Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving

Full job description

Position Overview

Saint Dominic Academy is seeking a strategic Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving with an established history of success in major gifts and experience in planned giving fundraising. This individual will qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors capable of supporting the school with gifts in the five and six figure range. This role serves as the Academy’s primary expert in securing major and planned gifts while acting as the main strategist for the fundraising pipeline. The Director is responsible for orchestrating moves management for the Head of School, staff fundraisers, and volunteers to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Academy.

The Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving will be a vital member of the school’s executive leadership team, working with the advancement office and trustees to strengthen and expand the donor pipeline in support of the school’s three year strategic fundraising goals and in celebration of the 150th anniversary during the 2028 and 2029 school years, building the bridge to the future of Saint Dominic Academy. The successful candidate will be a mission-driven, high-achieving fundraiser with exceptional relationship-building skills and strong organizational discipline. They will bring the adaptability, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit needed to thrive within the Saint Dominic Academy’s evolving, and deeply community-centered environment.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, educate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of (125-150) prospects for leadership and planned gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Lead the design and implementation of a moves management system, providing the strategic "roadmap" for the Head of School, frontline fundraisers, and inspiring and directing fundraising volunteers.
• Partner with frontline fundraisers to develop individual donor strategies for securing outright and "blended gifts" (combining current outright major gifts with planned gifts).
• Develop and execute comprehensive annual strategic plans for the leadership and planned giving program, ensuring alignment with the Academy’s broader financial goals.
• Prepare the Head of School for high-level engagements by providing donor briefings, identifying "ask" amounts, and managing post-visit follow-up.
• In consultation with Academy leadership, establish and achieve annual goals for total dollars raised, donor visits, and solicitation targets.
• Collaborate with advancement colleagues to design and execute high-touch cultivation and stewardship activities and collateral events.
• Lead fundraising activity for the 25th and 50th Reunion classes, leveraging these key milestones to inspire leadership-level reunion gifts, multi-year pledges, and new legacy commitments.
• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team and advancement colleagues on leadership gifts marketing initiatives—including estate planning seminars and targeted digital/print collateral—to raise awareness of the Academy’s needs.
• Have strong knowledge of state/federal taxes and estate giving vehicles to serve as a resource for colleagues, donors and their advisors.
• Ensure the creation of formal proposals and illustrations of planned gifts, working with the business office to ensure all legal documentation is accurately developed and executed.
• Build and maintain relationships with estate attorneys, CPAs, and/or financial planning professionals to assist with gift structures.
• Carefully track activities and contacts with donors and prospects, and promptly enter reports on activities and results into Raiser’s Edge.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• 5–7+ years of professional fundraising experience with a proven track record in major gifts and a strong understanding of planned giving vehicles.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and legacy donors, including closing significant gifts and building long-term donor relationships.
• A creative and clear thinker who can seek out and harness opportunities to appeal to specific donors.
• Experience developing and executing comprehensive prospecting strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to coach colleagues and lead high-level volunteers in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
• Ability to distill Academy fundraising needs into compelling proposals and marketing collateral.
• Proficiency in donor management software (e.g., Raiser's Edge) and planned giving illustration software a plus.
• A deep commitment to the values and mission of Saint Dominic Academy and the highest standards of ethical fundraising.
• Reliable access to a personal vehicle is required.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Frequent travel for donor visits (primarily local, and regional).
• Availability for evening events and occasional weekend school functions.

Note to Applicant: Saint Dominic Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate our diverse community and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

How to Apply:

Send resume and a thoughtful cover letter to .

Pay: From $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person