Senior Major Gifts Director

Ackerman Institute for the Family; United States; On-site; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Ackerman Institute for the Family in New York, NY, is seeking an experienced Major Gifts Director to own and grow its core major gifts program. You will manage a disciplined pipeline, advance six- and seven-figure gifts, and work directly with the President & CEO on top-tier prospects.

The role requires building tailored proposals, coordinating with finance and program leaders, and guiding stewardship to secure unrestricted and multi-year gifts.

Qualifications

• Seven+ years in major gifts or high‑value donor relations.
• Proven track record closing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts.
• Experience managing a 100+ relationship portfolio.
• Strong written and verbal communication for proposals.
• Ability to work with C-level leaders and board members.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of high-net-worth prospects from qualification to close.
• Conduct 12–15 donor meetings per month, mainly in person.
• Develop tailored proposals linking donor interests to Ackerman priorities.
• Prepare briefing materials for CEO, CDSO, and board members.
• Collaborate with leadership on major gifts strategy and events.

Skills

Major gifts

Portfolio management

Relationship building

Negotiation

Executive engagement

Prospect research

Proposal writing

CRM & data analysis

Tools

Bloomerang

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Ackerman Institute for the Family in New York, NY, is seeking an experienced Major Gifts Director to own and grow its core major gifts program. You will manage a disciplined pipeline, advance six- and seven-figure gifts, and work directly with the President & CEO on top-tier prospects.

The role requires building tailored proposals, coordinating with finance and program leaders, and guiding stewardship to secure unrestricted and multi-year gifts.