Major Gifts Fundraiser

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Fundraiser will support the full range of organizational fundraising activities but will assume responsibility for developing and managing the organization’s major donor program, soliciting large gifts on behalf of the organization, and managing relationships with donors and donor prospects.

The Major Gifts Fundraiser will report to the Senior Director, Development. Like all Dallas College Foundation (DCF) employees, this individual is a keeper of the Dallas College Foundation culture of philanthropy.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience in prospect cultivation and solicitation, with proficiency in fundraising principles and best practices.
• Strong working knowledge of strategic development and moves management systems of the donor cycle.
• Demonstrated experience securing major, high-value gifts from potential donors.
• Exhibits expertise in developing and maintaining positive relationships with individuals, including executives, donors and internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills that demonstrate professional and personal integrity with a commitment to the mission, value, and goals of Dallas College and the Dallas College Foundation.
• Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of both Dallas College and the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA); and adhere to local, state, and federal laws governing fundraising and taxation.
• Knowledge and experience in the nature and dimensions of philanthropy, motivations for giving, research and cultivation practices, face-to-face solicitation, gifts processing and fundraising reporting.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with demonstrated ability to create, implement and monitor policies and procedures.
• Excellent verbal, written communication, and presentation skills with the ability to serve as an advocate/spokesperson for Dallas College and Dallas College Foundation and successfully tailor communications dependent on audience.
• Strong and knowledgeable in customer service skills.

Physical Requirements

Normal physical job functions performed within a standard office environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with physical challenges to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus two (2) to four (4) years of experience in a related field.
• Must have a valid driver’s license required to travel to various off-site locations.
• Potential for work outside of a typical workweek on an exceptional, as needed basis.
• Advanced general computer knowledge of Windows and network-based environments, exceptional skills, and experience with Blackbaud products, Raiser’s Edge and Prospect Research platform is a plus.
• Official transcripts required.

Key Responsibilities

• Full focus on managing portfolio of major gifts donors through the ensure donor cycle from discovery to stewardship, in alignment with Dallas College's sector strategy or via potential as deemed appropriate by Senior Director of Development and appropriate staff.
• Manage a portfolio of 75-150 donors/prospective donors.
• Execution and leadership on select strategic projects.
• Grow the Dallas College Foundation prospect pipeline by building relationships, studying research, and meeting prospects.
• Co-lead implementation of Dallas College Foundation moves management process with counterparts on the Development Team, especially other Major Gifts Fundraisers.
• Involvement with select Dallas College Foundation prospects/high-potential grant opportunities, as deemed priority.
• Knowledgeable and up to date about case priorities.
• Work closely with subject area experts at Dallas College to provide a meaningful donor experience for prospects.
• Update all relevant prospect status in Raiser’s Edge.
• Match Dallas College funding priorities and projects with donor interests, building industry and community partnerships.
• Provide ample notice, if possible, to the Assistant Director, Development Supports, when requesting reasonable prospect research.
• Assess and analyze accumulated financial, philanthropic and affinity data to assess prospects’ giving capability, philanthropic tendencies and determine appropriate cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Experience in qualifying, cultivating and closing gifts of $10,000 or more.
• Act as a liaison between campus presidents, donors, and others in response to inquiries and requests for major gifts fundraising.
• Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of both Dallas College and the Association of Researchers for Advancement (APRA), while adhering to internal policies, managing funds, and external fundraising integrity, rules, and regulations
• Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Ability to communicate and interact with high-profile constituents and volunteers.
• Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly with consideration to various audiences.
• Meet or exceed metrics and goals set for the individual and the team.
• Completes required Dallas College Professional Development training hours per academic year.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

*** Will be subject to criminal background check. Salary is also commensurate with the experience required for the job."

*** Potential for some hybrid work.