Director, Major Gifts (Northeast)

HIAS; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading non-profit organization is seeking a Director of Major Gifts in New York to lead their major giving program. This role involves managing a portfolio of major donors and creating personalized engagement strategies. The ideal candidate has extensive fundraising experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to HIAS's mission of supporting refugees. The position offers a salary range of $130,000 to $155,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of direct fundraising experience with a strong track record in individual major giving.
• Proven success in donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Comfort with CRM systems and fundraising analytics.

Responsibilities

• Builds and manages a portfolio of major donor prospects.
• Develops customized cultivation and stewardship strategies.
• Acts as a representative of HIAS, communicating its mission.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Communication skills

Donor cultivation

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Overview

Director, Major Gifts (Northeast) at HIAS — HIAS is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join the Individual Giving team as they grow the organization’s major gifts program. Reporting to the Vice President, Individual Giving & Revenue Operations, this role manages a portfolio of major donor prospects and collaborates with senior leadership to deepen and expand HIAS’ philanthropic partnerships with individuals giving $25,000 or more annually. This position can be based at HIAS headquarters in New York, NY, or remote for applicants outside commuting distance to our offices in states where HIAS is registered (Connecticut, New Jersey, New York).

Base pay range: $130,000.00/yr - $155,000.00/yr. The actual pay will be based on skills and experience.

This is more than a frontline fundraising role—it’s an opportunity to help shape the future of a historic and values-driven organization, growing HIAS’ major donor base across the Northeast, deepening relationships, and raising resources to advance welcome, safety, and justice for forcibly displaced people worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Builds and manages a portfolio of major donor prospects, focused on high-net-worth individuals capable of $25K+ annual support.
• Partners with the mid-level team to identify and cultivate donors ready to grow in giving; develops customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Articulates HIAS’s case for giving with personalized narratives that connect donors to mission and impact.
• Creates intentional donor engagement strategies and cultivates long-term partnerships.
• Develops and executes an annual plan, aligning portfolio activity with fundraising goals, including a $28M unrestricted revenue target.
• Plans and conducts donor meetings, parlor gatherings, and site visits to strengthen relationships and uncover opportunities.
• Collaborates with lay leadership and senior staff to leverage networks and influence donor strategy.
• Coordinates with development operations to ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and analytics of donor engagement and giving.
• Supports donor stewardship with timely, personalized follow-up and impact communications.
• Contributes to a collaborative team culture and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 8–10 years of direct fundraising experience with a strong track record in individual major giving.
• Proven success in donor cultivation and solicitation; experience working with volunteers and senior leadership.
• Familiarity with the Jewish community and/or appreciation for HIAS’s mission and values preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to build trust with donors, colleagues, and partners.
• Self-directed, highly organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Comfort with CRM systems and fundraising analytics; able to translate data into strategy.
• Knowledge of planned giving and ability to collaborate with endowment staff.
• Willingness to travel, including occasional travel to international or insecure locations as needed.

Other Information

External Representation: All employees are expected to align with HIAS’s mission, vision, and values; some roles involve speaking externally on behalf of HIAS to clients, donors, affiliates, and partners. Applicants acknowledge this responsibility.

Hiring Process: HIAS is committed to a fair and respectful process with clear communication. Steps typically include phone screens, multiple interviews, reference checks, and background screening; steps may vary by role.

About HIAS: HIAS envisions a world where refugees find welcome, safety, and opportunity. We are a learning, diverse, and inclusive organization grounded in Jewish values and history, serving refugees and asylum seekers around the world.

Diversity & Safeguarding: HIAS is committed to diversity and inclusion and to safeguarding all clients. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. All offers are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, including criminal records as part of safeguarding procedures.