Director of Major Gifts & Strategic Partnerships

Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental/Vision insurance

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid time off

Employee social activities

Job summary

Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island seeks a Director of Impact Giving to oversee a portfolio of major gifts, corporate and foundation donors, focusing on gifts of $10,000+ and growth toward six-figure giving across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

In partnership with the Chief Advancement Officer, you will develop and execute fundraising strategies and cultivation approaches while leading moves management, donor stewardship, and grant writing.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of fundraising experience and a proven track record of securing six-figure donations.
• Direct experience in donor cultivation, corporate giving, and grant writing.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Passion for the mission and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a minimum of 10 in-person donor and prospect meetings each month to cultivate relationships.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to achieve annual major gift and corporate fundraising goals.
• Develop sponsorship proposals, donor presentations, and funding requests in collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer.
• Lead and actively participate in moves management strategies, including pipeline tracking, donor engagement planning, and fundraising best practices.
• Analyze donor and fundraising trends to identify opportunities for increased engagement, upgraded giving, and long-term donor retention.
• Recruit, engage, and support volunteer leaders and community advocates who can assist with donor cultivation, introductions, and fundraising outreach.
• Maintain accurate donor records, engagement activity, and revenue projections within Salesforce to support reporting, forecasting, and organizational strategy.
• Ensure accurate and timely donor tracking, reporting, pipeline management, and forecasting through effective use of Salesforce, GiveSmart, and related fundraising systems.
• Support the Chief Advancement Officer and the Events team in the planning and execution of internal and third-party fundraising events.
• Represent Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island at community events, fundraising functions, and donor meetings while serving as an ambassador for the organization’s mission and impact.
• Identify and evaluate grant opportunities that align with the organization’s fundraising priorities and strategic objectives.
• Conduct research and develop, write, and submit compelling grant proposals to foundation funders to secure resources that strengthen the organization’s capacity and expand its impact.
• Collaborate with Development, Marketing, and Mission teams to support organizational giving priorities.
• Represent the organization at events and community activities as needed.
• Provide regular updates to the Chief Advancement Officer on project progress, challenges, and milestones.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Donor cultivation

Corporate giving

Grant writing

Job description

Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island seeks a Director of Impact Giving to oversee a portfolio of major gifts, corporate and foundation donors, focusing on gifts of $10,000+ and growth toward six-figure giving across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

In partnership with the Chief Advancement Officer, you will develop and execute fundraising strategies and cultivation approaches while leading moves management, donor stewardship, and grant writing.