Director of Development (Major Gifts)

Ccsnh; New Hampshire; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Community College System of New Hampshire, System Office in New Hampshire seeks a Director of Development to lead frontline fundraising. You will align development initiatives with the Foundation’s mission, manage major gifts, and drive revenue growth through strategic donor relationships.

You will travel across New Hampshire, working with college leadership and Foundation colleagues to develop fundable opportunities that advance student success and workforce development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional fundraising experience.
• Experience managing a donor portfolio and advancing prospects through the giving cycle.

Responsibilities

• Manage a high-level financial portfolio of individual and corporate prospects.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors.
• Conduct donor visits to advance relationships and secure gifts.
• Develop and execute solicitation strategies and proposals.
• Partner with leadership on strategy for top donor relationships and solicitations.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline across New Hampshire.
• Lead portfolio performance and moves management throughout the giving cycle.
• Collaborate with CRM and advancement services to inform strategy and track outcomes.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Portfolio management

Donor cultivation

Strategic moves management

Relationship building

Excellent communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Office The Community College System of New Hampshire, System Office

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer & Executive Director, the Director of Development is the frontline fundraising leader aligning development initiatives with the Foundation’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities across seven community colleges. Responsible for securing major philanthropic support from local business and industry leaders, individuals, civic leaders, alumni, private and corporate foundations, faculty, staff, and retirees. Manages a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, leads major gift strategy and execution, and drives revenue growth through relationship-based fundraising. The Director works closely with college leadership and Foundation colleagues to set the strategic vision and develop fundable opportunities that advance student success, workforce development, and access to education. The position requires regular travel across New Hampshire, with occasional early morning and evening meetings.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages a high-level financial portfolio of individual and corporate prospects and donors who have been identified with potential interest in the mission and vision of CCSNH and have capacity to give.
• Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major donors using a strategic moves management approach.
• Conducts regular in-person and virtual donor visits to advance relationships and secure major, principal and planned gifts.
• Develops and executes individualized solicitation strategies to include preparation and presentation of proposals.
• Partners with Chief Advancement Officer & Executive Director on strategy and execution for top-tier donor relationships and solicitations.
• Builds and maintains a robust pipeline of prospects across New Hampshire.
• Leads portfolio performance and moves management strategy, ensuring consistent progression of prospects through the giving cycle.
• Collaborates with Advancement Services to leverage prospect research, data insights, and Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) tools to inform strategy and track outcomes.
• Partners with college leadership to identify funding priorities and develop donor-ready opportunities.
• Translates institutional needs into compelling cases for support aligned with Foundation and campaign priorities.
• Provides input to the Chief Advancement Officer & Executive Director on donor interests, market trends, and funding opportunities to inform overall fundraising strategy.
• Develops and manages relationships with business leaders and corporate partners to advance philanthropic investment.
• Represents the Foundation as a visible ambassador across the state, engaging community stakeholders and expanding awareness of the Foundation’s mission.
• Participates in strategic community engagements and meetings to strengthen donor relationships and identify new prospects.
• Leads stewardship for major donors within the portfolio, ensuring meaningful engagement and long-term relationship development.
• Partners with Advancement Services to support execution of the broader donor stewardship program, including impact reporting and communications.
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders to connect donors with programs, students, and outcomes that demonstrate impact.
• Works collaboratively with campus leadership and Foundation colleagues to align fundraising strategies and opportunities across the community college system.
• Supports system-wide campaign initiatives, serving as a lead solicitor for major and leadership gifts.
• Contributes to internal communications and efforts that promote a culture of philanthropy across the colleges.
• Participates as an active member of the Foundation team, including meetings, planning efforts, and professional development activities.
• Engages with Foundation leadership and, as appropriate, support board-related activities and donor engagement opportunities.
• Ensures adherence to all Foundation, System, State, and Federal policies and regulations related to fundraising and charitable giving.
• Performs additional duties within the scope of the role as assigned by Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree required.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 5 years of professional fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in major gifts, individual giving, or corporate philanthropy. Proven track record of soliciting and closing significant gifts based on transformational scope; budget significance, or campaign-level support. Experience managing a donor portfolio and advancing prospects through the giving cycle.

ADDITIONAL DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Experience working in higher education, community colleges, or multi-site organizations.
• Experience with campaign fundraising or building major gift programs.
• Familiarity with Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) systems.
• Experience with business and corporate partnership engagement.
• Experience working with volunteers and advisory groups.
• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate priorities into fundable opportunities.
• Ability to work independently while operating effectively within a small, collaborative advancement team.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:

The job description lists typical examples of work and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to a position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.