What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Major Gifts position at THE V FOUNDATION?
The V Foundation for Cancer Research is seeking an experienced and strategic development professional to serve as Director of Major Gifts, leading and overseeing major gift fundraising efforts throughout the greater San Francisco, California region.
For more than 30 years, the V Foundation has provided critical financial support to all-star scientists conducting game-changing cancer research to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. We invite you to join a passionate team committed to advancing our mission, vision, and values.
Preferred candidates will reside in the San Francisco Bay Area or nearby surrounding communities. This role requires approximately 50% travel.
Salary Range: $130,000 – $160,000
Please note that it is uncommon for candidates to be hired at or near the top of the salary range. Compensation decisions are based on several factors unique to each candidate, including experience, responsibilities, skill set, work location, internal equity, market conditions, and overall business considerations.
Position Overview:
The Director of Major Gifts reports directly to the Executive Director of Major Gifts and is responsible for managing all stages of a robust major gift portfolio composed primarily of individuals throughout the greater San Francisco region.
The successful candidate will focus on revenue generation, portfolio growth, pipeline expansion for current and future fiscal years, and the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of an established and growing donor base. Through strategic relationship management and donor engagement, this individual will help the V Foundation and Major Gifts team achieve ambitious fundraising and revenue growth goals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and grow a comprehensive portfolio of major gift donors and prospects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area
- Develop and execute strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for donors capable of making transformational gifts
- Identify and qualify new major gift prospects to strengthen the fundraising pipeline
- Achieve annual fundraising, portfolio management, and activity goals
- Build meaningful and long-term donor relationships aligned with the V Foundation mission
- Collaborate with internal teams to maximize donor engagement and philanthropic opportunities
- Maintain accurate portfolio strategy and donor activity tracking
Signature Event Engagement:
The Director of Major Gifts will also lead key individual donor relationships connected to the V Foundation’s signature fundraising events, including:
- Sonoma Epicurean
- Wine Celebration
In partnership with the Executive Director of Major Gifts and Signature Events leadership, the Director will leverage these premier events to deepen donor engagement, strengthen philanthropic commitments to the mission, and identify new major gift prospects for portfolio expansion.
This position offers an exciting opportunity for a high-performing fundraising professional to make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer while advancing one of the nation’s most respected cancer research organizations.
Qualifications:- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience.
- 7 years of relevant major gift work experience.
- Demonstrated track record of success in developing and building a robust major gift portfolio and soliciting and closing five- and six-figure philanthropic gifts.
- Knowledge of and commitment to detailed and accurate CRM database reporting.
- Proactive, self-starter with a strong sense of purpose.
- A belief in the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and action that demonstrates this commitment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to connect individual performance goals to team and organizational goals.
Salary : $130,000 - $160,000