Director of Major Gifts Jobs
Director of Major Gifts jobs are open across higher education, healthcare systems, arts and cultural institutions, and human services nonprofits, from associate director to vice president level, with specializations in principal giving, planned giving, and campaign management. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Director of Major Gifts JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 41+ Director of Major Gifts jobs
University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Major Gifts Officer / Associate Director of DevelopmentJob Profile Title
Major Gifts OfficerJob Description Summary
The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) / Associate Director of Development identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards individual and institutional prospects for select clinical departments, divisions, and programs within Penn Medicine, while supporting broader Penn Medicine fundraising priorities as appropriate. The MGO plans, coordinates, and implements development efforts for defined areas and works closely with many faculty, physicians, and program leaders across the health system. The MGO plays an integral role in a wide spectrum of fundraising responsibilities, including communication efforts, events, and volunteer/board management.Job Description
Job Responsibilities
- Develop an understanding of the educational, research, clinical, and financial needs and goals of Penn Medicine (comprised of the Perelman School of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania Health System). Speak passionately and authentically about the history, achievements, and strategic direction of Penn Medicine, and have the ability to articulate that vision effectively to a diverse audience.
- Successfully grow and manage a major gift portfolio of 100+ donor prospects to meet philanthropic goals. Focus on donor activity management, working collaboratively with faculty and development colleagues to engage donors toward major and leadership gifts to Penn Medicine.
- Build and sustain effective relationships with a broad range of constituents by providing personalized, timely, and efficient support that inspires faculty, donors, and volunteer leaders to take action and ensure a rewarding gift experience.
- Emphasize cultivation and solicitation strategies that focus on donor-centered philanthropy to maximize potential gifts. Coordinate the participation of faculty, administration, trustees/volunteers, and other members of the development staff in achieving unit goals, while championing philanthropic opportunities across Penn Medicine and the University that align with donor intent and maximize institutional impact.
- Lead the development of communication pieces for individual and organizational prospects and donors, including major gift proposals, cultivation and solicitation materials, stewardship pieces, and e-communications, through direct writing and/or project management of content development, design, and production.
- Plan and coordinate donor and prospect visits, meetings, engagement activities, and special events, as appropriate, to advance cultivation and relationship-building efforts. Develop and oversee creative, personalized stewardship strategies that strengthen donor relationships and foster meaningful, ongoing engagement.
- Report regularly to Senior Director of Development for UPHS Life Cycle and interact frequently with other colleagues on all fundraising activity through active implementation of the major gifts tracking/reporting/moves management system.
- Cultivate and steward relationships with external organizations, including foundations and other philanthropic partners, to advance funding opportunities and support priorities within assigned clinical portfolios.
- Collaborate with University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine leadership and development colleagues on all matters regarding assigned prospects.
**Please provide a resume and cover letter in order to be considered for this role. Please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of the application prior to submitting.**
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible experience in institutional development (or related field) with experience in cultivating major gifts from individuals and organizations or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Advanced degree highly desirable.
- Ability to function independently yet work in a centralized development structure.
- Demonstrated ability to meet fundraising goals with a growing confidence in managing and balancing donor/faculty/volunteer relationships.
- Ability to work confidently and effectively with faculty, academic and administrative leaders, and community leaders, gaining their confidence and respect.
- Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to develop polished, compelling, and audience-appropriate content ranging from formal donor communications and fundraising proposals to high-level communications for institutional leadership. Ability to produce accurate, high-quality written materials efficiently and effectively under tight deadlines.
- Strong administrative experience, project management style, and ability to establish objectives, set performance standards, and organize a successful approach to achieving fundraising goals.
- Ability to work well with staff members, regardless of position in office hierarchy; and willingness to function collaboratively. Demonstrate high integrity and trust, and is comfortable as a role model for professional and support staff.
- Ability to take information from many sources and distill it to core messages that are communicated strategically and effectively to different audiences. Adaptive to rapidly changing environments.
- Excellent computer skills are essential, including proficiency with donor databases, CRM systems, and other software applications used to support fundraising and development activities.
