Director of Major Gifts

Job Type

Full-time

Description

If you are looking for a place where you can make a difference in the life of a child, Project Harmony is looking for you. We are seeking an experienced and committed Director of Major Gifts to join our dynamic and innovative organization. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) within Project Harmony's Development Department, this position will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and securing significant financial contributions to support Project Harmony's mission of serving children and families. The Director of Major Gifts must cultivate strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders in order to implement, sustain, and diversify Project Harmony's funder base and strategy. The individual in this position is expected to embrace a passion for Project Harmony's mission and bring our values into their professional interactions and activities in the solicitation of major and endowed gifts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, initiate, coordinate and supervise a multi-year legacy giving program which encourages Project Harmony's donors and supporters to continue their legacy of support while committing to fund permanent endowments through planned giving gifts
• Expand and diversify Project Harmony's donor base/pipeline and work closely with the Development team to secure funding for new initiatives
• Help donors accomplish their philanthropic goals and ambitions through a relationship with our organization
• Cultivate and manage relationships with major donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations
• Work with the Chief Development Officer to create major gift goals and strategy
• Manage stewardship of existing major donors and potential prospects to ensure continued support of Project Harmony
• Align major gift efforts to the Development Department's calendar of events, including Annual Giving Campaign, annual fundraising events, as well as city-wide or other community charity-focused campaigns to be involved in
• Collaborate with Development team to prepare private and public acknowledgements to thank donors
• Make direct, face-to-face solicitations, and assist the board and other staff with their solicitation (e.g. provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications)
• Track and report progress using specific metrics, and ensure accurate record-keeping of all donor interactions and gifts in the organization's donor database system
• Collaborate with teams across the organization to understand programmatic needs and prioritize funding opportunities
• Create and deliver compelling proposals and presentations to potential major donors that connect their interests and passions with the organization's mission
• Will travel locally, regionally, and nationally as needed to meet with donors and prospective donors
• Will require occasional evening and weekend hours to attend networking and community events
• Ensure culturally competent services are provided to all families we serve without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, gender or sexual orientation
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree required in public relations, marketing, business administration, nonprofit management or related field
• Certifications in Fundraising (CFRE) preferred

Experience and Training

• 5+ years' professional experience in a development function within a nonprofit organization
• Experience in gift planning, fundraising, sales and/or business development
• Proven track record of securing major gifts
• Experience working with Raiser's Edge, Blackbaud, or other donor database/CRM systems
• Experience in legal and/or financial industries a plus

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to identify, expand and diversify major gift resources
• Knowledge of estate/trust principles and vehicles
• Ability to articulate Project Harmony's work, with knowledge and understanding of specific programs related to Response, Prevention and Early Intervention
• Adaptability to work with donor audiences of various ages, backgrounds, cultures, and industries
• Is organized, prepared, detail-oriented and follows through on commitments
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with donors, staff, and volunteers
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently, as well as to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Proficiency with donor databases, and tracking donor transactions and information
• Ability to use research, donor database, and other wealth screening tools to aid in fundraising process.
• Excellent communication skills (written/editing, verbal and active listening) and public speaking skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and team-oriented environment
• Knowledge of ethical standards and best practices of fund raising and non-profit financial management
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, initiative, energy, and confidence
• Proven ability to negotiate complex, high-profile and/or sensitive situations
• Must respect and maintain confidentiality

Other

• Must be willing to work flexible hours
• Must submit to a thorough criminal history background check
• Must have access to a vehicle, possess a valid driver's license and proof of insurance
• Position may involve some travel, primarily within the state

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it.