Director of Philanthropy

About the role

The Director of Philanthropy (Major Gifts) will play a critical role in the rapid growth of Year Up United to serve more students. The role involves managing a portfolio of 100-150 major donors/prospects and conducting over 150 face-to-face donor visits per year, supporting the Year Up United mission and strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, close and steward donors at the five-to-six figure gift level and prep leadership or other influencers involved in donor relationships
• Connect & engage with high net worth individuals likely to make $10k+ commitments
• Manage a portfolio of 100-150 donors and conduct over 150 personal visits annually with existing donors and prospects
• Partner with the Development team lead in developing and executing a multi-year plan and strategy for major gifts
• Track all contacts and activity in fundraising database (Salesforce.com)
• Collaborate and coordinate with Development staff on all necessary prospect research, communication and cultivation event logistics
• Maintain confidentiality of all donor-related information

Qualifications

• At least 5-7 years of fundraising success with an emphasis on major gifts
• Demonstrated comfort and experience with identifying, cultivating, stewarding, and closing significant gifts
• Capacity for strategic leadership and vision to work with senior leadership on fundraising priorities and to use moves management and metrics to ensure accountability
• Effectiveness in independent and team work, with assiduous attention to sharing information with others
• Exceptional writing and presentation skills
• Proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint. Experience in Salesforce or donor database preferred
• Strong execution and follow-up
• Highly self-motivated, accountable and able to make decisions independently
• A passion for working with young adults, an unshakable belief in their potential and a strong commitment to the mission of Year Up United
• Understanding of the Opportunity Divide and its drivers
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare options and dental coverage
• 401(k) match for eligible participants
• Vacation: Earn three weeks paid vacation in first year of employment; four weeks after initial year

Pay

SALARY RANGE: $115,00 - $152,000

Schedule

Starting January 5, 2026, employees are expected to work on-site at least two days per week (Monday through Thursday dependent on job requirements).

Organization Description

Year Up United is a national 501(c)3 workforce development organization committed to ensuring equitable access to economic opportunity, education, and justice for all young adults—no matter their background, income, or zip code. Employers face a growing need for talent while millions of talented young adults lack access to meaningful careers. These inequities only further perpetuate the opportunity gap that exists in our country—a gap that Year Up United is determined and positioned to close through three interconnected strategies: providing targeted skills training and connections to livable-wage employment for students and alumni; empowering others to serve and support young adults, and changing systems that perpetuate the opportunity gap.

Commitment To Diversity

Year Up United embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discharge, or discipline, are based on meritocracy. We do not permit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. Learn more about our commitment to diversity: here.