Vice President of Individual and Major Giving

Coverage Area: Statewide across South Carolina, including the Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry regions

Position Summary 

The Vice President of Individual and Major Giving (VPMG) is a senior fundraising leader responsible for designing, building, and leading a best-in-class individual and major gifts program that advances the mission and long-term sustainability of Communities In Schools of South Carolina (CISSC). 

In partnership with the SVP External Affairs and Executive Leadership, this role will design and lead a comprehensive statewide major giving strategy aligned with CISSC’s growth and scaling priorities Blending strategic leadership with frontline fundraising execution, the VP, I&MG will design and build the major gifts, processes establishing infrastructure, systems, and a high-performance culture that drives transformational philanthropic investment. 

Key Responsibilities 

Statewide Strategy & Senior Leadership 

• Build and operationalize individual and major gifts strategies at CISSC, including portfolio development, performance metrics, systems, and reporting structures  

• Establish best-in-class practices for donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship  

• Collaborate across government relations, communications, and program teams to ensure integrated external engagement 

• Implement scalable systems and processes to support regional and statewide growth  

Portfolio Management & Revenue Generation 

• Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects with annual revenue responsibility of up to $1M. 

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major and leadership-level gifts ($25,000+), with emphasis on multi-year and transformational investments. 

• Lead high-level donor engagements, including executive briefings, site visits, and mission-driven experiences. 

• Ensure exceptional stewardship, recognition, and reporting to deepen relationships and increase lifetime giving.  

 Campaign Strategy & Execution 

• Serve in a leadership role for capital and comprehensive campaigns, including planning, execution, and closing of leadership gifts.  

• Contribute to campaign strategy, including prospect identification, pipeline development, and gift table design  

• Identify and pursue blended giving opportunities, including planned gifts, endowments, and matching gift strategies.  

Team Leadership & Management 

• Directly manage and develop a team of regionally focused Senior Major Gift Officers, setting clear goals, expectations, and accountability measures  

• Provide coaching on portfolio strategy, donor engagement, and closing complex gifts  

• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture grounded in accountability and continuous improvement  

Board & External Engagement 

• Partner with executive leadership and board members to support high-level donor cultivation and solicitation  

• Engage and activate board members and volunteers in meaningful fundraising roles 

• Represent CISSC in high-level external engagements and serve as an ambassador for the organization’s mission and impact  

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree ; advanced degree preferred; CFRE preferred  

• 10+ years of progressive experience in major gift fundraising  

• Proven success securing from $5 - $7 million dollar gifts.  

• Demonstrated experience leading or playing a significant role in a capital or comprehensive campaign  

• Experience building or scaling a major gifts function or department  

• Strong managerial experience, including direct supervision and development of senior fundraising staff  

• Demonstrated ability to manage a complex donor portfolio with measurable results 

• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and strategic thinking skills  

• Ability to travel statewide and attend occasional evening/weekend events  

Preferred Skills & Experience 

• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and blended gift strategies  

• Experience working with CRM systems such as Charity Proud, Raiser’s Edge, Sage, or Salesforce  

• Experience partnering with executive leadership and boards in fundraising strategy  

• Familiarity with South Carolina’s philanthropic landscape  

ABOUT: 

At Communities In Schools of South Carolina, we connect students to the relationships and resources they need to thrive. We believe every student deserves a community that shows up with purpose and stays present throughout their journey. As a statewide organization, we partner with schools to build trusting relationships, remove barriers, and support students in staying in school and succeeding in life.

Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Guided by our core values—excellence, collaboration, integrity, purpose, and relationships—we expand opportunity for students across South Carolina to thrive and shape their future. You’ll join a purpose-driven, meaningful team of professionals dedicated to making a lasting difference for students and families across South Carolina.

NOTE:

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties or requirements.

Communities In Schools of South Carolina is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, or any other protected status. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination, as well as participation in organizational programs and activities.