Senior Manager, Major Gifts

Mp Rpo • Chicago, IL

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

Talent Road's client is a national nonprofit and field builder with the mission of improving lives by empowering students with essential skills and dispositions for making better decisions. Founded in 2014 and backed by experts in decision sciences, business, and education-including several Nobel laureates-our client believes that better decisions lead to better lives and a better society. They partner with teachers, academic and business leaders, families, and community members to raise awareness and lead the growing call to have Decision Education taught in schools nationwide. They are committed to an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative culture. Their diverse team comprises educators, researchers, subject matter experts, and other professionals dedicated to the mission. This role will drive major fundraising by building and managing relationships with individuals and corporations to secure significant financial support for the organization's mission and strategic goals. This position reports to the Head of Philanthropy. This role is a key part of the Development Department, inspiring philanthropy to advance Decision Education.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in philanthropy, fundraising, corporate relations, or client-facing roles (e.g., business development).
• Proven success in soliciting and closing five- and six-figure gifts or equivalent high-value commitments.
• Strong portfolio management skills, with proven ability to build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and data analysis for prospect research.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience in relevant fields considered.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 100-150 major gift prospects and donors to achieve specific engagement and revenue goals.
• Engage high-capacity stakeholders to advance the Alliance's philanthropic objectives.
• Build trust-based relations through personalized engagement, including meetings, events, and communications.
• Solicit and close five- and six-figure gifts, ensuring sustained donor support.
• Develop tailored strategies for donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, using data-driven insights.
• Identify and research new major gifts prospects to expand the donor pipeline.
• Collaborate with team members on strategic planning, campaigns, and donor engagement initiatives.
• Draft compelling correspondence, reports, and proposals to support fundraising efforts.
• Maintain accurate, confidential donor records in Salesforce, adhering to departmental standards.
• Represent the Alliance at donor events and serve as an ambassador for the organization and its mission with all stakeholders.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (100% employer paid)
• Life Insurance (100% employer paid)
• Long Term Disability Insurance (100% employer paid)
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401K Retirement Plan with up to a 5% match
• Flexible Spending Account
• Up to 20 Days of Paid Time Off in your first year (prorated based on your start date)
• Shortened Friday workweeks and select summer months

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree