Director of Philanthropy & Major Gifts

Overview: Position Type Full Time Job Shift Day Education Level Bachelors + 3-5 yrs experience Travel Percentage Up to 25% Category Management

DescriptionGENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Director of Philanthropy – Major Gifts serves as the lead frontline fundraiser responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors in support of the Foundation's strategic priorities. This position builds meaningful, long-term relationships with individuals, families, family foundations, and philanthropic leaders capable of making transformational investments in the mission. The Director manages a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, develops individualized engagement strategies, and partners closely with the President & CEO, Chief Advancement Officer, Foundation Board members, and volunteer leaders to secure significant philanthropic investments. Success in this role is measured by building lasting relationships that result in increased philanthropic support and a growing pipeline of future major and planned gifts. Staff Supervision: To Be DeterminedESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESMajor Gift Fundraising Develop and execute a comprehensive major gifts strategy aligned with the Foundation's annual and long-term fundraising priorities. Manage a portfolio of approximately 125–175 qualified major gift donors and prospects. Develop individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for each assigned donor. Conduct regular face-to-face donor visits and meaningful relationship-building activities. Solicit leadership, major, and principal gifts, including multi-year commitments. Prepare compelling gift proposals, investment opportunities, and impact reports tailored to donor interests.

Executive & Board Partnership: Partner closely with the President & CEO and Chief Advancement Officer to develop strategies for high-capacity donors. Prepare leadership for donor meetings through research, briefing materials, and solicitation strategies. Engage Foundation Board members and volunteer leaders in cultivation and stewardship efforts. Support board fundraising initiatives and philanthropic engagement.

Campaign Support: Participate in capital, comprehensive, and special fundraising campaigns. Develop customized proposals for campaign priorities. Track campaign progress related to assigned donors and prospects. Assist in donor recognition and campaign stewardship activities.

Collaboration: Work collaboratively with Corporate Philanthropy, Annual Giving, Grants, Marketing, and Programs to provide a seamless donor experience. Coordinate with Advancement Operations to ensure accurate donor records, reporting, forecasting, and prospect management. Partner with program leadership to communicate measurable outcomes and demonstrate donor impact. QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Education: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree and/or Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience with an emphasis on major gifts. Demonstrated success securing five-, six-, and preferably seven-figure philanthropic commitments. Experience managing complex donor portfolios and cultivation strategies. Experience working with executives, governing boards, and volunteer leaders. Experience participating in capital or comprehensive campaigns preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Deep understanding of major gift fundraising principles and moves management. Knowledge of planned giving concepts and philanthropic vehicles. Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills. Strong strategic planning and donor qualification abilities. Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills. Ability to inspire philanthropic investment through compelling storytelling and mission impact. Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail. Experience using donor CRM systems such as Raiser's Edge NXT, Salesforce, Virtuous, or similar. High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.

Working Conditions: Work may be performed but is not limited to an office environment. This position requires frequent local travel for donor meetings, occasional regional and national travel, attendance at evening and weekend fundraising events, and the ability to represent the Foundation professionally in community settings.

Essential Functions: This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. Core Values: We are child-centered, family-focused, and community-driven. We act with dignity and compassion in all that we do. We recognize our staff as our greatest asset. We operate as a seamless teamDCAC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and we believe in an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.