Executive Director of Major Gifts
About the Role
The Executive Director of Major Gifts is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors in support of Marian’s mission and strategic priorities. This senior-level role plays a critical part in advancing Marian’s philanthropic efforts and building long-term, meaningful relationships with key stakeholders.
This position reports to the Principal and works closely with the Mission Advancement team to increase philanthropic revenue across annual, capital, and planned giving programs.
The Executive Director of Major Gifts will manage a portfolio of approximately 200 prospective donors with significant giving capacity and will spend considerable time engaging donors in person. Local, regional, and national travel is required.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, manage, and grow a portfolio of approximately 200 major gift prospects
- Identify and qualify new major gift prospects through research and engagement
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward high-level donors and prospects
- Develop tailored fundraising strategies aligned with donor interests and institutional priorities
- Collaborate with leadership, the Board of Directors, and key stakeholders to align fundraising efforts with strategic goals
- Prepare compelling proposals, gift agreements, and donor communications
- Lead and support planned giving conversations as appropriate
- Track, analyze, and report on major gift pipeline activity, revenue performance, and donor engagement
- Utilize CRM systems (DonorPerfect) to accurately document donor interactions and activity
- Oversee planning and execution of donor cultivation and stewardship events, including receptions and recognition programs
- Represent Marian at donor meetings, events, athletic programs, graduation, and other school functions
- Provide regular reporting and updates to leadership on fundraising progress and initiatives
- Collaborate with advancement staff on board committees, presentations, and strategic initiatives
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
- Minimum of 3+ years of major gifts fundraising experience
- Proven track record of securing significant or transformational gifts, preferably in a nonprofit or educational setting
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic fundraising plans
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to inform decisions
- Experience working with CRM systems and proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred Attributes
- Highly self-motivated and results-driven
- Comfortable engaging with high-net-worth individuals and senior stakeholders
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
- Passion for mission-driven work in education
