Job Description:As a key member of the Advancement team, the Director of Major Gifts will play a central role in expanding the culture of philanthropy at Emmanuel College by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding alumni, parents, and friends of the College. Working closely with the Vice President of Advancement, President, trustees, faculty, campus leaders, and Advancement team members, the Director will secure significant philanthropic investments that advance the College's strategic priorities and mission. The position manages a portfolio of approximately 125 prospects and donors and is responsible for securing leadership-level philanthropic commitments through annual, major, and planned gifts.
85% Frontline Fundraising & Portfolio Management
- Manage a portfolio of ~125 major gift prospects.
- Engage in personal outreach, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities to advance donor relationships and secure outright gifts of $10,000+ and multi-year pledges of $25,000 to $1,000,000+.
- Conduct 12 or more substantive donor visits (in-person or virtual) every month.
- Execute a disciplined and active prospect outreach strategy including personalized meeting invitations by email or phone in addition to general prospect cultivation and stewardship outreach.
- Solicit and secure estate commitments from major gift prospects and others who have the ability to make a planned gift. Make 20+ major gift solicitations by the end of year 1.
- Raise a minimum of $500,000 in cash annually from the assigned portfolio.
- Continuously qualify and prioritize prospects, including alumni, parents, foundations, and others, to ensure a dynamic and productive portfolio.
- Develop customized solicitation strategies and write compelling gift proposals and correspondence.
- Develop and implement stewardship plans, including writing stewardship letters and reports for major gift prospects.
- Engage with donors outside of the assigned prospect pool to support the overall goals of the Emmanuel Fund annual giving program.
- Travel regionally and nationally as needed (approximately 30% of time); evening and weekend work may be required.
10% Collaboration, Events & Institutional Engagement
- Collaborate with team members, senior leadership, faculty, coaches, and administrators to align donor interests with institutional priorities.
- Partner with trustees, reunion volunteers, campaign volunteers, and key alumni leaders to advance donor relationships and philanthropic support.
- Plan and implement stewardship and cultivation events, effectively collaborating with colleagues, volunteers, and event hosts.
- Represent Emmanuel College at donor events, alumni gatherings, and other advancement activities.
5% Administration & Reporting
- Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions, strategies, proposals, and next steps within the College's donor management system.
- Assist the Vice President of Advancement with special projects as needed.
- Complete administrative reporting, travel planning, and related advancement documentation.
Requirements:The ideal candidate will take an entrepreneurial and relationship-driven approach to major gift fundraising and demonstrate strong written and interpersonal communication skills. A deep commitment to Emmanuel's mission and collaboration across academic departments, athletics, mission and ministry, and institutional leadership is essential to drive results that align with College-wide priorities.
A Bachelor's degree is required along with at least seven years of professional fundraising experience. Candidates should also have knowledge of, and experience with planned giving strategies. Experience in higher education and an advanced degree are a plus.
Additional Information:This is primarily an on-campus role. Following an initial onboarding period, there will be an opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement, based on the needs of the position and the College. Employees are expected to maintain a regular on-campus presence.
The posted salary range reflects the good-faith compensation estimate for this position. The actual pay offered will be based on the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity factors. $100,000-130,000
Application Instructions:A complete application must include a cover letter, resume, a statement of purpose, and contact information for three references. In your statement of purpose, please describe how your values, experiences, and professional goals align with Emmanuel College's mission to educate and inspire in a diverse, inclusive environment. We encourage you to highlight your contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in previous roles, as well as your vision for supporting Emmanuel's inclusive and collaborative community.
