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Director Of Development Major Gifts Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dallas College

Director, Major Gifts

Dallas, TX · On-site

$92K/yr

The Director of Major Gifts will report to the Senior Director of Development. Like all Dallas College Foundation (DCF) employees, this individual is a keeper of the Dallas College Foundation culture ...

Columbia University

Sr Director of Major Gifts

New York, NY · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

Position Summary Reporting to the Executive Director, Development and Strategic Initiatives at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), the Senior Director of Major Gifts ...

State Policy Network

Director of Major Gifts

The Director of Major Gifts will report to the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships , serve on the development leadership team, and manage two Strategic Partnership Advisors , with potential for ...

Joffrey Ballet

Major Gifts Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is responsible for developing donors and soliciting gifts of $25,000 ... with the Director of Development and Director of Major & Planned Giving to advance strategy ...

The Center

Director of Major Gifts

New York, NY · On-site +1

$115K - $130K/yr

Chief Development Officer Classification: Full-time | Exempt Salary & Benefits: $115,000 to $130 ... The Director of Major Gifts will oversee the organization's individual giving vertical and ...

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Director Of Development Major Gifts information

See salary details

$24.5K

$102.3K

$148.5K

How much do director of development major gifts jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of development 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.

What is the difference between Director Of Development Major Gifts vs Development Officer?

AspectDirector Of Development Major GiftsDevelopment Officer
Primary FocusSecuring major gifts and high-value donorsManaging donor relations and fundraising campaigns
Required CredentialsTypically bachelor’s degree, fundraising experience, major gift expertiseSimilar credentials, often with less emphasis on major gift experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, high-level donor meetingsCommunity outreach, event coordination
Industry UsageNonprofits, educational institutions, healthcareSimilar industries, often reporting to Directors or Managers

The main difference is that the Director Of Development Major Gifts focuses on securing large donations from major donors and leading strategic fundraising efforts, while the Development Officer handles broader donor relations and campaign activities. Both roles require fundraising experience, but the Director position typically involves higher-level planning and relationship management.

What does a director of development major gifts do?

A Director of Development Major Gifts is responsible for leading an organization’s efforts to secure large financial donations from individuals, corporations, or foundations. They develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, often focusing on gifts that significantly impact the organization’s mission. This role typically involves building relationships with prospective donors, managing a portfolio of major gift prospects, and collaborating with executives and board members to achieve fundraising goals. Their leadership is crucial in ensuring long-term financial sustainability for nonprofits, educational institutions, or other organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of development major gifts, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Of Development Major Gifts, you need expertise in fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, and relationship management, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems like Raiser's Edge and knowledge of prospect research tools are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and persuasive communication differentiate top performers in this role. These capabilities are crucial for building lasting donor relationships and securing significant contributions to support organizational goals.

How does a director of development major gifts typically collaborate with board members and other senior leaders to achieve fundraising goals?

A Director of Development, Major Gifts works closely with board members and senior leaders to strategize and execute major fundraising initiatives. This collaboration often involves regular meetings to align on donor engagement strategies, sharing progress updates, and leveraging the networks and influence of board members to access new prospects. Additionally, the Director may coach board members on donor stewardship best practices and coordinate their participation in cultivation or solicitation meetings. These partnerships are crucial for building a strong culture of philanthropy and achieving ambitious fundraising targets.
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Director Of Development Major Gifts jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Development Major Gifts job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% 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

Dallas College

Dallas, TX • On-site

$92K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Dallas College rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date.

Weekly Work Hours

40

Compensation Range

Administrator Range E05

Salary Minimum

$92,700.00 Annually

FLSA

United States of America (Exempt)

Position Type

Administrator

JOB DESCRIPTION
Dallas College is one of the largest community college systems in Texas, committed to transforming lives and
communities through higher education. With a rich history of serving the diverse population of Dallas County, the
college provides accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that empowers students to achieve their
academic and career goals.
Dallas College has a set of core values that shape its culture and operations: integrity, respect, opportunity,
collaboration, accountability, and engagement and support.

Position / Job Summary
The Director of Major Gifts leads Dallas College Foundation's major gifts program as a strategic people
leader and frontline fundraiser. This role builds and manages a high-value portfolio, advances multi-year gift
strategies aligned to institutional priorities and developed Major Gift Officers to deliver measurable results. The
Director partners across Dallas College, engaging academic and administrative leaders to craft compelling
cases for support and exceptional donor experiences.
The Director of Major Gifts will report to the Senior Director of Development. Like all Dallas College
Foundation (DCF) employees, this individual is a keeper of the Dallas College Foundation culture of
philanthropy.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Lead the major gifts strategy and deliver annual outcomes; serve as a frontline fundraiser managing a

portfolio of 40-50 qualified prospects.

  • Recruit, train, coach, and evaluate Major Gift Officers; set clear goals and ensure accountability for

performance and results.

  • Expand the prospect pipeline through research, relationship building, and targeted qualification meetings.

  • Drive all stages of the donor cycle-discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship-aligning donor

interests with Dallas College priorities.

  • Craft and present compelling proposals; lead complex solicitations, including six- and seven-figure

opportunities in collaboration with senior leadership.

  • Coordinate high-level donor engagement with Advancement leaders and Board volunteers; prepare

briefings and manage follow-up actions.

  • Partner with subject-matter experts to design transformational gift opportunities and exceptional

stewardship experiences.

