Director, Major Gifts

Purpose of Position

The Director of Major Gifts is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding philanthropic investments of $50,000 through $1,000,000 from individuals, family and private foundations, corporations, and other funders.

Key Responsibilities

• Major Gift Fundraising Strategy Development and Implementation

  • Develop overall vision and strategies for major giving programs, achieving annual campaign and five-year revenue goals.
  • Develop and manage a portfolio of Major Gift prospects and donors capable of making philanthropic investments of $50,000+ annually or through multi-year gift commitments.
  • Identify, research and qualify new major gift prospects from individuals, foundations and corporations.
  • Work collaboratively with the Grants and Major Gifts Program Manager and Community Impact Directors to write proposals for major gift prospects ensuring excellent donor experience and impact outcomes.
  • Inform and maintain database and CRM process development for Major Gifts including report generation and usage to grow development success and donor stewardship.
  • Oversee development and management of donor research on major gift prospects and donors to best prioritize where to focus staff and volunteer resources, as well as determine best “ask matches” (who, what, when, goal) for increased Plan for Community Well-Being impact.
  • Collaborate with Tocqueville and Planned Giving Directors on Tocqueville and Major Gift recruitment events.
  • Aid in the creation of leadership and major gifts promotional and marketing materials, in coordination with Tocqueville Director and Marketing Department staff.
  • Identify and develop growth strategies for individuals, private foundations, family offices and companies targeted for major gifts support.
  • Monitor and evaluate donor engagement and major gift portfolio performance and pipeline development utilizing the database.
  • Track and report progress toward major gift revenue goals and key performance indicators.

• Major Gift Donor Outreach and Stewardship

  • Execute Major Gift strategies to achieve annual campaign and revenue goals.
  • Develop and manage portfolio of major gift renewals annually.
  • Conduct donor visits in coordination with United Way of Dane County leadership and volunteers.
  • This may include meetings and presentations to build meaningful relationships and advance prospects through the donor pipeline.
  • Work collaboratively to develop compelling gift proposals and case statements and other fundraising materials tailored to donor interests and organizational funding priorities.
  • Lead solicitation plans for prospects including preparing briefing materials, coordinating solicitation teams and supporting leadership and volunteer fundraisers.
  • Develop and implement Major Gift recognition and stewardship program.
  • Steward donors through timely reporting, impact communications, recognition opportunities and personalized engagement plans to encourage long term investment and increased giving.
  • Manage and steward a portfolio of Tocqueville Donors, especially those with high potential for growth or Major Gifts.
  • Support Tocqueville Director and Tocqueville cabinet in recruiting new Tocqueville donors.

• Volunteer Management

  • Lead the Major Gift Taskforce including volunteer recruitment, planning and facilitation.
  • Represent Leadership Giving and Major Gifts activities to all United Way staff, Board of Directors and other key constituents including preparing and facilitating meetings and presentations with leadership volunteers and donors.
  • Identify and recruit volunteers for leadership giving and major gift activities.
  • Develop meaningful and rewarding assignments and responsibilities for volunteers to include appropriate staff support, training and recognition.
  • Develop and maintain positive working relationships with key community leaders and constituents.

• Overall Organizational Support

  • Participate in program development and overall leadership of the organization.
  • Participate in organizational planning, strategy, program development and relevant activities.
  • Actively participate in at least one United Way internal committee.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of experience in fundraising, sales, business or nonprofit management. Highly effective written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse individuals and cultures in a professional manner. High attention to detail, excellent organizational and time management skills. An ability to build and manage productive relationships through an open, friendly and inclusive environment. Strong project management skills, the ability to balance multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Minimum Experience: Six years experience in fundraising, sales, business, nonprofit management or related field. General knowledge of prospect research. Proficiency of Microsoft Office computer system, including Microsoft 365, PowerPoint, word processing and spreadsheets, and the ability to learn data management platforms. Experience and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Experience in public speaking and the ability to motivate others. Utilization of databases and familiarity with data entry principles. Work Schedule, Location, and Travel Requirements: Full-time, salaried position (40 hours/week); FLSA Exempt. Core hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with flexibility required for early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays based on organizational needs. Possibility for limited hybrid work subject to policy. Local travel within Dane County is required for meetings, events, and community engagements.

Salary Range

$75,000- 92,000 (based on experience).

Benefits Package

• Comprehensive and generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• United Way contributes 8% of gross wages to a defined contribution retirement plan, which is fully vested after five years of employment.
• Employees may also choose to contribute to a 403(b) retirement savings plan.
• Our time-off benefits are designed to support work-life balance, including generous vacation, sick, and personal leave, as well as 10 paid holidays annually.

Deadline to Apply

Monday, July 27, 2026, by 4:00pm CST.

Application Instructions

Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application. The submitted cover letter should be no more than 2 pages, specifically outlining your skills and duties that make you qualified for this position.

Our Values

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: We provide opportunities for all people while working to change systemic and personal biases for equitable outcomes.
• Excellence: We operate at the highest standards to achieve our mission and exceed community expectations.
• Innovation: We create and catalyze unique approaches to address the community’s most pressing needs.
• Teamwork: We work in collaboration and cooperation towards a shared vision of community well-being.
• Wellness: We respect and support one another, encouraging each other to create space for self-care and to lead balanced lives.

EEO/AAP Policy Statement

At United Way of Dane County, we not only accept difference — we celebrate, support, and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees and community. United Way of Dane County is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We center community in what we do and strongly encourage ALL people to apply to join us in our work at United Way of Dane County— regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, justice involvement, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.