforce, Virtuous, or similar.
High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree and/or Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation preferred.
Experience participating in capital or comprehensive campaigns preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive major gifts strategy aligned with the Foundation’s annual and long-term fundraising priorities.
Manage a portfolio of approximately 125–175 qualified major gift donors and prospects.
Develop individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for each assigned donor.
Conduct regular face-to-face donor visits and meaningful relationship-building activities.
Solicit leadership, major, and principal gifts, including multi-year commitments.
Prepare compelling gift proposals, investment opportunities, and impact reports tailored to donor interests.
Build authentic, long-term relationships with donors, prospective donors, professional advisors, and family foundations.
Identify new major gift prospects through research, referrals, networking, and community engagement.
Maintain consistent stewardship through personal communication, recognition, and impact reporting.
Ensure all donor interactions are accurately documented within the organization’s CRM.
Expand the Foundation’s pipeline of qualified major gift prospects.
Collaborate with leadership to identify philanthropic opportunities that align donor passions with organizational priorities.
Assist in developing naming opportunities, endowment giving opportunities, and strategic funding initiatives.
Support planned giving conversations and coordinate with professional advisors as appropriate.
Partner closely with the President & CEO and Chief Advancement Officer to develop strategies for high-capacity donors.
Prepare leadership for donor meetings through research, briefing materials, and solicitation strategies.
Engage Foundation Board members and volunteer leaders in cultivation and stewardship efforts.
Support board fundraising initiatives and philanthropic engagement.
Participate in capital, comprehensive, and special fundraising campaigns.
Develop customized proposals for campaign priorities.
Track campaign progress related to assigned donors and prospects.
Assist in donor recognition and campaign stewardship activities.
Work collaboratively with Corporate Philanthropy, Annual Giving, Grants, Marketing, and Programs to provide a seamless donor experience.
Coordinate with Advancement Operations to ensure accurate donor records, reporting, forecasting, and prospect management.
Partner with program leadership to communicate measurable outcomes and demonstrate donor impact.