Director of Major Gifts

REPORTS TO: Associate Vice President - Development

FLSA: Full-Time, Exempt (including weekends and evenings)

SALARY RANGE: $90,000 (annually)

LOCATION: Palm Desert, CA (On-site)

The Director – Major Gifts plays a vital role in the organization by managing a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, fostering relationships to drive long-term engagement and increased giving. This position ensures major donors are properly recognized and valued, strengthening their connection to the organization. The Director – Major Gifts collaborates closely with team members and key stakeholders to achieve organizational fundraising goals, contributing to the long-term growth and success of development efforts.

·        Manage assigned moves management portfolio of prospects and donors, actively soliciting major gifts, membership donations, sponsorships, contributions for event fundraising, and other priority needs.

·        Track measurable metrics with a minimum of 5-10 visits per month.

·        Initiate a formalized planned giving program within the Development Department to ensure all fundraisers are confident and equipped to integrate planned giving conversations into their donor relationships.

·        Collaborate with donors, Board Members, and staff on special cultivation and solicitation initiatives to expand donor participation

·        Support the Development Department expense budget process by collaborating with the Development Staff and Finance to ensure effective monitoring and coordination.

·        Lead the Annual Gala and Community fundraising events, including setting and achieving revenue and participation goals, overseeing sponsorship acquisition and fulfillment, and ensuring the event’s success as a cornerstone of the Development Departments strategy.

·        Execute pledge billing and payment collection for Founders and Benefactors Circle members, ensuring timely follow-ups and reporting.

·        Set and meet annual revenue and activity goals.

·        Represent the organization at events to build relationships with potential donors and ensure compliance with ethical fundraising practices.

·        Provide coverage and assistance in the Founders Room for shows and performances and at Development Department events, ensuring seamless donor experiences.

·        Maintain confidentiality and sensitivity when discussing donors’ gift and estate plans.

·        Use database/CRM to track moves management, planned giving expectancies, and stewardship activities.

Education:

·        Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Experience:

·        5 years of relevant experience in a non-profit setting.

·        Proven experience in identifying, cultivating, soliciting and retaining donors

Technical Skills:

·        Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other programs.

·        Experience using Tessitura

Soft Skills:

·        Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·        Strong organizational and time management skills.

·        Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

·        Ability to support, encourage, and motivate team members

·        Attention to detail and accuracy.

Physical Abilities:

·        Ability to lift 10 lbs.

·        Ability to stand or sit for extended periods.

·        Ability to interact and communicate with patrons and donors

Language Proficiency:

·        Fluency to communicate verbally and in writing in English

Availability/Work Schedule:

·        Must be available to work weekends, evenings, or holidays

·        Flexible with shift work or rotating schedules.

Legal and Compliance:

·        Must be legally authorized to work in United States.

·        Ability to pass a background check and/or drug screening.

·        No criminal record.

Specific Knowledge:

·        Understanding of fundraising

90-Day Review

This position is subject to a 90-day review to assess performance and position fit.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must possess strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer, keyboard, tools and equipment. Incumbents in this classification sit, bend, stoop and reach. Ability to lift 10 pounds is necessary for moving materials when necessary. Candidates must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials with assistance and/or the use of proper equipment.