Director of Development and Major Gifts

Position Summary

The Director of Development / Major Gifts leads and executes comprehensive fundraising strategies for the Jawonio Foundation to advance Jawonio's overall mission. Key areas of focus include major gifts, planned giving, donor engagement, fundraising communications, and foundation operations.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising

• Design in collaboration with the Foundation Board a strategic plan for fundraising to boost revenue across individual, corporate, and foundation sources.
• Execute the strategic plan in cooperation with Foundation staff and contracted event planner
• Direct comprehensive fundraising initiatives, encompassing major gifts, annual drives, special events, and planned giving.
• Pinpoint, cultivate, and steward prospective planned givers, recurring donors, and major gift contributors.
• Involve board members and senior executives in cultivating and soliciting key donors.
• Spearhead annual giving initiatives, planned giving programs, and targeted capital campaigns as required.
• Craft donor messaging that clearly communicates the tangible impact of financial support.
• Serve as a liaison with outsourced event planning company
• Attend all Jawonio Foundation and Jawonio Inc events and meeting potential donors

Fundraising Communications

• Partner with the Chief Communications and Development Officer to refine and execute communication strategies that align with and advance fundraising objectives.
• Cultivate, expand, and sustain meaningful relationships with donors, corporate partners, and key community stakeholders.
• Serve as an official representative for Jawonio across public gatherings, community forums, and media opportunities.
• Lead presentations, meetings and facility tours for prospective supporters, donors, and volunteers both at Jawonio and in the community

Administrative Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and guide team members, driving a culture centered on collaboration, accountability, and continuous innovation.
• Partner with Finance to construct and direct the department budget, ensuring strict adherence to financial limits and organizational targets.
• Collaborate with the Foundation Board to formulate strategic roadmaps and set key fundraising goals.
• Direct donor database operations, gift processing workflows, and prompt donor acknowledgments.
• Deliver comprehensive progress reports on donor engagement and revenue generation during quarterly and special board meetings.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree or CFRE credential preferred.
• At least 5–7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, specifically targeting major gifts.
• Demonstrated background in soliciting and stewarding major contributions ($10,000+), or an active openness to learn.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms and donor management databases (e.g., Raiser's Edge).
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills capable of connecting with diverse audiences.
• Strategic Mindset paired with robust organizational and project management capabilities.
• Deep alignment with and passion for the organization's overall values and mission.

Core Competencies:

• Forward-thinking leadership and strategic acumen
• Proven fundraising proficiency with a donor-focused orientation
• Team-oriented leadership and staff development
• Sound operational governance and financial management
• Uncompromising ethical integrity and dedication to organizational goals