Director, Major Gifts

Description

Do you believe the strongest leaders listen first, build trust, and then move a team forward? Are you energized by ambitious fundraising goals and motivated by the shared success of a high-performing team? The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is seeking a Director of Major Gifts who can balance competitive drive with genuine collaboration, someone who takes time to understand the team, values what is already working, and leads thoughtful change when it is needed. 

In this role, you will guide a talented team responsible for individual, corporate, and foundation giving; manage relationships with donors capable of making transformational gifts; and help advance annual fundraising goals of more than $6 million. We are looking for an accomplished fundraising leader who develops people, strengthens a positive and healthy team culture, and models a sustainable approach to high performance and work-life balance. If you are ready to pair ambitious results with thoughtful, people-centered leadership, this may be the opportunity for you.

Job Class: Full Time
Hiring Range: $120,000 - $150,000/year
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, with availability on evenings and weekends, as needed
Direct Reports: 6

Essential Duties

• Contributes to annual department revenue goal of $6m+.
• Provides leadership that will set up team members for success in meeting and exceeding goals.
• Ability to secure major gift commitments ranging from $50k to eight figures.
• Serves as a leader in commitment to utilizing the CRM in all aspects of portfolio management including maintaining database integrity through timely, accurate, and comprehensive recording of actions taken with prospects.
• Partners with staff across the institution, as well as initiative teams to develop and implement fundraising strategies in order to meet established goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent work experience
• 7 years’ experience in fundraising/sales experience, with 5 years’ experience with six figure and larger gifts
• 5 years’ experience supervising staff
• Able to work evenings and weekends, as needed
• Able to travel locally and nationally, as needed

Ideal Candidate Will Be/Have

• Experience with endowment strategy
• Data driven
• Internal and external strategic mindset

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume by 6:00 p.m. MT on Monday, September 9, 2026.  Applications will not be accepted after this time. DMNS reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. Applications may only be accepted electronically via the Museum's website.

DMNS Core Values

• We love science.


• We are curious, creative, and playful.


• We cultivate relationships with each other, diverse communities, the environment, and for our future.


• We think critically and act with empathy.

Perks of Working at DMNS

Click HERE (https://www.dmns.org/about/careers/benefits/) to learn more about the benefits package offered to DMNS staff.