Director of Gift Planning & Major Gifts

About the Position

The Director of Gift Planning and Major Gifts is a senior leader within Reed College's Advancement office, responsible for advancing the college's philanthropic priorities through strategic leadership of major gift and gift planning programs. The Director will oversee a program focused on securing philanthropic support while strengthening Reed's long-term culture of philanthropy. The Director will lead and manage a team of development professionals spanning major gifts ($100,000 plus) and planned gifts, providing coaching, strategic direction, and accountability to ensure strong portfolio management, collaborative fundraising practices, and successful donor outcomes. The role combines team leadership with frontline fundraising, including management of a personal portfolio of leadership-level donors capable of making six- and seven-figure commitments through current and deferred gifts.

This position reports to the Executive Director of Development Leadership and Strategies, under the division of the VP of College Advancement, and primarily works on campus.

Starting Salary: $135,000 - $145,000 (advanced candidates with 15+ years experience may be considered up to $160,000)

This is a full-time, on-site (non-remote) role.

Who You Are

- You can design and execute long-term, integrated strategies that align major gifts and planned giving with institutional priorities and campaign goals
- You have the strong ability to lead, coach, and develop fundraisers, setting clear expectations, inspiring bold thinking, improving performance, and building a collaborative, high-functioning, and accountable team
- You have demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure gifts
- You have expertise in managing donor portfolios (50+ prospects), prioritizing moves management activity, and maintaining a healthy pipeline using data-driven decision-making
- You are comfortable using metrics, reporting tools, and performance data to guide strategy and assess progress
- You possess exceptional interpersonal skills to build trust with high-net-worth individuals, alumni, faculty, and institutional leaders
- You have the ability to work seamlessly across Advancement functions to create a cohesive donor experience
- You have the capacity to articulate the institution's mission and funding priorities in a compelling, donor-centered way
- You have strong project management skills to balance leadership responsibilities with an active fundraising portfolio and campaign initiatives
- You possess genuine alignment with Reed College's values and the ability to foster a culture of philanthropy that is inclusive, collaborative, and mission-driven

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement an integrated strategy for major gifts and gift planning that aligns with Reed College's fundraising priorities and campaign goals
- Lead coordination between major gifts and gift planning to ensure cohesive donor strategies that maximize both current and deferred philanthropic support
- Contribute to campaign planning

Team Leadership and Management
- Provide direct leadership to a high-functioning team of fundraisers and foster a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and professional development
- Establish clear goals, metrics, and accountability systems aligned with institutional fundraising targets
- Support training initiatives for advancement staff related to major gifts and gift planning concepts
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture
- Manage and actively cultivate a portfolio of 50+ leadership-level donors and prospects capable of making major and planned gifts

Pipeline and Portfolio Management
- Contribute to the development and implementation of fundraising policies, procedures, and best practices
- Partner with Advancement Operations to develop reporting tools and performance metrics
- Collaborate with prospect researcher to maintain a strong pipeline of major and gift planning prospects
- Lead regular portfolio reviews and monitor pipeline health using data-informed practices

Collaboration and Stewardship
- Partner with administrators, faculty, and volunteer leaders to advance donor relationships and solicitations
- Work closely with Annual Giving, Donor Relations, Alumni Relations and Parent Engagement to ensure a seamless donor experience
- Develop and implement stewardship practices that promote sustained donor engagement and long-term relationship building
- Travel multiple days per month including domestic and international travel

Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- 7 years experience managing fundraising staff