Director Philanthropic Strategy and Major Gifts

About the role

The Director Philanthropic Strategy & Major Gifts will lead the major gifts program for Barrow Neurological Foundation (BNF), driving significant philanthropic revenue to support BNF and Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing comprehensive major-gift strategies aligned with institutional fundraising objectives.
• Managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, focusing on securing six-, seven-, and eight-figure gifts.
• Partnering with the Chief Philanthropy Officer/BNI/President of BNF to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward top donors and institutional benefactors.
• Leading strategy for major-gift pipeline growth, including prospect identification, qualification, engagement, and solicitation.
• Building strong relationships with grateful patients, families, and community philanthropists to advance giving opportunities.
• Working closely with physicians, researchers, and institutional leaders to translate clinical and research priorities into compelling philanthropic cases for support.
• Serving as a strategic partner to the Barrow Women’s Board on major-gift opportunities emerging from the Barrow Grand Ball and related initiatives.
• Ensuring high-quality stewardship for major donors, including personalized impact reporting and engagement opportunities that strengthen long-term commitment.
• Collaborating with internal teams to ensure accurate, timely processing and acknowledgment of major gifts.
• Fostering a strong philanthropic culture across BNI by working in close partnership with Foundation leadership.
• Mentoring, guiding, and supporting major gift officers and other development staff as needed.
• Contributing to planning for capital campaigns and other institution-wide fundraising initiatives.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree and Minimum of Seven (7)–Ten (10) years of successful fundraising experience, preferably in healthcare, academic medicine, or research settings.
• Experience partnering with senior executives, physicians, researchers, and volunteer leadership.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts; experience with seven-figure gifts and securing significant grant funding.
• Experience contributing to or supporting capital campaign initiatives.

Preferred

• Advanced Degree