Director of Major Gifts

Company Description

SAY Detroit is dedicated to improving the lives of Detroit's most vulnerable citizens through programs addressing housing, food, healthcare, volunteerism, and education. Serving individuals of all ages, from infants to senior citizens, including veterans, SAY Detroit operates impactful initiatives such as the SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic, SAY Detroit Play Center at Lipke Park, and Working Homes/Working Families. Supported by funds raised at Mitch Albom’s annual December Radiothon, the organization also provides critical support to numerous local charities. Driven by the belief that helping one another strengthens the entire community, SAY Detroit ensures that 100% of individual donations directly aid those in need.

Position Overview

The Director of Major Gifts will lead SAY Detroit’s strategy to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major individual donors capable of making gifts of $10,000 or more.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role will manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects while helping expand SAY Detroit’s major gifts pipeline. The Director will work closely with leadership, board members, and key volunteers to deepen relationships with philanthropic supporters and secure transformational investments in SAY Detroit’s mission.

This position requires a relationship-driven fundraiser who is comfortable working with high-net-worth individuals and can translate SAY Detroit’s mission into compelling philanthropic opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Major Gift Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive major gifts strategy to increase individual giving at the $10,000 level.
• Build and manage a portfolio of 100–150 major donor prospects.
• Conduct donor research and develop cultivation plans for high-capacity individuals.
• Identify opportunities for multi-year and leadership gifts.

Donor Cultivation and Solicitation

• Initiate and maintain meaningful relationships with current and prospective major donors.
• Conduct face-to-face donor visits, presentations, and cultivation meetings.
• Partner with the Executive Director and founder to support major gift solicitations.
• Prepare personalized proposals and stewardship materials.

Donor Stewardship

• Ensure exceptional stewardship of major donors through regular communication, reporting, and engagement opportunities.
• Develop donor recognition strategies and experiences that deepen long-term relationships.
• Track and report donor engagement and giving activity.

Leadership Collaboration

• Work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to leverage networks and advance donor relationships.
• Provide guidance and support to board members engaged in fundraising.
• Collaborate with program leadership to translate impact into compelling donor narratives.

Pipeline Development

• Identify and qualify new major gift prospects through research, networking, and community engagement.
• Develop strategies to convert annual donors and event supporters into major donors.
• Maintain accurate donor records and moves management in the organization’s CRM.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 7 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with significant major gift experience.
• Proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts from individuals.
• Experience managing a major donor portfolio and closing solicitations.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience fundraising in Detroit or Southeast Michigan philanthropic community.
• Familiarity with capital campaigns or transformational gifts.
• Experience working closely with founders, boards, and high-profile supporters.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional communication and storytelling abilities.
• Strategic thinking combined with strong execution.
• High level of discretion and professionalism with donors.
• Ability to manage multiple donor relationships simultaneously.
• Passion for community impact and mission-driven work.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their interest in supporting the mission of SAY Detroit and their experience in major gift fundraising to: rick@saydetroit.org.