Leadership role
Director of Major Gifts
Directs an organization's major gift program, securing large individual gifts through personal relationships.
Reporting and scope
Usually reports to the Director of Development, Chief Development Officer or VP of Development / Advancement. Authority covers major gift strategy and the gift officers in the program.
Core responsibilities
- Manages a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects
- Sets gift goals and moves management for the major gift team
- Prepares proposals and gift agreements, including restrictions and naming terms
- Works with executives and board members on donor visits and solicitations
- Coordinates prospect research and donor stewardship
- Supports capital and endowment campaigns
How it differs
Director of Development oversees all fundraising channels; Director of Major Gifts runs one. Director of Philanthropy may be the same job in health care settings. Chief Philanthropy Officer and VP of Philanthropy are executive tiers.
By organization size
Smaller organizations rarely separate major gifts from general development. In universities and hospitals the role manages a team of gift officers with large portfolios.
Filings from the last five years mapped to this role commonly report titles such as: Director of Major Gifts; Director, Major Gifts; Major Gifts Director; Director Major Gifts; Dir of Major Gifts; Sr Director of Major Gifts