Job Description
Director of Strategic Gifts Lead Growth. Build Relationships. Drive Community Impact. A growing, mission-driven nonprofit organization is seeking a high-performing fundraising leader to help shape the next chapter of philanthropic growth and community impact. This is not a passive relationship-management role. We are looking for a Director of Strategic Gifts who combines strategic fundraising ability with operational leadership, executive-level communication, and relentless follow-through. Someone who can confidently lead teams, strengthen donor relationships, drive pipeline accountability, and execute without constant oversight. This role is ideal for a fundraiser who wants visibility, influence, ownership, and the opportunity to help scale a respected nonprofit organization preparing for significant growth and future campaign initiatives. About the Opportunity This organization has served the community for more than four decades and is entering an exciting phase of expansion, investment, and organizational momentum. Leadership has made significant investments into philanthropy, marketing, culture, and long-term growth strategy. The philanthropy team is growing, and this role will play a key leadership position in building donor relationships, expanding revenue streams, improving fundraising operations, and preparing for future campaign growth. This is an opportunity to help build something meaningful, while working alongside collaborative, growth-oriented leadership. What You’ll Lead & OwnStrategic Fundraising Leadership Lead strategy across major gifts, individual giving, and corporate partnerships Build and manage a strong donor pipeline with measurable accountability and forecasting Partner with executive leadership on long-term fundraising strategy and campaign readiness Create systems, structure, and operational consistency across philanthropy efforts Help scale fundraising infrastructure during a critical growth phase Major Gifts & Donor Engagement Manage and grow relationships with high-capacity donors and community partners Cultivate, solicit, and steward transformational gifts Re-engage lapsed donor relationships and identify new opportunities for growth Collaborate with leadership and stakeholders to strengthen donor engagement strategy Ensure consistent communication, follow-through, and stewardship execution Corporate Partnerships Lead and expand corporate giving and sponsorship initiatives Develop customized partnership opportunities aligned with mission impact Build strategic relationships with business and community leaders Help position the organization for long-term philanthropic sustainability Team Leadership & Accountability Mentor and lead a developing fundraising team Establish clear expectations, accountability systems, communication rhythms, and performance standards Coach team members on relationship management, pipeline movement, and donor strategy Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented, growth-focused culture What Success Looks Like in the First 6–12 Months Increased fundraising revenue and donor engagement Stronger donor pipeline visibility and accountability Improved communication and operational consistency across the team Re-engagement of dormant donor relationships Growth in strategic corporate partnerships Leadership presence that creates confidence, momentum, and alignment The Type of Leader Who Thrives Here You are Highly accountable and execution-oriented Assertive, proactive, and resourceful A strong communicator who follows through consistently Comfortable leading both strategy and operations Process-minded without losing the human side of philanthropy Energized by building systems, momentum, and relationships Able to navigate fast-moving environments with agility and ownership Confident working with executives, board members, donors, and community leaders You likely enjoy: Creating structure in growing environments Solving problems independently Building relationships that lead to measurable impact Leading teams through growth and change Balancing strategy with hands-on execution Candidates Who May Not Be the Right Fit This role will likely not be a fit for someone who: Struggles with follow-through or organization Requires constant direction or oversight Avoids accountability conversations Is highly relational but weak operationally <