The John Thomas Dye School
Director of Major Gifts and Campaign Manager
The John Thomas Dye School (JTD) is one of Los Angeles's most distinguished independent schools, known for its exceptional academic program, close-knit community, and deep culture of generosity. JTD is now at a defining moment: the school is in the midst of Elevate JTD, a $46 million capital campaign that will shape the next chapter of the institution. It is a rare and meaningful opportunity to join a school community that is genuinely invested in its mission and in the people who advance it. The Director of Major Gifts and Campaign Manager will step into a high-impact role at the center of that effort. This new position is an investment to grow JTD's fundraising capacity. The Director of Major Gifts and Campaign Manager will carry real responsibility for campaign momentum, own a portfolio of the major gift prospects, and help translate a committed volunteer network and engaged parent community into transformational philanthropic support. As the campaign concludes, this role will transition to a frontline fundraising role, having the opportunity to build JTD's major gifts program from a position of strength, growing relationships, systems, and strategies that will sustain the school's philanthropic vision for years to come. For a fundraising professional who wants to do meaningful work, grow their major gifts expertise, and be part of a community that values what they do, this is an exceptional opportunity.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Director of Major Gifts and Campaign Manager will integrate immediate campaign execution with long-term major gift strategy, ensuring continuity following the campaign consultant engagement while building sustainable leadership-level giving. This evolving mandate invites an entrepreneurial leader to take ownership of campaign momentum, build a durable major gifts pipeline, and deepen donor engagement to advance JTD's long-term philanthropic vision. To support the current capital campaign, this role will oversee campaign operations, manage the prospect pipeline, and equip staff and volunteers with the insights, materials, and stewardship support needed to advance solicitations efficiently. While supporting the current capital campaign, this role will build strong donor relationships and lead the next phase of JTD's major giving program. The position will identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors while strengthening donor stewardship, data management, and fundraising strategy. CAMPAIGN SUPPORTManage campaign operations: day-to-day activities, track solicitations, pledges, and gift processing Lead moves management for all prospects, tracking activity, coordinating donor moves, and ensuring consistent progress toward cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship goals for Director of Advancement, Head of School, and volunteer portfolios Manage a systematic review of the school's prospect pool on a regular basis, incorporating, and assigning new prospects when necessary Research and identify prospects and provide detailed donor profiles to the Director of Advancement and Head of School for campaign planning Prepare briefing materials and proposals for leadership and volunteer solicitations Produce campaign progress reports and donor analytics for Director of Advancement, Head of School, Campaign Committee, and Board of Trustees Meet on a regular cadence with each frontline fundraiser to determine the status of prospect lists, movement, and research needs; collaboratively develop solicitation and stewardship strategiesSupport stewardship of campaign donors through personalized communications and events Plan and manage community phase of campaign, partnering with other team members in Advancement office to plan and execute communications and events Serve as a bridge between campaign priorities and ongoing major gift work Provide campaign continuity and institutional knowledge beyond the campaign timelineMAJOR GIFT GROWTHExecute annual fundraising plan in collaboration with the Director of Advancement Maintain and advance a portfolio of 50-100 major gift prospects Build a pipeline strategy that transitions annual donors into major gift prospects Identify prospective major gift donors Partner closely with the Head of School, Director of Advancement, and Board of Trustees to prepare and execute major gift asks Provide support and necessary materials to the Head of School, Director of Advancement, and Board of Trustees for cultivation, solicitation, and all outreach activities related to major gifts Develop individualized solicitation strategies for top prospects. Identify, qualify, and cultivate prospects for leadership-level and transformational gifts Ensure the school achieves major gift revenue and participation goals, providing real-time progress updates to the Director of Advancement Create robust stewardship plans for major donors to encourage long-term engagement Collaborate with Communications Manager on tailored messaging for major donors Collaborate with Database Manager to manage the research and creation of profiles for the Director of Advancement, the Head of School, and Advancement Committee for fundraising purposes and update Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge database (School's fundraising database) Collaborate with Director of Advancement on outreach to educate faculty and staff on fundraising objectives to create a positive fundraising environment, internally Strengthen data management and reporting to inform future fundraising strategiesSupport current and past parent, alumni, and grandparent engagement as part of major gift cultivationSKILLS, KNOWLEDGE And QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree and at least 10 years of work experience Substantial fundraising/development experience, preferably in an independent school, with a demonstrated track record of meeting and even exceeding revenue targets Knowledgeable in major gifts, campaign fundraising, annual fundraising, special events, and donor relations Experience with Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge NXT or similar constituent relationship management (CRM) platform Proficient knowledge of Google Suite or similar office suite Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to demonstrate professionalism and diplomacy working with parents, students, faculty, staff, and outside vendors Excellent teamwork and management skills Ability to manage numerous tasks simultaneously Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills Excellent communication skills, both verbal and in writing Proven ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality Ability to work independently with minimal supervision with proven time management skills and the ability to manage duties and tasks efficiently The ability to work some nights and weekends for Board Meetings, School events, and fundraising related events/programsCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Summary of Benefits: Healthcare Insurance subsidized at 100% for employees Dental/Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Term Life Insurance of $50,000 paid by JTD (voluntary also available) Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance Retirement Plan matching (403B) Graduate School Student Loan Forgiveness Daily on-site lunch provided Advanced degree bonusPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT / ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION OPPORTUNITIESUp to $2500 to spend on annual professional development Advanced Degree Tuition Reimbursement Curriculum Development Grants / Committee Work Stipends Travel GrantsJTD is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time, exempt staff position, with an anticipated start date of November 11, 2026.Applications received by October 9, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $160,000, commensurate with relevant experience, education, and qualifications. The John Thomas Dye School is committed to a diverse faculty and staff that represents our student body and the city of Los Angeles.
