Senior Director, Major Gifts & Fundraising Strategy

Inside Philanthropy; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Union Theological Seminary in New York seeks a Senior Director of Development, Major Gifts to lead frontline fundraising, cultivate significant donor relationships, and close major gifts that advance Union’s mission.

The role focuses 80% on donor cultivation and solicitation, with 20% on campaign strategy and team leadership as the Development team expands. A senior, hands‑on professional with six‑figure success is required.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and closing six‑figure gifts.
• Experience managing major donor relationships and portfolios.
• Strong ability to build trust with donors and institutional leaders.
• Solid fundraising judgment and donor prospecting.

Responsibilities

• Personally manage a portfolio of major donors, guiding cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop and execute individualized solicitation strategies to secure commitments.
• Identify and qualify major gift prospects and pursue increased gifts.
• Collaborate with leaders on donor relationships and engagement.
• Document donor conversations and next steps in donor records.
• Coach and supervise frontline fundraisers as the team grows.
• Support donor strategies with Advancement Services and Communications.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relationships

Solicitation

Portfolio management

Communication

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

Union Theological Seminary in New York seeks a Senior Director of Development, Major Gifts to lead frontline fundraising, cultivate significant donor relationships, and close major gifts that advance Union’s mission.

The role focuses 80% on donor cultivation and solicitation, with 20% on campaign strategy and team leadership as the Development team expands. A senior, hands‑on professional with six‑figure success is required.