About the position
The Senior Manager, Major Gifts (Independent Contractor) will play a pivotal role in advancing the Ad Council’s mission by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationships with high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and private foundations. This strategic fundraising professional will focus on securing significant philanthropic support to drive the organization’s national campaigns and initiatives. The ideal candidate is a dynamic relationship-builder with a proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts. Through high-touch stewardship and strategic cultivation plans, the Senior Manager, Major Gifts will help create a sustainable pipeline of major gift opportunities to ensure the Ad Council’s continued success, growth, and impact.
Responsibilities
- Develop and manage a portfolio of high-net-worth donors, family offices, and private foundations capable of making six- and seven-figure contributions.
- Create tailored cultivation and stewardship plans to deepen donor relationships.
- Collaborate with the Managing Director and philanthropic investment team to create strategies for major gift cultivation and solicitation.
- Partner with internal teams to align donor interests with the Ad Council’s mission and initiatives.
- Conduct high-impact donor meetings, presentations, and events to engage prospects and existing donors.
- Leverage existing relationships and proactively identify new major gift prospects to build a robust pipeline.
- Ensure high-touch, personalized stewardship to recognize donors’ contributions and demonstrate their impact.
- Develop regular communication and reports tailored to major donors.
- Work closely with the Managing Director of philanthropic investment, board members, and senior staff to maximize opportunities for major gift fundraising.
- Track all activities and donor interactions in the CRM system (e.g. Salesforce).
- Prepare fundraising reports and contribute to the annual strategic philanthropy plan.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in major gift fundraising, with a proven track record of securing gifts of $100,000 or more.
- Experience with philanthropic giving trends and practices among high-net-worth donors and family offices.
- Demonstrated success working with high-net-worth individuals and family offices.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas effectively.
- Strong relationship-building and networking abilities.
- Familiarity with donor databases and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce).
- Ability to travel 20% - 30%.
- Passion for the Ad Council’s mission and commitment to social impact.
Nice-to-haves
- Knowledge of the advertising and media industries.
Benefits
- Fully remote position.
- Compensation range of $9,500 – $10,500 per month.
