Director, Major Gifts

External

Uncommonschools · New York, NY

$117K–$146K/yrFull-timeOn-site1mo ago

CRMCross-functional CollaborationForecastingLeadershipLessSalesforce

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Benefits

Compensation determinations consider relevant professional experience and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Additionally, because we value internal growth and tenure, current staff members are not subject to salary caps within this range.Work Environment:Uncommon is an in-person organization, with a commitment of at least three days each week at our Central Office in downtown Manhattan (100 Church Street).Benefit Highlights:19 days of paid time off3 weeks of paid Winter and Summer org-wide holidaysComprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans403(b) retirement savings program + employer matchPaid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefitsPre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health saving accounts*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE .As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, coloHealth insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceFlexible scheduleEquity / stock optionsParental leave

Additional Information

As Director, Major Gifts, you will build and grow a portfolio of donors and prospects, leading the full lifecycle of major gift fundraising from initial engagement through solicitation and stewardship. You will develop tailored strategies, identify new opportunities, and connect donors directly to the impact of Uncommon Schools. In close partnership with internal teams and leadership, you will translate our work into compelling giving opportunities that expand philanthropic support. Portfolio Management & Fundraising Strategy Build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, with a focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationships Design and execute individualized strategies to align donor interests with Uncommon's priorities Develop proposals, letters of inquiry, and tailored communications to support fundraising efforts Donor Engagement & Relationship Building Lead in-person and virtual engagement with donors through meetings, school visits, and curated experiences Translate Uncommon's impact into clear, compelling narratives that inspire philanthropic investment Ensure timely, thoughtful stewardship to strengthen long-term donor relationships Prospect Identification & Network Expansion Identify and qualify new prospective donors through research, events, and outreach Partner with internal stakeholders and leadership to expand access to new donor networks Contribute to building a strong pipeline of high-capacity prospects Pipeline Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration Maintain accurate donor records and pipeline data in Salesforce or similar systems Forecast revenue and track progress toward fundraising goals Collaborate with development, marketing, and program teams to align messaging and engagement strategies Required: Bachelor's degree 10+ years of professional experience, including 7-9 years of directly relevant experience Demonstrated experience in frontline fundraising, with a focus on major or principal gifts Proven track record managing a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and securing major gifts Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey mission and impact Experience developing donor strategies, proposals, and engagement plans Proficiency with Salesforce or similar CRM systems, including pipeline tracking and revenue forecasting Preferred: Familiarity with the New York City philanthropic landscape Experience collaborating across teams to support fundraising strategy Strong analytical skills to support planning and decision-making Physical Requirements: Minimal physical demands, including extended periods working at a desk Not sure you meet every qualification? We encourage you to apply-we're excited to learn what you bring. Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

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