  • Contribute to annual and long-term planning for the major gifts program; implement process

improvements that enhance scalability and impact.

  • Ensure accurate and timely recording of all donor and prospect interactions in Raiser's Edge; maintain

data integrity across the team's portfolios.

  • Analyze financial, philanthropic, and affinity data to inform cultivation strategies and optimize solicitation

outcomes.

  • Uphold ethical standards and compliance with Dallas College policies and professional guidelines (CASE,

AFP, APRA), ensuring integrity in all fundraising practices.

  • All employees are required to complete a minimum of 19 hours of leadership development.

  • People leaders are required to have an additional 16 hours of leadership development.

  • Perform other duties not listed as assigned.

The following duties are required for People Leader roles specifically:

  • Exercises full discretion and decision-making authority in the recruitment, selection, hiring, mentoring,

coaching, development & termination of staff, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, budgetary
constraints, and workforce planning strategies.

  • Drive high performance by administering the performance management process timely, setting clear

expectations, conducting performance evaluations, and implementing initiatives that enhance employee
engagement, motivation, and retention.

Minimum and Preferred - Education, Experience, and/or Certifications

Required Qualifications for Role (necessary or mandatory)

  • Bachelor's degree plus five (5) years of experience in fundraising.

  • Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, donor continuum, and moves management best practices.

  • Experience designing and executing major gift strategies and comprehensive campaigns; familiarity with

annual giving, planned giving, and integrated development programs is preferred.

  • Demonstrated success in managing and training individuals or teams.

  • Demonstrated experience and progressive responsibility in fundraising, with a strong grasp of commitment

to best practices in all areas of development.

  • Proven track record of closing five, six, and seven-figure gifts.

  • Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to work independently with little

supervision.

  • Ability to creatively conceptualize and implement new projects and a high-level strategy.

  • Must have a valid driver's license required to travel to various off-site locations.

  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for donor engagement and events.

  • Advanced general computer knowledge of Windows and network-based environments,

proficiency with fundraising CRM systems (Raiser's Edge preferred).
Other Preferred Qualifications for Role (not mandatory, but advantageous)

  • Experience in higher education or complex nonprofit environments.

  • Experience with Blackbaud suite and prospect research tools.

  • CFRE certification or willingness to pursue certification

  • Bilingual or multilingual preferred.

*** Will be subject to a criminal background check. Some positions may be subject to a fingerprint check. ***

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Required Qualifications for Role (necessary or mandatory)

  • Ability to speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective

communication tools and techniques.

  • Ability to communicate and interact with high-profile constituents and volunteers.

  • Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly with consideration to various audiences.

  • Ability to meet or exceed metrics and goals set for the individual and the team.

  • Demonstrated experience in prospect cultivation and solicitation, with proficiency in fundraising principles

and best practices.

  • Strong working knowledge of strategic development and management systems of the donor cycle.

  • Demonstrated experience securing major, high-value gifts from potential donors.

  • Exhibits expertise in developing and maintaining positive relationships with individuals, including

executives, donors and internal stakeholders and leadership.

  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills which demonstrate professional and personal integrity with a

commitment to the mission, value, and goals of Dallas College and the Dallas College Foundation.

  • Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of both Dallas College and the Association of Professional

Researchers for Advancement (APRA); and adhere to local, state, and federal laws governing fundraising
and taxation.

  • Knowledge and experience in the nature and dimensions of philanthropy, motivations for giving, research

and cultivation practices, face-to-face solicitation, gifts processing and fundraising reporting.

  • Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with demonstrated ability to create, implement and monitor

policies and procedures.

  • Excellent verbal, written communication, and presentation skills with the ability to serve as an

advocate/spokesperson for Dallas College and Dallas College Foundation and successfully tailor
communications dependent on audience.

  • Strong and knowledgeable customer service skills.

  • The ability to lead and manage a team effectively.

Other Preferred Qualifications for Role (not mandatory, but advantageous)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Preferred

Competencies

Dallas College seeks to identify core and professional competencies for each role and level which helps define the
level of expertise needed and desired to demonstrate success in the role.
List the core competencies required for success in this role. These should reflect observable behaviors,
skills, and attributes that align with the responsibilities of the position. Consider including both technical
and interpersonal competencies.

  • [Individual Contributor Competency 1] Choose

    an item

  • [People Leader Choose an item.

Competency 1]

  • [Individual Contributor Competency 2] Choose

an item.

  • [People Leader Competency 2]

Choose an item.
[Individual Contributor Competency 3] Choose
an item.

  • [People Leader Competency 3]

Choose an item.

  • [Individual Contributor Competency 4] Choose

an item.

  • [People Leader Competency 4]

Choose an item.

  • [Individual Contributor Competency 5] Choose

an item.

  • [People Leader Competency 5]

Choose an item.

Work Condition Environment / Physical Requirements

Normal physical job functions performed within a standard office environment. Reasonable accommodation(s)
may be made to individuals with physical challenges to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

About Us

Dallas College is one of the largest community college systems in Texas, committed to transforming lives and communities through higher education. With a rich history of serving the diverse population of Dallas County, the college provides accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that empowers students to achieve their academic and career goals.

Dallas College has a set of core values that shape its culture and operations: integrity, respect, opportunity, collaboration, accountability, and engagement and support.

Applications DeadlineSeptember 5, 2026

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