Director of Major Gifts

Job Description:

The Director of Major Gifts is an essential member of the Institutional Advancement team, and works independently towards individual goals and collaboratively across Advancement in pursuit of leadership gifts. Coming off Blake’s successful $80 million comprehensive campaign, this position works closely with the chief advancement officer to shape continued growth of Blake’s major gifts program. This is an exciting time in Blake’s development area, with the opportunity to build from a new level of philanthropic engagement.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Manage relationships with approximately 125+ prospective donors. Guide relationships through all aspects of prospect management cycle, with strong emphasis on donor visits on and off campus.

• Identify new prospects and solicit gifts for post-campaign priorities including tuition assistance, faculty professional development and other initiatives.

• Collaborate with Annual Fund to identify and solicit select leadership Annual Fund donors as requested.

• Collaborate with director of alumni and parent engagement to support Reunion, with special emphasis on classes with significant major gift capability.

• Use discipline in all aspects of the prospect management cycle, with accountability for strategies that are ethical, donor-centered, timely, and well-planned.

• Collaborate with internal and external constituencies, including volunteers, advancement staff and school administrators, to support individual and department goals.

• Build effective relationships with faculty and staff, demonstrate interest in and support for the school’s mission by being an active member of the school community and attend a range of school activities and events during and after the school day as appropriate.

• Other duties as assigned.

For full consideration we ask that you upload a cover letter and a resume.

Experience and Skills:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Successful experience in fundraising is required, with preference for four to six years experience in individual gifts solicitation of annual fund and/or major gifts.

• Must be self-motivated, self-directed and highly organized, and promote a productive, collegial workplace. Serve as a professional representative for The Blake School at the highest level.

• Successful experience initiating cold contacts with prospective donors and developing those contacts through cultivation and solicitation.

• Belief in all aspects of education and strong ethical conduct are essential.

• Value for inter-cultural competency and preference to work inclusively.

• Excellent writing and presentation skills and ability to interact with others in a polished and respectful manner.

• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a mission-driven, complex, fast-paced environment with multidimensional points of view.

• Ability to use Microsoft Office and email is required, with preference for relational database experience.

• A valid driver’s license and good driving record are required.

• Must be able to travel occasionally and use all forms of public transportation.

Applications will begin review on February 11. Blake offers a collegial and supportive environment, competitive salary and benefits and a chance to shape the next stage of Blake’s major gifts program.

For full consideration we ask that you upload a cover letter and a resume.