Manager of Major Gifts & Partnerships
About The Position
Girlstart is seeking a Manager of Major Gifts & Partnerships to build and lead their leadership giving program, specifically focusing on the upcoming 30th anniversary. This role involves developing a new Founders Circle for major donors ($10,000+), growing the major donor base in Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston, and establishing a Corporate Champions program with board partnership. The position reports to the Executive Director and is a full-time, exempt, individual contributor role based in Dallas–Fort Worth or Houston, TX, with a hybrid work model and travel for donor engagement. The target start date is by December 31, 2026. This is an opportunity to build a new program from the ground up, with support from the Executive Director, board members, and a contracted campaign manager for events and marketing.
Requirements
- 5+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience.
- Track record of major gift solicitations of $10,000 or more.
- Donor relationships in Dallas–Fort Worth or Houston, or the ability to build them quickly.
- Must live in the Dallas–Fort Worth or Houston metro area.
- Poise and authenticity with individual philanthropists, corporate executives, and community leaders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Self-direction: ability to prioritize high-return activities and manage pipeline without daily oversight.
- Comfort with donor databases and Google Workspace (experience with Salesforce or DonorPerfect is a plus).
Nice To Haves
- Corporate partnership experience, such as securing sponsorships.
Responsibilities
- Lead the 30 for 30 Founders Circle and major gifts portfolio, owning strategy, pipeline, solicitation, and stewardship for 30 households giving $10,000 or more.
- Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects through all stages: identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Identify new individual philanthropists, family foundations, and community leaders in Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin, in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
- Plan and execute lead asks and donor visits with the Executive Director, utilizing the Anniversary Working Group for introductions.
- Steward every Founders Circle household throughout the anniversary year and beyond.
- Partner with the board corporate lead to close 30 companies across four tiers for the Corporate Champions program.
- Support the North Texas board lead in leveraging the Dallas Anniversary Reception to generate new corporate relationships.
- Connect corporate partners with sponsorship, engagement, and employee volunteer opportunities, working with program staff.
- Maintain current donor and pledge records in Salesforce and DonorPerfect, and ensure timely collection of pledge payments.
- Report monthly on a dashboard separating campaign giving from annual fund giving.
- Prepare benchmark reports and income projections for the Executive Director, board, and Development Committee.
- Collaborate with the Development Operations Manager on data and appeals, and with the Grants Director to sequence foundation asks with individual asks.
- Coach board members to facilitate introductions and serve as Girlstart ambassadors.
Benefits
- Hybrid work model
- 97% of employee health coverage paid by Girlstart
- 100% of employee dental and vision coverage (basic plan) paid by Girlstart
- $25,000 employer-paid life insurance
- Employer-paid short-term disability
- Employer-paid long-term disability
- 401(k) plan options
- 17 paid holidays
- 12 vacation days (accrued monthly)
- 12 sick days (accrued monthly)
- 3 floating holidays
- Employer-provided laptop and technology package
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
