Director of Philanthropy & Major Gifts Strategy

SAIS is a service mark of Southern Association of Independent Schools, Inc.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Hill Learning Center in Durham, NC seeks a Director of Philanthropy to lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy and a growing philanthropy team. The role focuses on securing annual, multi-year, campaign, and planned gifts, while strengthening major donor relationships and donor stewardship.

Working closely with the Executive Director, Board, and Philanthropy Committee, the director translates Hill’s mission into a compelling case for support, expanding access and impact across programs for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of progressive experience in philanthropy.
• Proven success identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors while building a strong pipeline of prospective supporters.
• Proven experience building foundation and corporate partnerships, including successful grant and sponsorship strategies.
• Proven experience developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising plans aligned with organizational priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff while building a collaborative, accountable team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to listen thoughtfully, build trust, and articulate a compelling case for support.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently, and collaborate effectively with staff, board members, and volunteers.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to set priorities, manage competing demands, and follow through on commitments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including revenue goals, budgets, campaign priorities, and measures of success.
• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity individual and family donors, building relationships that lead to significant and sustained philanthropic support.
• Strengthen prospect development, planned giving, donor retention, and stewardship.
• Coach and develop staff, establish clear responsibilities and donor assignments, and coordinate team activities.
• Engage Board members and volunteers in fundraising and collaborate with program and communications leaders to connect donor interests with Hill’s priorities.
• Oversee fundraising operations, data, reporting, and spending, partnering with Finance to ensure accurate gift administration and fulfillment of donor intent.

Skills

Major donor cultivation

Donor stewardship

Strategic fundraising

Staff leadership

Relationship building

Grant development

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Hill Learning Center in Durham, NC seeks a Director of Philanthropy to lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy and a growing philanthropy team. The role focuses on securing annual, multi-year, campaign, and planned gifts, while strengthening major donor relationships and donor stewardship.

Working closely with the Executive Director, Board, and Philanthropy Committee, the director translates Hill’s mission into a compelling case for support, expanding access and impact across programs for