Director of Major Gifts

The Director of Major Gifts is a frontline fundraiser responsible for driving philanthropic growth by managing a portfolio of high-impact donors. This role focuses on identifying, cultivating, and stewarding prospects capable of leadership annual, major, and planned gifts. As a key collaborator within the development team, the Director of Major Gifts aligns donor passions with institutional strategic initiatives to foster a vibrant culture of giving.

Summary of duties and responsibilities:

• Manage a targeted portfolio of 75-100 major gift prospects, developing bespoke "moves management" plans to transition prospects into committed donors


• Implement individualized strategies that align a prospect’s philanthropic goals with institutional needs, utilizing data and research to inform appropriate ask amounts


• Collaborate with the Director of Development and Giving Manager to draft compelling gift proposals, case statements, and donor-facing materials


• Partner with the Director of Development Services to execute creative cultivation plans and ensure all activities, meetings, and outcomes are documented in the CRM for team-wide transparency


• Support high-priority campaigns, special initiatives, and fundraising events. Attend school and Advancement-hosted events to build community presence


• Work alongside Development colleagues and volunteers to deliver high-touch stewardship and impactful gift reporting

Essential qualifications/experience:

• Substantive progressive frontline fundraising experience with a proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts


• Building and developing effective relationships


• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, highly organized and a problem-solver, positive and friendly, strong people management and interpersonal skills


• High emotional intelligence, attentive listening, and the ability to build credibility with major prospect stakeholders


• Willingness to travel internationally and attend events outside of School hours and on weekends


• A steadfast commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children

Desirable qualifications/experience:

• Advanced degree preferred


• Knowledge proficiency in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge


• Knowledge and understanding of American and/or international educational institutions


• Embraces continuous learning and collaborative problem-solving contributes creativity, initiative, and teamwork to a mission-aligned development culture


• Experience training or managing fundraising volunteers and committees


• Ability to manage multiple relationships and projects simultaneously


• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment and adjust to dynamic event schedules with ease


• Collaborative team colleague, proactive and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment