ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Major Gifts Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Uncommon Schools

Director, Major Gifts

New York, NY · On-site

$116K - $146K/yr

As Director, Major Gifts, you will build and manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, leading the full lifecycle of major gift fundraising, from identifying and cultivating new ...

Uncommon Schools

Director, Major Gifts

New York, NY · On-site

As Director, Major Gifts, you will build and manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, leading the full lifecycle of major gift fundraising, from identifying and cultivating new ...

Uncommon Schools

Director, Major Gifts

New York, NY · On-site

$116K - $146K/yr

As Director, Major Gifts, you will build and manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, leading the full lifecycle of major gift fundraising, from identifying and cultivating new ...

Trinityhealth

$96K - $159K/yr

Day Shift Description: "Lead major gift strategy within a nationally recognized academic health system." About the Role The Director, Major Gifts (Hybrid) serves as a senior representative of Loyola ...

Trinity Health

$96K - $159K/yr

Day Shift Description: "Lead major gift strategy within a nationally recognized academic health system." About the Role The Director, Major Gifts (Hybrid) serves as a senior representative of Loyola ...

NorthEastern

Associate Director, Major Gifts

Boston, MA · On-site

The Associate Director, Major Gifts (ADMG) will qualify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects ($250K-$1M+) in a designated geographic region. Operating within the One Northeastern model, the ...

NorthEastern

Senior Director Major Gifts

Boston, MA · On-site +1

About the Opportunity JOB SUMMARY The Senior Director, Major Gifts will qualify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects ($250K-$1M) in a designated geographic region. Operating within the One ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsNon Profit JobsCharity JobsDirector of Donor Relations JobsDirector Major Gifts Jobs

Director Major Gifts information

See salary details

$24.5K

$102.3K

$148.5K

How much do director major gifts jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for director major gifts in the United States is $102,275.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Director of Major Gifts typically collaborate with other departments to achieve fundraising goals?

A Director of Major Gifts works closely with teams such as marketing, communications, and program staff to align fundraising strategies with the organization’s mission and campaigns. This role often coordinates with the finance department to track and report on donations, and partners with executive leadership to identify and cultivate relationships with potential major donors. Regular collaboration ensures that fundraising messages are consistent and that donor stewardship efforts are well-integrated across the organization. Effective teamwork enhances the ability to meet and exceed fundraising targets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Major Gifts, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Major Gifts, you need expertise in fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, and relationship management, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree and significant development experience. Familiarity with donor management software (like Raiser's Edge or Salesforce), prospect research tools, and sometimes CFRE certification is highly valuable. Exceptional interpersonal skills, persuasive communication, and strategic thinking set standout professionals apart in this role. These capabilities are crucial for building lasting donor relationships and securing significant philanthropic contributions that advance organizational goals.

What is the difference between Director Major Gifts vs Development Manager?

AspectDirector Major GiftsDevelopment Manager
Primary FocusSecuring large donations and major gifts from high-net-worth individualsManaging overall fundraising campaigns and donor relations
ResponsibilitiesMajor gift cultivation, donor stewardship, strategic planning for major giftsFundraising campaign execution, donor outreach, event planning
Required CredentialsTypically bachelor's degree, experience in fundraising, strong networkBachelor's degree, fundraising experience, communication skills
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, educational institutions, healthcareSimilar settings, often within nonprofit or educational sectors

The main difference is that the Director Major Gifts focuses specifically on securing large donations from high-net-worth individuals, while the Development Manager oversees broader fundraising efforts and manages various campaigns. The Director Major Gifts role is more targeted and strategic in cultivating major donors, whereas the Development Manager handles overall fundraising operations.

What does a director of major gifts do?

A director of major gifts oversees fundraising efforts focused on securing large donations from high-net-worth individuals. They identify potential donors, build relationships, and develop strategies to meet fundraising goals, often working closely with development teams and using donor management software. Strong communication, relationship-building skills, and knowledge of fundraising best practices are essential in this role.
More about Director Major Gifts jobs

What cities are hiring for Director Major Gifts jobs?

Cities with the most Director Major Gifts job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Major Gifts jobs?

The most popular types of Major Gifts jobs are:

What states have the most Director Major Gifts jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Major Gifts jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Director Major Gifts jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Major Gifts jobs are:

Director Major Gifts jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Major Gifts job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,275 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Director, Major Gifts

Uncommon Schools

New York, NY • On-site

$116K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Uncommon Schools rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

491st of 644 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Company Description
Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!
Job Description
As Director, Major Gifts, you will build and manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, leading the full lifecycle of major gift fundraising, from identifying and cultivating new relationships to securing transformational philanthropic investments and stewarding long-term partnerships. You will develop individualized engagement strategies, partner closely with school and Home Office leaders, and connect donors to Uncommon Schools' mission through meaningful opportunities to invest in student success. Your work will play a critical role in expanding philanthropic support and advancing our organizational priorities.
Portfolio Management & Fundraising Strategy
  • Build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, with a focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationships
  • Design and execute individualized strategies to align donor interests with Uncommon's priorities
  • Develop proposals, letters of inquiry, and tailored communications to support fundraising efforts

Donor Engagement & Relationship Building
  • Lead in-person and virtual engagement with donors through meetings, school visits, and curated experiences
  • Translate Uncommon's impact into clear, compelling narratives that inspire philanthropic investment
  • Ensure timely, thoughtful stewardship to strengthen long-term donor relationships

Prospect Identification & Network Expansion
  • Identify and qualify new prospective donors through research, events, and outreach
  • Partner with internal stakeholders and leadership to expand access to new donor networks
  • Contribute to building a strong pipeline of high-capacity prospects

Pipeline Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Maintain accurate donor records and pipeline data in Salesforce or similar systems
  • Forecast revenue and track progress toward fundraising goals
  • Collaborate with development, marketing, and program teams to align messaging and engagement strategies

Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 10+ years of professional experience or an equivalent track record building and managing sophisticated major gift portfolios
  • Demonstrated experience in frontline fundraising, with a focus on major or principal gifts
  • Proven success managing a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and personally cultivating, soliciting, and closing six- and seven-figure philanthropic gifts
  • Experience building trusted relationships with senior executives, trustees, philanthropists, or other high-profile stakeholders
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey mission and impact
  • Experience developing donor strategies, proposals, and engagement plans
  • Proficiency with Salesforce or similar CRM systems, including pipeline tracking and revenue forecasting

Preferred:
  • Familiarity with the New York City philanthropic landscape
  • Experience collaborating across teams to support fundraising strategy
  • Strong analytical skills to support planning and decision-making

Physical Requirements:
  • Minimal physical demands, including extended periods working at a desk

Not sure you meet every qualification? We encourage you to apply-we're excited to learn what you bring.
Additional Information
Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.
Compensation:
The full compensation range for this role is $116,800-$146,000. Typically, new hires who fully meet all qualifications listed in the job description will start at $124,100. Starting compensation below this reflects candidates with less experience or qualifications. Offers near the top end of the range are reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the qualifications, bringing extensive experience and specialized expertise beyond what is listed.
Compensation determinations consider relevant professional experience and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Additionally, because we value internal growth and tenure, current staff members are not subject to salary caps within this range.
Work Environment:
Uncommon is an in-person organization, with a commitment of at least three days each week at our Central Office in downtown Manhattan (100 Church Street).
Benefit Highlights:
  • 19 days of paid time off
  • 3 weeks of paid Winter and Summer org-wide holidays
  • Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
  • 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
  • Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
  • Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
  • Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health saving accounts

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.
At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.
As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.

What Uncommon Schools employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply