The Director of Major Gifts is a senior frontline fundraising leader responsible for driving significant philanthropic investment during a pivotal phase of organizational growth. Managing a portfolio of 75–100 mid-to-high-capacity prospects, this individual will lead the full cycle of major and leadership-level gift work, from strategy and cultivation through solicitation and stewardship, across individuals, families, and select corporate partners.
This role calls for an ambitious, tenacious, relationship-driven professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is energized by building momentum quickly. The ideal candidate will step into an established portfolio with the experience and confidence to deepen existing relationships and convert them into meaningful, mission-aligned support.
In doing so, the Director will play a central role in expanding the major gift pipeline, accelerating revenue growth, and positioning the organization for long-term sustainability and transformational investment.
Duties / Responsibilities:
- Activate and advance a dynamic portfolio of 75–100 major gift prospects. From day one, you'll bring energy and strategy to a dynamic portfolio by initiating outreach, building relationships, and moving prospects confidently toward meaningful commitments. Success here is measured by transformational gifts: five- and six-figure investments that fuel the organization's mission for years to come.
- Cultivate deep, lasting donor relationships through consistent, high-quality engagement. You'll maintain a strong cadence of in-person meetings, virtual visits, and thoughtful touchpoints guiding donors through every stage of the giving journey with urgency, care, and purpose.
- Expand the philanthropic pipeline by identifying and qualifying new high-capacity prospects through existing relationships and community networks. Proactively initiate introductions, lead cultivation meetings, and build early momentum with new donor circles while consistently meeting goals within the existing portfolio.
- Partner with leadership to create exceptional donor experiences. Working alongside the CDO, CEO, and Board, you'll craft compelling proposals, tailored briefings, and clear solicitation strategies, ensuring every leadership engagement inspires confidence and leads to meaningful next steps.
- Steward donors with precision, personalization, and gratitude. Every gift is the beginning of a deeper relationship. You'll deliver timely follow-up, customized impact reporting, and stewardship that makes donors feel seen, valued, and excited to give again.
- Drive results through data, discipline, and a strong CRM practice. You'll track interactions, pipeline movement, and revenue projections in real time using insights to sharpen strategy, forecast accurately, and share progress transparently with the team.
- Thrive in a high-expectation, mission-driven environment. You bring resilience, grace, and ambition to everything you do — meeting bold revenue goals while building the kind of relationships that sustain an organization for the long term.
- Develop a prestigious philanthropic community. Build, guide, and maximize a Miami-based Curiosity Circle to expand The Center’s organizational presence, funding base, and regional visibility.
- Recruit new Circle members through a vetting process that includes research, qualifying meetings, and onboarding.
- Organize three to four Circle meetings each year in collaboration with the Circle co-chairs. Guide the co-chairs and members in establishing annual goals and activities for the Circle based on priority needs at The Center, and support them in fulfilling those goals.
Education and Experience:
- 7–10+ years of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success closing significant five- to seven-figure gifts.
- Experience managing an active portfolio of 80+ major gift prospects.
- Proven ability to build new donor relationships and expand philanthropic networks.
- Track record of thriving in fast-paced, high-growth, or campaign environments.
- Travel: Some evening/weekend work and a valid driver's license required.
- Experience and comfortable with ambitious first-year expectations and building momentum quickly.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
- Entrepreneurial inclination and capacity for hard work within a goal-oriented and collaborative environment.
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment, requiring great time-management skills and the ability to prioritize assignments.
What We Offer:
- Dynamic Work Environment: Join a passionate, creative team committed to redefining what’s possible through curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
- Professional Growth: Opportunities for continued learning, leadership development, and career advancement.
- Impactful Projects: Contribute to a once-in-a-generation initiative with the power to shape creative culture and community for decades to come.
Energizing Culture: Work alongside imaginative, driven colleagues in an environment that celebrates bold ideas and joyful collaboration.
