Major Gifts Director: Build Transformative Donor Partnerships

Writers Theatre; Glencoe (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Writers Theatre in Glencoe, IL seeks a Director of Major Gifts to lead cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individual donors, focusing on gifts of 15,000 and above. You will manage a portfolio and develop personalized strategies to support artistic programming and long-term sustainability.

Working with the Director of Advancement and Executive Director, you will expand the major gift pipeline, host donors at performances and events, and guide trustees and supporters.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, preferably in major gifts or individual giving.
• Proven ability to cultivate, solicit and secure major gifts of $15,000 or more.
• Experience managing a major donor portfolio and developing individualized fundraising strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and strong relationship-building skills.
• Ability to collaborate with executive leadership and board members on fundraising initiatives.
• Knowledge of Tessitura software or equivalent CRM is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects with a focus on securing gifts of $15,000 and above.
• Develop and execute cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies to achieve annual major gift fundraising goals.
• Conduct donor meetings and personal solicitations to secure new, renewed and increased gifts.
• Collaborate with the Director of Advancement and Executive Director on major gift solicitations and donor engagement strategies.
• Host donors and prospects at performances, openings, and cultivation events; engage trustees and supporters.
• Maintain accurate donor records and participate in regular prospect strategy meetings.

Skills

Major gifts

Donor portfolio management

Relationship building

Communication skills

Time management

Fundraising strategy

Tools

Tessitura CRM

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Writers Theatre in Glencoe, IL seeks a Director of Major Gifts to lead cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individual donors, focusing on gifts of 15,000 and above. You will manage a portfolio and develop personalized strategies to support artistic programming and long-term sustainability.

Working with the Director of Advancement and Executive Director, you will expand the major gift pipeline, host donors at performances and events, and guide trustees and supporters.