Director of Philanthropy (26-27)

IDEA Public Schools•El Paso, TX

About The Position

The Director of Philanthropy is a seasoned major-gifts fundraiser responsible for securing transformational philanthropic investments that advance IDEA Public Schools’ mission. Managing a multi-region portfolio of high-capacity donors, the Director drives strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to grow IDEA’s pipeline of individuals, corporations, and foundations capable of giving $10,000–$250,000+ annually. Operating within IDEA’s new Foundation model, the Director applies a disciplined, data-informed approach to portfolio strategy—executing thoughtful qualification, crafting tailored donor pathways, and aligning every engagement to long-term revenue growth. The role requires mastery in major gifts, including multi-year commitments, donor-advised funds, endowed gifts, and planned giving, and the ability to translate IDEA’s bold ambitions into compelling investment opportunities. A trusted philanthropic advisor to donors and a strategic thought partner across IDEA’s fundraising and regional leadership, the Director collaborates closely with program leaders, regional executives, Advancement Services, and the Donor Experience team to design high-impact proposals, stewardship plans, and engagement experiences that deepen trust and strengthen IDEA’s financial sustainability. Reporting to the Lead Director of Philanthropy, this role bridges strategy and execution—ensuring IDEA’s major gifts work is coordinated, relationship-centered, metrics-aligned, and high-impact. The Director plays a critical frontline role in expanding IDEA’s community of loyal supporters and securing the philanthropic investments needed to serve more students, in more regions, for years to come

Requirements

Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts of $10,000–$250,000+, including multi-year and planned gifts
Experience leading a sophisticated, multi-region portfolio with disciplined moves-management
Strong ability to build trust with high-capacity donors and serve as a strategic philanthropic advisor
Excellent storyteller who can translate impact data and organizational priorities into persuasive donor strategies
Effective partner to executives, regional leaders, and program teams to align donor engagement and organizational needs
Skilled in using CRM insights, forecasting, and analytics to drive portfolio decisions and measure progress (Salesforce preferred)
Deep commitment to IDEA’s values, with a donor-centered approach grounded in integrity and long-term partnership
Ability to engage confidently across diverse regions, communities, and stakeholders
Strong project management and organization across multiple priorities
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends during peak fundraising periods; must be comfortable working independently while traveling
Bachelor’s degree required
5+ years of major gifts or high-level relationship management experience, with a strong track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts
Graduate from a recognized four-year college or university preferably with a major in business administration, Human Resources, Information Systems, or related field or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
3+ years of experience with HCM configuration and support.
3+ years of experience utilizing project management frameworks to ensure project and team effectiveness.
3+ years of experience in business process design.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
CFRE/CFRM

Responsibilities

Manage a multi-region portfolio of high-capacity individual, corporate, and foundation donors, leading strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts that secure major gifts of $10,000–$250,000+ annually.
Develop and execute individualized donor strategies informed by data, research, and relationship history to advance prospects through the major gifts pipeline toward long-term philanthropic investment.
Conduct thoughtful donor qualification and discovery to assess capacity, interest, and readiness, aligning donor priorities with IDEA’s funding needs and strategic initiatives.
Prepare and deliver compelling proposals and gift solicitations, including multi-year commitments, donor-advised fund gifts, endowed gifts, and planned giving opportunities.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation of donor interactions, strategies, and progress within IDEA’s CRM to support effective portfolio management, forecasting, and collaboration.
Collaborate with internal partners to design and execute stewardship plans, engagement experiences, and donor communications that demonstrate impact, reinforce trust, and encourage continued investment.
In addition to the essential duties outlined above, the Director of Philanthropy contributes to portfolio planning, forecasting, and continuous improvement efforts related to major gifts fundraising.
This role participates in special initiatives, pilots, or campaigns that support the effectiveness and scalability of IDEA’s major gifts program; supports leadership reporting and analysis as needed; and maintains flexibility to adapt strategies in response to donor feedback, regional priorities, and organizational needs.