Hybrid Major Gifts Director & Engagement Lead

Institute for Justice; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Flexible hours

Health, dental, and vision insurance (

HSA contributions

401(k) with employer matches

Casual dress code

Generous PTO and holidays

Job summary

Institute for Justice seeks a Director of Major Giving and Engagement to lead IJ's Major Giving program. The role focuses on donors and prospects with annual giving potential of at least $25,000, retaining and expanding support, and guiding communications across Development.

The ideal candidate is a strong writer with a strategic donor communications mindset, skilled at coaching staff and collaborating across teams, and deeply committed to IJ's mission of defending individual liberty.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7+ years in major gifts fundraising with a portfolio of $25,000+ donors and direct solicitation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including donor-facing writing.
• Strong planning, organization, and follow-through across many concurrent relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead Major Giving program with goals, meetings, VIP prospecting, and Sentinels strategy.
• Cultivate and solicit donors with $25,000–$99,999 potential; manage stewardship.
• Coordinate donor outreach with the President and VP; prepare leaders for calls/meetings.
• Ensure high quality donor communications and provide writers with feedback.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Portfolio management

Donor communications

Staff supervision

Salesforce familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Institute for Justice seeks a Director of Major Giving and Engagement to lead IJ's Major Giving program. The role focuses on donors and prospects with annual giving potential of at least $25,000, retaining and expanding support, and guiding communications across Development.

The ideal candidate is a strong writer with a strategic donor communications mindset, skilled at coaching staff and collaborating across teams, and deeply committed to IJ's mission of defending individual liberty.