Associate Director of Major Gifts & Strategic Initiatives

Alcuin School; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks an Associate Director of Major Gifts & Strategic Initiatives to lead philanthropic efforts that drive strategic priorities and ensure long-term sustainability. This role requires a blend of relational leadership and data fluency to cultivate relationships with donors and secure transformative gifts. The successful candidate will develop high-impact strategies and oversee capital campaigns while fostering a culture of philanthropy within the school community. Join a dynamic team committed to making a difference in education and community impact.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in major gifts or fundraising.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in donor CRM systems and digital fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Lead major gifts program to inspire philanthropic investment.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors.
• Oversee capital campaign efforts and fundraising initiatives.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor Engagement

Data Analytics

Communication Skills

Strategic Planning

Emotional Intelligence

Organizational Skills

AI Tools Usage

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)

Tools

Blackbaud

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Associate Director of Major Gifts & Strategic Initiatives

Associate Director of Major Gifts & Strategic Initiatives

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

The Associate Director of Major Gifts & Strategic Initiatives leads Alcuin’s philanthropic efforts that drive strategic priorities and ensure long-term institutional sustainability. Rooted in the school’s values of individualized learning, global awareness, and community impact, this role cultivates meaningful relationships with donors, secures transformative gifts, and brings bold fundraising initiatives to life. Through compelling storytelling, data-informed strategy, and a deep commitment to education, the Associate Director champions a culture of generosity that empowers Alcuin’s mission—now and for generations to come.

JOB SCOPE

Functioning as a trusted leader within the Advancement team, the Associate Director drives key initiatives that deepen philanthropic engagement across Alcuin’s dynamic community. In close partnership with the Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement, Head of School, and Board of Trustees, this role blends relational leadership, data fluency, and long-range planning to grow major gifts, elevate institutional visibility, and advance the school’s continued growth and innovation within Dallas and the broader independent school landscape.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Major Gifts Strategy & Donor Engagement

• Design and lead a comprehensive major gifts program that inspires significant philanthropic investment in Alcuin’s mission, values, and strategic direction.
• Proactively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of current and prospective major donors, building personalized relationships that result in sustained and transformational giving.
• Develop high-impact cultivation strategies in collaboration with the Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement, Head of School, and key stakeholders, including trustees and faculty leaders.
• Oversee capital campaign efforts, endowment growth strategies, and other mission-aligned fundraising initiatives that advance institutional priorities and long-term sustainability.
• Leverage data analytics and CRM technologies to implement predictive modeling, donor segmentation, and customized outreach that drive campaign performance and donor engagement.
• Develop and manage a digital-first, high-touch donor experience strategy that integrates automation tools, targeted content, and real-time personalization.

Institutional Partnerships & Broader Advancement Integration

• Collaborate with school leadership and Advancement colleagues to integrate philanthropy into the daily life of the school, celebrating donor impact and embedding storytelling into all communications.
• Lead efforts to expand revenue diversity through the development of corporate partnerships, grant funding, and strategic sponsorships that reflect Alcuin’s brand and mission.
• Partner with faculty and student leaders to foster a culture of philanthropy through curricular and co-curricular initiatives—such as Student Council and CAS projects—that connect giving to purpose and service.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Engage in ongoing professional development related to major gifts, advancement strategy, donor stewardship, and independent school leadership through relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences.
• Actively participate in school events, meetings, and community functions as outlined in the Employee Handbook, employment agreement, or at the request of school leadership.
• Contribute to the broader advancement and administrative functions of the school, such as carpool, event staffing, and community welcome initiatives, through proactive collaboration with faculty, staff, and leadership.
• Contribute to additional initiatives or strategic projects as assigned by the Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement or the Head of School, in alignment with institutional priorities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Required

• Legal authorization to work in the United States; successful completion of criminal background, reference, and drug screenings.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in major gifts, fundraising, philanthropy, or institutional advancement.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward high-impact donors, including board members and major gift prospects.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling, mission-driven proposals and correspondence.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the utmost discretion in handling sensitive donor and institutional information.
• Strategic and goal-oriented mindset with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Proficiency in donor CRM systems (e.g., Blackbaud), Microsoft Office Suite, and digital fundraising platforms.
• Strong analytical capabilities, including experience with donor segmentation, campaign performance metrics, and giving trend analysis.
• Familiarity with wealth screening platforms and donor research strategies to inform prospect cultivation.
• Experience using AI tools for donor personalization, campaign automation, or prospect research.
• Commitment to the highest standards of ethical fundraising, as well as a deep dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusive donor engagement.

Preferred

• Active Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.
• Experience in independent school advancement or major gift roles within nonprofit organizations.
• Familiarity with Montessori and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) educational models.
• Demonstrated success working within diverse and multicultural communities.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

• Industries

  Primary and Secondary Education

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