Director, Major Gifts - West

Main Responsibilities

• Manage a regional portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, with a focus on securing six- and seven-figure transformational gifts that align with organizational priorities.
• Build and strengthen the portfolio proactively through strategic research, attendance at key events, and collaboration with colleagues and volunteers to identify and engage new prospects.
• Drive donor acquisition and long-term pipeline growth, leveraging internal partnerships and the Prospect Research team to expand and diversify the major gifts portfolio—recognizing acquisition as a critical component of sustainable revenue growth.
• Stay current on the organization’s national and global funding opportunities and priorities to ensure informed, relevant, and strategic donor engagement.
• Support and execute the collective responsibility for national fundraising campaigns, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and contributing to shared revenue targets.
• Oversee all stages of the donor lifecycle—from identification through stewardship—ensuring meaningful and strategic engagement throughout.
• Partner cross-functionally with regional staff, internal key stakeholders, and volunteers to identify, cultivate, and advance relationships with new and existing major gift prospects.
• Participate in regular portfolio reviews to refine strategy and maximize donor potential, with a focus on growth and high-impact engagement.
• Collaborate with leadership and key internal stakeholders to craft compelling cases for support and develop tailored proposals in partnership with Donor Relations that inspire transformational giving.
• Align cross-functionally within Development to create a cohesive donor experience and facilitate major gift upgrades.
• Implement strategic stewardship plans in partnership with Donor Relations to retain donors, deepen engagement, and increase long-term investment.
• Provide fundraising insights and contribute to revenue forecasting, collaborating with the Individual Giving team and aligning efforts with national priorities.
• Utilize CRM and additional tools effectively for timely and accurate data management, ensuring adherence to organizational KPIs for accountability and performance evaluation.

What We're Looking For

• Demonstrated and relevant fundraising experience with advanced understanding of prospect qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Record of leadership and accomplishment in fundraising, including pipeline development, acquisition planning, and cross-functional revenue generation.
• Able to assess staff talent, mentor, and train others toward a shared vision, providing strategic guidance to ensure staff meet their designated revenue and activity goals.
• Proven ability to support broad and technical fundraising campaigns, collaborating effectively with staff and volunteers to secure major and principal gifts.
• Extensive nonprofit experience with increasing leadership responsibility, successfully driving 6-7 figure gifts.
• Track record of implementing innovative fundraising strategies that drive engagement and revenue growth.
• Strong ability to perform under pressure, handle criticism professionally, and consistently meet fundraising commitments.
• Advanced CRM expertise, leveraging data analytics to drive decision-making and implement data-driven fundraising strategies.

Location Requirement

This is a field-based role supporting our West Region, requiring 30%+ travel for events, training, regional meetings, and organizational gatherings. While the role offers flexibility in work location, to be considered a candidate must be based and work within the West region (or have plans to relocate) to ensure strong local engagement and accessibility.

Compensation | Benefits

• The estimated hiring compensation range for this role is $140,000-$165,000. Final offers will be based on the candidate's geographic location, consider career experience and may vary from this range due to these and other factors.
• You will have the opportunity for a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package that the Society provides to employees. Your Benefits Include:
• Considerable Paid Time Off Plan
• Paid Holidays
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Society match
• Commuter Benefit Plan
• Comprehensive Health & Welfare Benefits Including Medical, Dental, Vision, Flex Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Disability Coverage
• Spring Health Membership offering free therapy and professional coaching, as well as additional voluntary benefit offerings.