Director of Major and Planned Gifts - Reed College

Founded in 1908, Reed College is a nationally recognized independent liberal arts and sciences college in Southeast Portland, Oregon. Known for its rigorous academics, close faculty-student collaboration, and culture of intellectual curiosity, Reed prepares students to think critically, conduct independent research, and make meaningful contributions to the world. Joining Reed means becoming part of a vibrant community committed to academic excellence, inclusion, and lifelong learning.

About the role

This is a newly created senior leadership role within Reed College's Advancement office and an opportunity to shape how the college approaches major and planned giving for the future. The Director of Major and Planned Gifts will bring together strategy, team leadership, and frontline fundraising to advance Reed's philanthropic priorities and strengthen its long-term culture of philanthropy.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development Leadership and Strategies within the division of the Vice President of College Advancement, you will lead and develop fundraising professionals spanning major gifts of $100,000+ and planned gifts. You'll set strategy, strengthen portfolio management, and create collaborative approaches that maximize both current and deferred philanthropic support. You'll also remain close to the work, personally managing a portfolio of 50+ leadership-level donors with the capacity to make six- and seven-figure commitments. This is an opportunity for an accomplished advancement leader who enjoys developing people, building donor relationships, and translating institutional priorities into meaningful opportunities for philanthropy.

This is a primarily onsite role with the opportunity to work remotely one day per week after six months.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an integrated major and planned giving strategy aligned with Reed College's fundraising priorities and campaign goals.
• Lead the coordination of major and planned giving strategies to maximize both current and deferred philanthropic support.
• Contribute to campaign planning and help shape fundraising policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of fundraising professionals, establishing clear goals, performance expectations, metrics, and accountability.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team environment that encourages strong performance and bold thinking.
• Personally manage and actively cultivate a portfolio of 50+ leadership-level donors, advancing relationships toward significant philanthropic commitments.
• Partner with Advancement Operations to strengthen reporting, analytics, performance metrics, and data-informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with prospect research to maintain a healthy pipeline and identify opportunities for donor engagement.
• Work closely with administrators and faculty to develop donor strategies, advance relationships, and support successful solicitations.
• Partner across Annual Giving, Donor Relations, Alumni Relations, and Parent Engagement to create a cohesive donor experience.
• Strengthen stewardship practices that encourage meaningful, long-term engagement with Reed.
• Support training and knowledge-building across Advancement related to major gifts and gift planning concepts.

Requirements

• 10+ years of fundraising experience, including at least five years managing fundraising professionals.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute long-term fundraising strategies that connect major and planned giving with institutional priorities.
• Proven success leading, coaching, and developing fundraisers while building a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team.
• Experience managing donor portfolios of 50+ prospects and using moves management to maintain a strong pipeline.
• Demonstrated success securing significant philanthropic commitments; experience closing six- and seven-figure major and planned gifts is strongly preferred.
• Ability to use metrics, reporting tools, and performance data to guide fundraising strategy and evaluate progress.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to establish trust with high-net-worth individuals, alumni, faculty, and institutional leaders.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across Advancement functions and create a cohesive donor experience.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate Reed's mission and funding priorities into compelling, donor-centered opportunities.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to balance team leadership, an active fundraising portfolio, and campaign initiatives.
• Genuine alignment with Reed College's values and commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and mission-driven culture of philanthropy.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance, with Reed paying 60% of medical and dental premiums for dependents.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution after one year of service.
• Educational assistance for employees and their children.
• 22 days of paid vacation.
• Paid holidays.
• Half-day Fridays during the summer.
• Access to a variety of campus amenities.

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is $165,000–$172,000. Final compensation is contingent upon experience and determined through Reed College's internal pay assessment.