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Director Of Development Major Gifts Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Major Gifts Officer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

Reporting to the Director of Development and Marketing, the MGO will develop and execute ... In Need's major gifts, principal gifts, and planned giving program. The MGO will work ...

Major Gifts Officer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$81K - $106K/yr

Working with the Director of Development and key staff, the MGO will successfully cultivate ... Proven major gifts fundraising experience preferably during a campaign. * Superior organizational ...

... Director of Major Gifts to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting the College of Health and Human Development (HHD) , a collaborative community of faculty, staff, students and alumni ...

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

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$24.5K

$102.3K

$148.5K

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

As of Aug 24, 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

More about Director Of Development Major Gifts jobs

What cities are hiring for Director Of Development Major Gifts jobs?

Cities with the most Director Of Development Major Gifts job openings:

What states have the most Director Of Development Major Gifts jobs?

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

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, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,275 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Director of Development, Major Gifts

University of Texas

Austin, TX • On-site

$104 - $127/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

## Director of Development, Major GiftsApplylocations: UT MAIN CAMPUStime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: R\_00047366**Job Posting Title:**Director of Development, Major Gifts**----****Hiring Department:**Texas Memorial Museum**----****Position Open To:**All Applicants**----****Weekly Scheduled Hours:**40**----****FLSA Status:**Exempt from FLSA**----****Earliest Start Date:**Aug 01, 2026**----****Position Duration:**Expected to Continue**----****Location:**UT MAIN CAMPUS**----****Job Details:**## General NotesTexas Science & Natural History Museum is developing new exhibits, programs, and experiences that spark curiosity, promote belonging, and tell stories about Texas science and natural history. Since reopening in September 2023, the reimagined institution blends its historic building and world-class collections with engaging, modern exhibits focused on science education. The museum has welcomed more than 200,000 visitors from all 50 states and 28 countries while supporting preK–12 education through field trips and outreach and presenting an active schedule of public programs. The museum continues to evolve as a vibrant educational and cultural hub with a strong path toward long-term sustainability.## PurposeTo serve as the Director of Development, Major Gifts, on the museum’s development team. The museum seeks a seasoned fundraising professional to identify and cultivate new donor prospects with a capacity of $100,000+. Reporting to the Director of Development, the position holds a critical role advancing Texas Science & Natural Museum’s strategic priorities through fundraising.## Responsibilities* Build and carry an active portfolio of 40-60 well-qualified prospective donors with a capacity of $100,000+ and solicit gifts to support operations, capital projects, education programs, and endowments through pledged and planned monetary gifts. Engage in strategy, identification, qualification, cultivation, relationship building, and closing of major gifts to support the museum’s priorities.* Participate in goal setting, proposal preparation, strategy development, and stewardship as required for donors in the managed portfolio and as requested.* Successfully and consistently deliver funding proposals with a focus on engaging new donors and building contributed revenue that is available within the fiscal year as well as building endowment funding.* Maintain an understanding of the museum’s priorities, vision, and mission. Effectively work with, communicate with, and collaborate with leadership and other staff to develop funding opportunities to reach annual budgetary and long-term goals. Work collaboratively, proactively, and in a professional, service-oriented manner with all departments and development staff to further goals and mission of the museum.* Utilize fundraising databases and prospecting tools. Maintain appropriate electronic documentation on a timely basis, including engagement activities, proposal tracking, contact reports, donor strategies, and forecasting.* Work collaboratively and proactively with Texas Development and development colleagues within the College of Natural Sciences to align and advance the museum’s fundraising efforts. Leverage relationships with development officers across the university to explore and/or strengthen fundraising opportunities for the museum. Participate in professional development opportunities to create and nurture a culture of philanthropy within Texas Science & Natural History Museum and its constituencies.* Performs related duties as assigned. May work on assigned projects.## Required Qualifications* Bachelor’s Degree and minimum of 5+ years experience in major gift fundraising* Proven success in developing and executing full-cycle donor strategies* Strong emotional intelligence, intellectual curiosity, and strategic thinking* Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, interpersonal).* Effective project management and problem-solving abilities, thrives under pressure* Collaborative and independent work style; able to engage across teams* Proficient in CRM platforms such as VIP, Salesforce, or similar applications* Willingness and ability to travel to engage with prospects and donors* Demonstrated discretion, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions* Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate## Preferred Qualifications* 10+ years in major gift fundraising* Prior experience at UT or in a large, complex academic research university environment* Background in fundraising within a museum or educational organization* Graduate degree and/or Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification## Salary Range$115,000+ depending on qualifications ## Working ConditionsHybrid position## Required Materials* Resume/CV* 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor* Letter of interest**Important** **for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:** You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.**Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:** As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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