Managing Director, Leadership Gifts

Teach For America•New York, NY

9d•Onsite

About The Position

As Managing Director, Leadership Gifts, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Teach For America’s mission by mobilizing transformational philanthropic investments from ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and next-generation philanthropists — including gifts at the $1M+ level. Reporting to the Vice President, Leadership Gifts Officer, you will own end-to-end strategy and execution for a high-stakes donor portfolio and serve as a key architect behind complex, seven- and eight-figure fundraising opportunities. A core priority of this role is originating and closing new investments. This includes proactively identifying, cultivating, and securing new philanthropic capital through market-based and in-region engagement strategies — expanding TFA’s leadership-level donor base, not just stewarding existing relationships. This position is highly cross-functional and requires disciplined execution in a matrixed environment. You will work closely with TFA’s senior executives, and regional Executive Directors — preparing them to make bold, high-dollar asks and ensuring they are positioned for success by owning the strategy, materials, sequencing, and stakeholder alignment necessary to close.. This role requires comfort operating at the highest levels of philanthropy and confidence driving strategy that culminates in $1M+ solicitations.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in development and fundraising
Demonstrated track record of closing $1M+ gifts
Experience partnering with executive leadership in fundraising contexts
Bachelor’s degree
Transformational Fundraising Experience Demonstrated success closing $1M+ gifts Direct experience engaging ultra-high-net-worth individuals Comfort leading high-stakes solicitations and navigating complex philanthropic dynamics Proven ability to build and convert new donor pipelines
Executive-Level Partnership Experience preparing CEOs or senior leaders for major donor engagements Ability to operate with discretion, judgment, and confidence at the highest organizational levels Strong ability to manage up and drive clarity across senior stakeholders
Portfolio Ownership & Execution Ability to independently own end-to-end strategy and execution High bar for quality — brings work forward at 95% complete Strong prioritization and decision-making skills in fast-paced, revenue-driven environments Disciplined follow-through and accountability

Nice To Haves

Experience working with ultra-high-net-worth individuals and/or next-generation philanthropists
Experience driving new market-based donor acquisition strategies
Event strategy and execution experience
Proficiency with Salesforce and strong presentation/tool fluency

Responsibilities

Manage, cultivate, steward, and solicit a portfolio that includes ultra-high-net-worth individuals capable of $1M+ investments
Design and execute comprehensive relationship strategies from cultivation through close
Lead strategy for major solicitations, including sequencing touchpoints, building cases for support, and determining ask amounts
Directly quarterback the strategy for seven-figure solicitations
Produce executive-ready materials (briefings, proposals, concept papers, impact reports) that require minimal revision before use
Drive a clear “new money” mandate by identifying and originating new leadership-level investments
Develop market-based strategies for in-region prospect identification and engagement
Build and convert a pipeline of new high-capacity donors into active investors
Partner with regional teams to expand TFA’s leadership-level footprint in key markets
Set ambitious revenue goals and execute against them with rigor and accountability
Prepare TFA’s CEO, VP, and local Executive Directors for high-stakes donor meetings and asks
Develop briefing documents, talking points, and follow-up strategies to maximize executive effectiveness
Manage up effectively — ensuring leadership is equipped, aligned, and positioned to close
Anticipate needs and proactively remove friction from executive fundraising engagements
Serve as a strategic partner to regional Executive Directors and development teams
Clarify roles and accountability across stakeholders to maintain momentum
Ensure accurate and timely tracking of donor, prospect, and fundraising activity in Salesforce
Use data to monitor progress, identify gaps, and inform adjustments to strategy and execution