Development Lead: Major Gifts & Foundations

Gallaudet-University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 71,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Gallaudet University in Washington, DC seeks an Assistant Director of Development to advance private support from individuals, foundations, and organizations. You will manage a portfolio of alumni and major donors, and guide constituents through the fundraising cycle with research, proposals, and strategic donor engagement.

You will travel nationwide for donor visits, craft complex proposals and reports, and maintain calendars for gifts and grants to ensure timely reporting and stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience in business operations, project management, community engagement, sales and fundraising, or related field.
• Ability to communicate in American Sign Language (ASL).
• Strong technological and database literacy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to synthesize university priorities with donor interests.

Responsibilities

• Builds and manages a portfolio of donors and prospects, including alumni and major gift donors.
• Guides constituents through the fundraising cycle to secure major gifts, deferred giving, corporate sponsorships, and grants.
• Aligns external support with university priorities through research, proposals, and donor engagement.
• Maintains donor relationships, cultivates prospects, and solicits gifts and grants.
• Writes complex proposals, gift agreements, and reports; prepares briefing materials for leadership.
• Leads donor visits and meetings; travels nationwide as needed for relationship management.
• Maintains a gifts/grants calendar, tracks proposals, awards, and reports; ensures timely submissions.

Skills

Donor relations

Fundraising

Communication skills

ASL communication

Strategic planning

Research skills

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Gallaudet University in Washington, DC seeks an Assistant Director of Development to advance private support from individuals, foundations, and organizations. You will manage a portfolio of alumni and major donors, and guide constituents through the fundraising cycle with research, proposals, and strategic donor engagement.

You will travel nationwide for donor visits, craft complex proposals and reports, and maintain calendars for gifts and grants to ensure timely reporting and stewardship.