OPEN UNTIL FILLED - Review of applications will begin 12/2/22   

The Director-Major Gifts is a relationship-oriented professional that is responsible for developing and implementing strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals, organizations, private foundations, and businesses/corporations in leadership gift fundraising activities of the Gaston College Foundation. 

1. Articulate the case for support with effectiveness and communicates the College's priorities, goals, and mission.
2. Identifies, cultivates, and solicits major donor prospects for significant contributions to the College in a comprehensive campaign/major gifts fundraising approach.
3. Manages a portfolio of at least 100 prospective and current donors who have the capacity to give $100,000+ major gifts, planned gifts, and $25,000+ annual gifts. Sets measurable outcomes for activities, including meeting metrics for qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting significant contributions supporting the College's mission and vision. Evaluates and revise strategies to improve results and strengthen donor relationships.
4. Facilitates and devises strategies for face-to-face meetings with donors. Identifies donor philanthropic interests, shares giving opportunities, and closes gifts. Works closely with other Foundation staff to advance donor relationships, drive new/renewed giving, coordinate gift arrangements, and documentation, and oversee stewardship of assigned donors.
5. Works closely with Foundation and College leadership to manage prospect assignments, record contacts, and prepare board members, college president, and other college leaders with training, materials, and strategies necessary to be successful. This includes defining meeting objectives, writing talking points, creating donor proposals, preparing meeting briefings, writing donor correspondence, and organizing collateral materials as needed.
6. Support the development and production of communication tools, proposals, and reports; provide support with scheduling and general correspondence.
7. As assigned, may oversee and implement Foundation grant activity, including preparing proposals, reports, and correspondence to support targeted college programs or initiatives.
8. Serves as an integral part of the team that designs the College's comprehensive campaigns, coordinating the development of campaign materials, activities, and events
9. Manages relationships with assigned Foundation donors.
10. Maintains accurate and timely records/contact reports of all interactions with donors utilizing Raiser's Edge. Analyzes donor data and giving trends as needed to increase contribution levels.
11. Develops ideas and implements stewardship steps to creatively recognize donors in ways that reflect the College brand and mission.
12. Inspires and maintains positive relationships and communications with other Foundation and College colleagues to maximize donor relationships and philanthropy giving to the College.
13. Serves as a resource and collaborative team member on Foundation events. Attends all major events designed to engage donors and prospective donors in the College.
14. Maintains professional connections in and knowledge of fundraising field through professional memberships and conferences.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.  

• Bachelor's Degree from a nationally accredited institution is required. 

• Minimum of five (5) years of proven major gifts fundraising experience in a nonprofit setting is required   
• Certified Fundraising Professional Certification (CFRE) is preferred.  
• Proven Experience securing and reaching fundraising goals through major gifts. 
• Excellent knowledge of major gift fundraising techniques, the Association of Fundraising Professionals code of ethical conduct, the National Committee on Planned Giving ethical practices, and the Donor Bill of Rights.  
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills are required.
• Strong critical/analytical thinking and decision-making skills are required.
• Exceptional customer service skills are required.
• Ability to build and nurture effective working relationships required
• Ability to handle confidential information with great sensitivity required.
• Ability to work with a high degree of independence, enthusiasm, and self-motivation
• Excellent time management skills are required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) required.
• Working knowledge of The Raiser's Edge or other similar CRM systems is required.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the business, nonprofit, and philanthropic community in the Gaston College service area and surrounding region preferred. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Generally, works in a traditional climate-controlled office environment and requires the ability to sit for extended periods. 
• Some walking, standing, and bending are required, and the ability to lift and maneuver items weighing up to 25 pounds is required. 
• Work environment can be stressful at times in dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines.
• In addition to regular office hours, the position requires weekend and/or evening hours.