Director of Major Gifts

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

In this position:

• Develop and execute individualized fundraising strategies for a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors capable of making gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Evaluate donor capacity, inclination, and engagement history to determine appropriate cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Independently prioritize and manage a portfolio of major donors, determining actions required to advance relationships and secure philanthropic support.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with current parents, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, and other key constituents to strengthen long-term engagement and giving.
• Conduct donor visits and engagement activities independently and in collaboration with senior leadership, including the Director of Development and Head of School.
• Identify and qualify prospective major donors through research, analysis, and relationship-building efforts.
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment in developing, adjusting, and implementing donor strategies and solicitation plans.
• Make recommendations to leadership regarding donor engagement strategies, gift opportunities, and fundraising priorities.
• Prepare and determine content, approach, and strategy for donor briefings, proposals, and stewardship plans aligned with institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with Development leadership and colleagues to support organizational fundraising strategies, campaigns, and donor engagement initiatives.
• Provide input into fundraising strategy and planning, including identifying opportunities to increase donor participation and elevate giving levels.
• Monitor and evaluate progress toward individual and departmental fundraising goals, adjusting strategies as needed to improve outcomes.
• Analyze donor engagement results and trends to inform decision-making and strategic planning.
• Maintain accurate and strategic records of donor interactions, plans, and next steps within the institution’s database.
• Represent the institution in interactions with donors and prospective donors, exercising judgment in managing relationships and communications.

As a Cary Academy employee:

• Engage actively in the school’s diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism work in all aspects of your professional responsibilities and interactions in furtherance of Cary Academy’s commitment to equity and justice.
• Attend and actively participate in all required School professional development activities in areas to include, but not limited to, safety and security; diversity, equity, and inclusion; student learning and support; technology; and school operations.
• Engage authentically in processes of self-reflection and improvement of practice, including full participation in the Professional Growth and Renewal Program.
• Complete all required administrative and operational tasks and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and School policies and procedures as articulated in handbooks, operating guides and other School policy and procedure communications and documentation in a responsive and timely manner.
• Use designated technology assets and platforms as directed by School policies and procedures to allow for secure, effective, and collaborative school operations. Work collaboratively with the Information Services team to research, implement and evaluate technology resources related to position responsibilities.
• Perform other projects and duties as assigned in support of both divisional and school operations and initiatives.

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education:  Bachelor’s degree

Experience:  Five or more years of professional experience, with at least three years of frontline fundraising, major gifts, leadership annual giving, or comparable development experience.

Certification and/or Credentials: n/a

Equivalency:  Directly related experience or a combination of directly related education and experience may be considered in place of the above requirements. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

In this position:

• Experience in independent schools, higher education, or nonprofit philanthropy.
• Experience managing a donor portfolio and meeting annual fundraising goals.
• Success securing gifts of $25,000–$100,000+.
• Experience working with volunteers, boards, and campaign leadership.

WORK SCHEDULE

Days:  In general, this position is scheduled to work on campus Monday through Friday year-round but is expected to work as necessary to ensure position responsibilities are consistently met.  There may be certain work requirements that could result in a need for temporary modification of this schedule, including work on weekends or holidays. 

Hours: This position is scheduled to work 37.5 hours per week.  The actual times worked are determined by the Head of School given the nature and seasonality of this position.  Both planned and unplanned needs may require work outside of normal daytime business hours.