Director of Major Giving

Montserrat College of Art (Montserrat College of Art)

Job Description

Department: Institutional Advancement
Reports to: President
Status: Full-Time or Part-Time; Benefits-eligibility based on status; Exempt
Salary range: $120,000-$160,000 per year (annualized)

POSITION SUMMARY:
Montserrat College of Art seeks a dynamic, creative, results-oriented Director of Major Gifts to lead our efforts in expanding philanthropic support from major donors. As a new, senior-level position for the institution, an ideal candidate would be eager to use their experience and expertise to make an impact on the college’s overall donor strategy. This position provides the opportunity to play a critical role in developing and advancing the college’s major giving pipeline by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors and prospects. As a primary member of a small fundraising team, this position will work closely with the President and the Associate Director of Development to develop and implement fundraising goals and increase giving from community contacts, friends of the college, alumni, and parents, with a particular emphasis on major/leadership gifts.

This position is open to those seeking either a full- or part-time appointment. We would expect those seeking part-time employment to commit a minimum of 20 hours per week to the tasks and goals outlined below.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Fundraising Strategy & Prospect Identification:

  • Design and execute a comprehensive individual giving program, through the growth and management of donors and prospects with the capacity to give $10,000 to $100,000+. This may also include corporate and foundation prospects with ties to individual major donors and prospects.
  • Develop and optimize a major donor pipeline, identifying new prospects and deepening engagement with existing supporters through research, referrals, and donor engagement activities.
  • Devises individual engagement strategies for each prospect with the goal of soliciting annual/restricted gifts and/or multi-year gift commitments at the $10,000 level+, with specific solicitation goals to be determined in a goal-setting process.
  • Collaborate with the President, Associate Director of Development, and other key contacts to integrate major giving goals into Montserrat’s overall fundraising strategy as well as the greater institutional vision for the college.

Donor Cultivation:
  • Initiate, grow, and maintain strong relationships with donors and prospects through individualized outreach, events, and communications.
  • Conducts face-to-face visits with prospects and donors, averaging 10-12 interactions a month (including gift conversation visits, discovery visits and calls, and stewardship visits).
  • Engage 8-10 major prospects each month through personal visits, which result in strategic “moves” toward closure of special and major gifts and develop relationships with major gift prospects.
  • Regularly facilitate or make major gift solicitations ranging from $10,000 to $100,000+.
  • Create and implement stewardship plans to ensure long-term engagement and increased giving.

Collaboration & Coordination:
  • Work closely with the President, Trustees, faculty and staff, and other senior leadership to maximize donor engagement and solicitation within the college’s overall strategic vision.
  • Integrate major giving strategies into the overall implementation of key fundraising initiatives, including fundraising events, board and committee cultivation, alumni and parent engagement activities, and college communications.
  • Collect and synthesize information from campus partners to prepare compelling donor proposals that strategically align with donor interests and their full philanthropic capacity.
  • Collaborate with the development/communications team on integrated campaigns, special initiatives, and donor communications, and create compelling materials that communicate the impact of giving.

Data Management & Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate and timely records of all donor interactions
  • Work with the college’s Research Associate to analyze giving trends and develop donor strategies.
  • Prepare regular reports on progress toward fundraising goals for the President, leadership staff, and Board of Trustees.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CFRE) preferred.
  • Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in major gifts fundraising, with a proven track record identifying and cultivating prospects through the entire donor lifecycle.
  • Experience in higher education, arts institutions, or nonprofits preferred.

Skills & Attributes:
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills—both written and verbal.
  • High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in dealing with donors and sensitive information.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Self-motivated with energy and persistence, willing to be hands-on with the ability to work independently, managing a portfolio.
  • Passion for the arts and a belief in the transformative power of creative education.
  • Interest in working in a small, community-oriented environment, with individuals who are fueled by a sense of impact and inspiration.

HOW TO APPLY

To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to jobs@montserrat.edu, with the subject line “Director of Major Giving”.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Montserrat College of Art does not offer visa sponsorship.

Montserrat College of Art is committed to creating an environment of talented and diverse faculty and staff members. Montserrat is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to diversify its workforce as a key initiative in our strategic plan. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran s