Director of Major Gifts

The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism is seeking a Director of Major Gifts to lead fundraising initiatives. This strategic role involves cultivating donor relationships and launching a Legacy Giving Program to enhance philanthropic support. Ideal candidates possess deep relationship-building skills and extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising for individual giving.

Benefits

Flexible Paid Time Off

Retirement savings - 401K plan with company match

Student Loan Debt Repayment Assistance

Full health benefits including medical, dental, and vision

Generous Parental Leave

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to the organization's mission and values.
• Proven track record of securing gifts of $10,000 or more.
• Experience launching or managing a legacy program preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of approximately 150 prospects donating $10,000+ annually.
• Develop tailored solicitation strategies and proposals for donors.
• Design and launch the organization's first Legacy Giving Program.

Skills

Relationship-building

Strategic mindset

Interpersonal skills

Writing

Presentation skills

Education

Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising

Experience in individual giving

Familiarity with planned giving strategies

Job description

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About Our Organization

The Baltimore Banner is a nonprofit newsroom founded to bring high-quality local journalism to the Baltimore metro area. We are creating a vibrant, strong, trustworthy, and sustainable news organization, seeking to re-imagine the future of local news. Using a multi-platform news operation, covering a broad range of topics from local government to culture and the arts. We tell stories that reflect the community, connecting neighbors, holding government institutions accountable, and making sense of the world. All this work is grounded in truth. We believe we can contribute to a more vibrant, informed, and whole Baltimore, surrounding counties, and the state of Maryland.

About the Role

The Director of Major Gifts will lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals capable of contributing $10,000 or more annually, helping to build a strong pipeline of leadership-level support for The Banner. In addition to managing a dynamic portfolio of major donors and prospects, this individual will create and launch The Baltimore Banner's first Legacy Giving Program, establishing a new channel of long-term philanthropic support.

This is a pivotal position within the development team and ideal for someone with deep relationship-building skills, a strong strategic mindset, and enthusiasm for building new fundraising programs from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

Major Gifts

• Manage and grow a portfolio of approximately 150 individual prospects and donors giving $10,000+ annually.
• Develop and execute tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies to secure new and increased support.
• Work closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, Chief Executive Officer, and Board to engage donors and prospects meaningfully.
• Prepare proposals, briefings, and stewardship reports.
• Maintain accurate, timely activity records in the donor database, Raiser's Edge NXT.
  
  

Geographic Focus and Community Engagement

• Build and sustain strong philanthropic relationships across Baltimore City and Baltimore, Howard, and Anne Arundel Counties.
• Actively engage in these communities' civic and cultural life to identify new donor prospects and deepen The Banner's visibility.
• Represent The Banner at regional events and gatherings to build local support and establish trust with prospective donors.
• Stay informed about local issues, donor interests, and philanthropic trends relevant to the region.
  
  

Legacy Giving

• Design and launch The Baltimore Banner's first Legacy Giving Program.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit planned giving prospects.
• Create donor education and marketing materials in partnership with communications staff.
• Develop and manage a legacy society, including recognition and stewardship strategies.
• Collaborate with legal and financial professionals to ensure proper documentation and administration of planned gifts.
  
  

Team Collaboration and Strategy

• Contribute to the development of annual fundraising goals and campaign strategies.
• Collaborate across departments to align fundraising with organizational priorities.
• Represent The Banner at donor events, community gatherings, and conferences as needed.
  
  

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a focus on individual giving.
• Proven track record of soliciting and closing gifts of $10,000 or more.
• Familiarity with planned giving strategies and vehicles; experience launching or managing a legacy program is a plus.
• Familiarity with the philanthropic landscape of Baltimore City and surrounding counties—particularly Howard and Anne Arundel—is preferred, as this role is key to expanding regional donor support.
• Exceptional interpersonal, writing, and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker who can work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong commitment to The Baltimore Banner's mission and values.
  
  

Salary Range: $125,000 - $150,000 Individual pay may vary from the target range and is determined by several factors including experience, internal pay equity, and other relevant business considerations. We constantly review all teammates' pay to ensure a great compensation package that is fair and equal across the board.

Our health and wellness benefits include:

• Flexible Paid Time Off
• Retirement savings - 401K plan offered through Human Interest, with a company match
• Student Loan Debt Repayment Assistance for qualified employees
• Full health benefits - medical, dental, vision, prescription, FSA/HSA., and coverage for family/dependents
• Sick Leave eligible for rollover
• Commuter Benefits
• 11 Paid National Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Parental Leave
• Company paid access to a wellness platform to support mental, financial and physical wellbeing
  
  

Our Core Values:

• Do what's right. Honesty, morality, respect and the mission guide our actions and decisions. By doing the right thing, we inspire others to believe.
• Work together. We collaborate to create something special. Together we challenge assumptions, trust each other, take risks, and foster transparent and direct communication.
• Listen to be heard. Our stories are trustworthy. They are inspired by and created for our readers. Their story is our story. Communities are at the center of our journalism, and everything we do.
• Deliver impactful results. Acting as one accountable team and driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, we deliver bold and innovative results. We act fast, execute and learn. We celebrate great outcomes.
• Be inclusive. We celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and act by curating a culture that leverages diverse perspectives as the key to fulfilling our mission. The Banner is for all of us.
  
  

The Venetoulis Institute embraces diversity and inclusion, and we are wholeheartedly committed to being proactive in inspiring a culture of inclusion across our organization. We are dedicated to establishing an organization that reflects the fundamental respect for different ways of working and living, and we assure every employee the opportunity to reach their full potential.

We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation due to a disability to participate in the application process, please contact [e-mail] to request accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may include, but are not limited to, adjustments in the application process, modifications or assistance regarding job interviews, and accommodations to enable access to our facilities. We appreciate the value that individuals with disabilities bring to our workforce and encourage applicants with disabilities to disclose their needs for accommodation to facilitate a smooth and inclusive recruitment experience.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Online Audio and Video Media

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