Midwest Director of Development | Major Gifts & Strategy

Evolve Giving Group; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 165,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Americans for Ben-Gurion University seeks a Director of Development to lead the Midwest fundraising program and drive strategy, major gifts, and donor stewardship. The DoD will report to the Sr.

Director of Development and collaborate with the broader team to grow a $50M annual fundraising portfolio. The ideal candidate has 7+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience and a proven track record of securing six-figure gifts, with strong engagement with senior leaders, boards, and high-net-worth

Qualifications

• 7+ years of fundraising experience, preferably within higher education or similarly complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute a comprehensive Midwest fundraising strategy aligned with institutional priorities, campaign planning, and long-term regional growth
• Secure $4M–$5M in annual philanthropic revenue through personal solicitation, targeted campaigns, and strategic donor stewardship
• Cultivate, engage, and solicit a portfolio of major donor prospects capable of giving at the $100,000+ level
• Build a robust donor pipeline by qualifying community-level donors and managing a year-round prospecting process in collaboration with volunteers and colleagues
• Translate university research, academic programs, and capital initiatives into compelling, high-impact philanthropic opportunities
• Deepen regional donor relationships through tailored communications, recognition opportunities, and high-touch cultivation events
• Raise the institution's visibility and profile throughout the Midwest through strategic community outreach and engagement opportunities
• Maintain complete, accurate, and up-to-date records of all donor interactions, communications, and activities within Salesforce

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Major gifts

Strategic planning

Board interaction

Salesforce

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Americans for Ben-Gurion University seeks a Director of Development to lead the Midwest fundraising program and drive strategy, major gifts, and donor stewardship. The DoD will report to the Sr.

Director of Development and collaborate with the broader team to grow a $50M annual fundraising portfolio. The ideal candidate has 7+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience and a proven track record of securing six-figure gifts, with strong engagement with senior leaders, boards, and high-net-worth