Director of Major Gifts

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

As Director of Major Gifts, you will be integral to our fundraising success and organizational growth. Reporting to and working closely with the Chief Advancement Officer, you will support and expand our fundraising initiatives at theCenter for Creative Education (CCE). Your primary focus will be on building and nurturing relationships with majordonors, aligning with CCE's strategic vision, budgetary needs, and key messaging from leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Identify and Cultivate Major Donors

• Research, identify, and qualify prospects, including individuals, foundations, and corporations.

• Build and maintain strong, personalized relationships through regular communication, meetings, and events.

Develop and Implement Major Gifts Strategy

• Create and execute strategies to solicit major gifts aligned with CCE’s fundraising goals.

• Tailor approaches to match donor interests and capacity.

Solicit and Steward Major Gifts

• Prepare proposals and coordinate solicitations in collaboration with leadership.

• Ensure timely stewardship, including thank-you communications, impact reporting, and recognition.

Collaborate and Engage

• Partner with CCE’s executive team, board members, and other stakeholders to advance fundraising efforts.

• Support planning and hosting of donor events, site visits, and other engagement opportunities.

Support Grant and Planned Giving Efforts

• Assist in identifying and pursuing major grants and planned giving opportunities.

• Provide input on proposals and donor materials as needed.

Maintain Records and Report Progress

• Track donor interactions and gifts in the CRM system.

• Report regularly on progress toward goals and donor engagement trends.

Stay Informed and Compliant

• Remain up to date with fundraising best practices.

• Ensure all activities adhere to ethical standards and compliance requirements.

Work Experience Requirements:

• Major Gift Fundraising:

- Proven experience in direct/front-line fundraising, preferably within the nonprofit sector.

- Demonstrated success in securing significant donations (e.g., five-, six-, and/or even seven-figure gifts).

• Nonprofit Organization:

- Work experience in a nonprofit setting, particularly in roles related to development, donor relations, or

fundraising, is highly valued.

- Experience in a children’s education non-profit or similar field is highly valued

• Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:

- Track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with major donors.

- Experience in developing and implementing donor stewardship plans that enhance donor engagement and

retention.

Additional Valued Experience and Skills:

• Experience developing and executing strategic fundraising plans that align with organizational goals.

• Ability to create and manage a major gifts program, including identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift

prospects.

• Proficiency in using donor management systems (e.g., eTapestry) to track donor interactions and fundraising

activities.

• Skills in crafting compelling narratives and communication materials that effectively communicate the

organization’s mission and impact.

• Experience leading or collaborating with teams, including working with board members, volunteers, and other

stakeholders.

• Strong analytical skills to measure the effectiveness of fundraising strategies and make data-driven decisions.

• Experience managing budgets and financial reporting related to fundraising activities.

• Commitment to ethical fundraising practices and adherence to industry standards and regulations.

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and Google Docs.

Education Requirements:

• Master’s degree in a related field preferred, such as:

- Nonprofit Management, Business Management, Public Relations or Communications, Marketing,

Philanthropy

• Fundraising or Development Certificates are a plus

Benefits:

• Health and Wellness

- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Financial Security

- Simple IRA plan company match up to 3%

- Life and disability insurance

• Paid Time Off | Paid Holidays | Professional Development Opportunities

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform essential job functions in accordance with ADA, FMLA, and other

federal, state, and local standards.

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.

• Must be able to talk, listen, and speak clearly on the telephone.

• Must successfully pass a Level II background check through AHCA and be cleared through the Department of

Homeland Security.

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