Senior Major Gifts & Planned Giving Leader

Thayer Academy; Braintree (MA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Thayer Academy seeks an experienced Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving to lead and grow its philanthropy programs. Reporting to the Chief Advancement & Engagement Officer, the Director will drive a $60 million campaign and 150th anniversary fundraising efforts.

The role requires managing a portfolio of 80–100 high-capacity prospects, building meaningful relationships, and securing upwards of $1 million annually in cash and commitments while collaborating with volunteers and frontline

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required.
• Seven+ years of professional fundraising experience, with major gifts and planned giving.
• Experience with independent schools or similar complex nonprofits preferred.
• Strong ability to translate institutional priorities into philanthropic opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement major gifts strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors.
• Manage a portfolio of ~100 major gift prospects with moves-management plans.
• Collaborate with volunteers and frontline fundraisers to maximize donor engagement and gifts.
• Lead planned giving initiatives and expand the planned giving program.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure a coordinated donor experience.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Relationship-building

Donor stewardship

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Moves management

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Microsoft Office / Google Workspace

Fundraising strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Thayer Academy seeks an experienced Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving to lead and grow its philanthropy programs. Reporting to the Chief Advancement & Engagement Officer, the Director will drive a $60 million campaign and 150th anniversary fundraising efforts.

The role requires managing a portfolio of 80–100 high-capacity prospects, building meaningful relationships, and securing upwards of $1 million annually in cash and commitments while collaborating with volunteers and frontline