Director of Major Gifts

Reports to: Vice President, Development
Staff reporting to this position: 2
Department: Development
Position classification: Exempt, full time; Nonunion - Level 7
Work site: Hybrid (on-site two days per week, Washington, D.C., office)

Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Director of Major Gifts is an important member of the Development department and will help lead American Progress’ individual giving efforts. They will have a portfolio of 100 to 150 prospects, targeting five- and six-figure prospects. The Director of Major Gifts is responsible for planning and implementing strategies for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors to support American Progress. They will focus on strategically expanding the organization's Individual Giving program with a goal of significantly increasing the base of annual gifts. Eventually, they will oversee the new positions of Development Events Coordinator and Development Communications Coordinator.

This position is ideal for a dynamic, results-driven, and well-organized development professional who is committed to a progressive policy agenda and to American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country. In addition, this position will support the organization’s five crosscutting priorities:

Building an economy for all
Restoring social trust in democracy
Advancing racial equity and justice
Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
Strengthening health

The Development department works with program staff at both the Center for American Progress, a 501(c)(3) organization, and the Center for American Progress Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization, to fundraise for support for American Progress’ priorities and bold progressive agenda.

Responsibilities:

Secure major gifts at the five- and six-figure levels.
Manage an existing portfolio of 100 to 150 donors and prospects.
Manage systems and software to track and cultivate donors and prospects, including American Progress’ donor database and wealth screening tools.
Work with the Development department to align efforts and set goals.
Create and implement moves management plans.
Make direct, face-to-face solicitations and work with program staff to develop individualized donor strategies; support the overall efforts of the Individual Giving team (by, for example, providing portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications).
Manage two direct reports: the Development Events Coordinator and the Development Communication Coordinator.
Acknowledge major donors through public and private recognition.
Track and report progress using specific metrics.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or equivalent experience is required.
At least seven years of relevant work experience, including at least five years of front-line fundraising and working with individual donors.
Demonstrated success managing a portfolio of individual donors at the five- and six-figure levels.
Demonstrated work experience and donor contacts in mission-aligned areas.
Demonstrated entrepreneurial ability to develop alliances and coordinate shared interests of all parties.
Excellent problem-solving skills designed to meet the challenges of the organization.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with considerable experience in writing and presenting information to a variety of audiences.
Ability to use data and CRM systems to set fundraising strategy and priorities, measure outcomes, and drive superior performance.
Knowledge of various progressive philanthropic and political sectors, including racial equity, rights, justice, international affairs, public health, education, and democracy, is desirable.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong analytical skills.
Strong interpersonal, mediation, and facilitation skills.
Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
Familiarity with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) regulations is a plus.
Ability to work additional hours as needed to meet deadlines and manage workflow.
Support for American Progress’ mission and commitment to a broad progressive agenda.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union. The ideally qualified candidate’s salary starts at $100,000.

We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and the levels of community spread and adjust plans as needed for in-office work. Any changes to our current hybrid work policy will be communicated at the time of hire. Updates will be posted on American Progress’ Jobs page.

Apply Now

This announcement will remain posted until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.

Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of this position will be considered applicants and will receive responses from American Progress.

Thank you for your interest in American Progress.

Additional information

American Progress operates two separate nonprofit organizations to maximize the progressive agenda: the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “American Progress.” The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) tax-exempt research and educational institute. It undertakes research, public education and a limited amount of lobbying. The Center for American Progress Action Fund is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization dedicated to achieving progress through action. It works to transform progressive ideas into policy through rapid-response communications, legislative action, grassroots organizing, political advocacy, and partnerships with other progressive leaders. The organizations share office space and employees.

American Progress is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity is more than a commitment at American Progress—it is the foundation of what we do. American Progress recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, and all the other characteristics that make us unique.

For more information on the Center for American Progress, please go to www.americanprogress.org. For more information on the Center for American Progress Action Fund, please go to americanprogressaction.vipdev.lndo.site.