Strategic Major Gifts Director – Lead Impact

Make-a-Wish North Texas; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

401k match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Make-A-Wish North Texas in Dallas seeks a Senior Director of Development to lead strategic major gifts, building trust with donors and guiding a high-performing team toward ambitious revenue goals. You will manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, collaborate with the CDO and CEO, align giving programs with campaigns, and represent the organization at events to expand support for children’s wishes.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years fundraising, proven track record of securing 5–7 figure gifts,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a discipline that develops strong written and verbal communication skills, or equivalent professional experience.
• 7+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with a focus on major gifts.
• Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a donor portfolio and meet or exceed revenue goals.
• 3+ years of experience managing others.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams to meet or exceed revenue goals.
• Proven track record of securing 5-, 6-, and 7-figure gifts.
• PREFERRED: Experience with board members and senior executives; nonprofit/mission-driven background; familiarity with donor databases/CRMs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic major gifts plan to meet and exceed annual revenue goals.
• Manage a portfolio of 150 high-capacity donors and prospects (five-figure+ level).
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to a team of fundraising professionals.
• Partner with the CDO, CEO, and key volunteer leaders to strengthen relationships and expand philanthropic support.
• Align major giving strategy with broader development initiatives (annual giving, campaigns, grants).
• Lead and participate in donor solicitations, including proposals and presentations.
• Represent Make-A-Wish North Texas at fundraising events and in the community.

Skills

Relationship building

Fundraising

Donor portfolio management

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Nonprofit experience

Tools

CRM software

Donor databases/CRMs

Job description

Make-A-Wish North Texas in Dallas seeks a Senior Director of Development to lead strategic major gifts, building trust with donors and guiding a high-performing team toward ambitious revenue goals. You will manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, collaborate with the CDO and CEO, align giving programs with campaigns, and represent the organization at events to expand support for children’s wishes.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years fundraising, proven track record of securing 5–7 figure gifts,