National Director, Leadership Giving (Major/Principal Gift Officer)

The National Director (ND), Leadership Giving is a senior major gift officer responsible for managing a portfolio of 100–125 donors and prospects. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing a portfolio of 100–125 donors and prospects spanning major gift ($100K–$1M) and principal gift ($1M+) capacity.

• Executing all $100K–$500K gift strategies independently; managing $500K–$1M solicitations with AVP input as needed.

• Developing and executing $1M+ gift strategies in active partnership with the AVP — the AVP should co-own all $1M+ strategy decisions.

• Achieving annual personal revenue goal as assigned based on the potential of the portfolio (typically $2.5M-$3M in first year with growth to $3M–$5M).

• Ensuring consistent pipeline growth: at minimum 10–15 qualified $1M+ prospects in active cultivation at all times.

The ND engages the AVP proactively and consistently as a thought partner on $1M+ strategies, bringing draft strategy documents, relationship context, and specific decision points to the conversation. They participate in bi-weekly portfolio reviews with the AVP, ensuring AVP visibility to principal gift opportunities. They model the escalation culture for AND colleagues by demonstrating appropriate collaboration and involvement with the AVP for key donor opportunities.

The ND builds and sustains complex, multi-year relationships with high-net-worth individuals and families capable of $100K–$5M+ gifts. They navigate multi-stakeholder donor environments (family foundations, advisor relationships, board-engaged donors) with increasing independence. They partner with chapter Territory Executives and Philanthropic Engagement roles in the field, volunteer leaders, and national staff to develop and execute comprehensive donor strategies. They lead Planned Giving conversations within the portfolio; develop blended gift strategies where appropriate. They ensure engagement of the AVP, Planned Giving in more complex planned gift opportunities. They identify donors who have connectivity to or are decision makers for corporate prospects; partner appropriately with the Corporate Development team.

The ND contributes to team strategy sessions and portfolio review meetings as a senior voice and active participant. They model CRM discipline and data-driven portfolio management for the broader team. They maintain deep expertise in Breakthrough T1D's mission, research portfolio, and investment priorities; communicate with authority to sophisticated donors and advisors. They maintain accurate, timely CRM documentation; use portfolio analytics to inform strategy and report pipeline health to the AVP. They participate in strategic planning processes as a senior contributor to regional and national pipeline development. They identify opportunities to leverage mission partners, campaign cabinet members and other key volunteers in the fundraising process.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of major gift fundraising experience with demonstrated success closing gifts of $500,000+

• Experience in a matrixed, chapter-based organization or similarly complex structure preferred

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute principal gift strategies ($1M+), with evidence of a qualified $1M+ pipeline

• Proactive, collaborative working style; models and welcomes active partnership with senior leadership on complex accounts

• Strong relationship management skills with donors, advisors, volunteers, and cross-functional staff

• Ability to develop and present complex, multi-asset gift strategies (outright, planned, blended)

• Proficiency in Salesforce or comparable CRM; strong data discipline and analytical approach to portfolio management

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills

• Ability to travel up to 40% of the time, including occasional evenings and weekends

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; advanced degree or CFRE preferred

Essential Functions

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear

• The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls

• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and infrequently up to 50 pounds

• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• A 403(b) retirement plan

• Voluntary benefits

• Flexible spending and commuter benefit accounts

• An employee assistance program (EAP)

• Life and disability insurance

• Performance-based bonuses

• Generous paid time off

Additional Information

Requests for medical, religious, and other exemptions will be considered on an individual basis. Breakthrough T1D will comply with all federal, state, and local laws. Breakthrough T1D supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. Breakthrough T1D is an Equal Opportunity Employer.