Overall Purpose
The Director of Major Gifts is a frontline fundraiser responsible for driving philanthropic growth by managing a portfolio of high-impact donors. This role focuses on identifying, cultivating, and stewarding prospects capable of leadership annual, major, and planned gifts. As a key collaborator within the development team, the Director of Major Gifts aligns donor passions with institutional strategic initiatives to foster a vibrant culture of giving.
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage a targeted portfolio of 75-100 major gift prospects, developing bespoke “moves management” plans to transition prospects into committed donors
- Implement individualized strategies that align a prospect’s philanthropic goals with institutional needs, utilizing data and research to inform appropriate ask amounts
- Collaborate with the Director of Development and Giving Manager to draft compelling gift proposals, case statements, and donor-facing materials
- Partner with the Director of Development Services to execute creative cultivation plans and ensure all activities, meetings, and outcomes are documented in the CRM for team-wide transparency
- Support high-priority campaigns, special initiatives, and fundraising events. Attend school and Advancement-hosted events to build community presence
- Collaborate with development colleagues and volunteers to deliver high-touch stewardship and impactful gift reporting
Apply by: 24 May 2026
Essential Qualifications/Experience
- Substantive progressive frontline fundraising experience with a proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts
- Building and developing effective relationships
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, highly organized and a problem-solver, positive and friendly, strong people management and interpersonal skills
- High emotional intelligence, attentive listening, and the ability to build credibility with major prospect stakeholders
- Willingness to travel internationally and attend events outside of school hours and on weekends
- A steadfast commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children
Desirable Qualifications/Experience
- Advanced degree preferred
- Knowledge proficiency in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge
- Knowledge and understanding of American and/or international educational institutions
- Embraces continuous learning and collaborative problem solving, contributes creativity, initiative and teamwork to a mission-aligned development culture
- Experience training or managing fundraising volunteers and committees
- Ability to manage multiple relationships and projects simultaneously
- Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, goal-driven environment and adjust to dynamic event schedules with ease
- Collaborative team colleague, proactive and capable of thriving in a fast‑paced, goal-driven environment
The American School in London will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, maternity or parental status, or any other legally recognised protected basis under local law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…