Director of Fundraising, Signature Events

Main Responsibilities

• Lead execution of gala, auction, and social fundraising events, ensuring revenue goals are met through a combination of corporate sponsorships, table and ticket sales, donor activation, and major gift solicitation—each playing a critical role in driving overall event success and deepening donor engagement.
• Serve as the market’s lead fundraiser for assigned campaigns, focusing on high-impact activity that prioritizes donor cultivation and revenue outcomes above logistical planning.
• Translate national models into compelling local experiences that align with brand, budget, and mission objectives.
• Partner with the AVP to report on pacing, surface risks, and adjust execution as needed to achieve goals.
• Foster cross-team alignment by coordinating frontline activity, reinforcing shared accountability, and supporting peer fundraisers in execution.
• Use CRM and campaign dashboards to inform decisions, track performance, and continuously improve tactics.
• Support coordination of fundraising activity among peer staff (e.g., silent auctions, donor outreach, table hosts), promoting shared accountability and donor-centric execution.

Qualifications

• Progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
• Demonstrated success in managing donor pipelines, cultivating major gifts, and executing multi-channel fundraising campaigns.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, with experience supervising staff or volunteers and coordinating cross-functional initiatives.
• Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and data analysis to inform strategy and reporting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors, board members, and community stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement long-term fundraising plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Experience planning and executing donor events, stewardship programs, and grant proposals.