Director of Major Gifts

The Director of Major Gifts is responsible for managing a portfolio of 150 Holy Ghost Prep donors and prospects; focusing on cultivating relationships, soliciting major gifts, and stewarding donor families. With a strong emphasis on securing new gifts and pledges, the Director of Major Gifts will spend 85% of their time engaging with high-level alumni and parents while securing funds for scholarship, capital needs, and the annual fund (Firebird Fund). Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the role involves strengthening ties between the school and key stakeholders, managing donor cultivation, and communicating with alumni, donors, and friends. Monthly visit, solicitation, and commitment goals are a key component to this position.

Essential Functions:

1. Portfolio Management: Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 major gift prospects, including alumni, parents, parents of alumni, and other members of the Holy Ghost Prep community.

2. Cultivation and Solicitation: Achieve personal visit goals each month and year. Develop and implement personalized strategies for cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gifts ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 to support scholarships, financial aid endowment, and capital projects in support of Holy Ghost Prep's strategic plan and capital campaign. In addition, soliciting gifts ranging from $500 to $5,000 in support of the annual Firebird Fund.

3. Prospect Identification: Identify and qualify new prospects through research, networking, event attendees, and collaboration with colleagues, utilizing the school's Raiser's Edge donor database to track interactions and moves along the donor engagement cycle.

4. Collaboration: Work closely with senior leadership, Trustees and Development Committee volunteers, and the Development team to align major gift strategies with school fundraising goals and priorities.

5. Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain trusted relationships with key stakeholders, effectively communicating Holy Ghost Preparatory Prep's mission.

6. Event Participation: Represent Holy Ghost Prep at events, meetings, and alumni & parent gatherings to promote awareness and build relationships within the school community.

7. Documentation and Reporting: Maintain complete and timely records of contacts with prospects and volunteers through the school's CRM, Raiser's Edge. Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in major gift fundraising.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Commitment to embracing Catholic education, specifically the mission of Holy Ghost Prep.
• Superior communication skills to express, orally and in writing, Holy Ghost Prep's mission and fundraising goals with clarity, passion and persuasion.
• Disciplined, results-oriented, self-starter, demonstrating initiative and the ability to work independently, be a problem solver, and be skilled at managing sensitive and confidential information.
• Persuasive and proficient communication skills in writing, in-person, and over the telephone
• Outstanding listening and analytical skills.
• Organization and coordination with many constituencies are critical for success.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Education: Bachelor's Degree
• Experience: 5+ years working in fundraising, development or related field (sales, business development, etc.)
• Successful candidates will have experience in major gift fundraising, volunteer environment, and strong understanding in the phases of moving a prospect through the giving cycle.
• Travel: Ability to travel 10+ days a month (off-campus) for donor cultivation and solicitation meetings, along with some nights and weekends.
o Locally (Philadelphia Region) - weekly
o Regionally (Northeast United States) - Monthly
o Nationally (continental United States) - Annually
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Google docs, and Raisers Edge a plus.

How to Apply:
Qualified candidates should email a cover letter with salary range expectations, and their resume to:

Executive Director of Development
Holy Ghost Preparatory School
Email: [email protected]

This opportunity is currently open and offers a mutually agreed upon start date. The compensation and benefits package are competitive and will be commensurate with experience and the local independent school market.