Director, Philanthropy & Major Gifts

INFECTIOUS DISEASES SOCIETY OF AMERICA INC•Arlington, VA

3d•Remote

About The Position

As the Director of Philanthropy and Major Gifts, you will build and lead the next phase of the Foundation’s fundraising strategy across individual and major giving, planned and legacy giving, and family foundations. By growing the portfolio, you will secure the philanthropic support needed for IDSA to remain a leader in preparedness, research, and public health response. The Foundation has only begun to use the story of that impact to build sustained support; there is significant potential to grow the program. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development and supervising one direct report, you will craft the fundraising narrative, build the systems and workflows needed to develop and manage a robust pipeline, and deepen donor and funder engagement to help increase overall philanthropic revenue from $2MM to $4MM by the end of 2027. Working closely with Foundation leadership, physician leaders, Foundation Board members, and volunteers, you will leverage existing relationships and expand into new networks to identify prospects and guide them through cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and long-term engagement. We are looking for a fundraising leader who brings an innovative and adaptable approach, anticipates shifts in donor interests and institutional priorities, and knows when to change course and which message will move a relationship forward.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with demonstrated success securing major gifts and cultivating high-value donor relationships.
Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Experience developing donor strategies, managing prospect pipelines, and using moves management to advance relationships and achieve revenue goals.
Strong relationship-building and communication skills, including developing compelling donor messaging and engaging senior leaders, board members, volunteers, and other stakeholders in fundraising efforts.
Experience supervising and developing staff and collaborating effectively across departments.
Proficiency with donor databases and CRM systems, preferably Salesforce.

Nice To Haves

CFRE credential is preferred.
Experience with high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, or donor-advised funds is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects.
Develop and implement individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Conduct donor visits and engagement activities.
Secure philanthropic support aligned with Foundation priorities.
Lead planned giving and legacy giving efforts.
Identify and cultivate planned giving prospects.
Develop communications and engagement strategies supporting legacy gifts.
Develop physician philanthropy strategies.
Engage members, Foundation Board members, alumni, volunteers, and physician leaders in philanthropic activities.
Expand donor participation and giving opportunities.
Partner with Foundation Board members to support fundraising activities and donor engagement.
Prepare donor briefings, cultivation plans, and fundraising materials.
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Grants Manager, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Model a coaching style for feedback and learning to support staff in contributing at the highest levels.
Support annual planning, forecasting, and departmental initiatives.
Develop cultivation strategies for family foundations and donor-advised funds.
Partner with the Grants Manager to identify and advance philanthropic funding opportunities.
Support engagement and stewardship activities for family foundation donors.
Oversee donor stewardship and recognition programs.
Develop donor impact communications and engagement opportunities.
Ensure consistent stewardship practices across the Foundation.