- Ability to travel both locally and nationally and work occasional evenings and weekends. A valid driver’s license is required.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaDepartment / School
Development and Alumni RelationsPay Range
$77,330.00 - $100,000.00 Annual RateSalary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
University Benefits
Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay
University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Major Gifts Officer / Associate Director of DevelopmentJob Profile Title
Major Gifts OfficerJob Description Summary
The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) / Associate Director of Development identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards individual and institutional prospects for select clinical departments, divisions, and programs within Penn Medicine, while supporting broader Penn Medicine fundraising priorities as appropriate. The MGO plans, coordinates, and implements development efforts for defined areas and works closely with many faculty, physicians, and program leaders across the health system. The MGO plays an integral role in a wide spectrum of fundraising responsibilities, including communication efforts, events, and volunteer/board management.Job Description
Job Responsibilities
- Develop an understanding of the educational, research, clinical, and financial needs and goals of Penn Medicine (comprised of the Perelman School of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania Health System). Speak passionately and authentically about the history, achievements, and strategic direction of Penn Medicine, and have the ability to articulate that vision effectively to a diverse audience.
- Successfully grow and manage a major gift portfolio of 100+ donor prospects to meet philanthropic goals. Focus on donor activity management, working collaboratively with faculty and development colleagues to engage donors toward major and leadership gifts to Penn Medicine.
- Build and sustain effective relationships with a broad range of constituents by providing personalized, timely, and efficient support that inspires faculty, donors, and volunteer leaders to take action and ensure a rewarding gift experience.
- Emphasize cultivation and solicitation strategies that focus on donor-centered philanthropy to maximize potential gifts. Coordinate the participation of faculty, administration, trustees/volunteers, and other members of the development staff in achieving unit goals, while championing philanthropic opportunities across Penn Medicine and the University that align with donor intent and maximize institutional impact.
- Lead the development of communication pieces for individual and organizational prospects and donors, including major gift proposals, cultivation and solicitation materials, stewardship pieces, and e-communications, through direct writing and/or project management of content development, design, and production.
- Plan and coordinate donor and prospect visits, meetings, engagement activities, and special events, as appropriate, to advance cultivation and relationship-building efforts. Develop and oversee creative, personalized stewardship strategies that strengthen donor relationships and foster meaningful, ongoing engagement.
- Report regularly to Senior Director of Development for UPHS Life Cycle and interact frequently with other colleagues on all fundraising activity through active implementation of the major gifts tracking/reporting/moves management system.
- Cultivate and steward relationships with external organizations, including foundations and other philanthropic partners, to advance funding opportunities and support priorities within assigned clinical portfolios.
- Collaborate with University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine leadership and development colleagues on all matters regarding assigned prospects.
**Please provide a resume and cover letter in order to be considered for this role. Please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of the application prior to submitting.**
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible experience in institutional development (or related field) with experience in cultivating major gifts from individuals and organizations or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Advanced degree highly desirable.
- Ability to function independently yet work in a centralized development structure.
- Demonstrated ability to meet fundraising goals with a growing confidence in managing and balancing donor/faculty/volunteer relationships.
- Ability to work confidently and effectively with faculty, academic and administrative leaders, and community leaders, gaining their confidence and respect.
- Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to develop polished, compelling, and audience-appropriate content ranging from formal donor communications and fundraising proposals to high-level communications for institutional leadership. Ability to produce accurate, high-quality written materials efficiently and effectively under tight deadlines.
- Strong administrative experience, project management style, and ability to establish objectives, set performance standards, and organize a successful approach to achieving fundraising goals.
- Ability to work well with staff members, regardless of position in office hierarchy; and willingness to function collaboratively. Demonstrate high integrity and trust, and is comfortable as a role model for professional and support staff.
- Ability to take information from many sources and distill it to core messages that are communicated strategically and effectively to different audiences. Adaptive to rapidly changing environments.
- Excellent computer skills are essential, including proficiency with donor databases, CRM systems, and other software applications used to support fundraising and development activities.
- Ability to travel both locally and nationally and work occasional evenings and weekends. A valid driver’s license is required.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaDepartment / School
Development and Alumni RelationsPay Range
$77,330.00 - $100,000.00 Annual RateSalary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
University Benefits
Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay
See All 41 Director of Major Gifts Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Director of Major Gifts JobsDirector of Major Gifts Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in director of major gifts jobs.
- Minimum five to seven years of frontline major gifts fundraising experience
- Demonstrated success closing gifts of one hundred thousand dollars or more
- Experience managing and growing a portfolio of one hundred or more major donor prospects
- Proficiency with donor management software such as Raiser's Edge, Salesforce Nonprofit, or similar CRM platforms
- Bachelor's degree required, with master's degree or CFRE certification preferred by many employers
- Experience partnering with boards, senior leadership, and campaign committees on donor engagement
Tips for Your Director of Major Gifts Job Search
Quantify your donor portfolio in numbers
Your resume should show the size of the portfolio you managed, your average gift size, and how many six- or seven-figure gifts you closed. Hiring committees compare candidates on these metrics, so vague language like 'managed major donors' won't hold up.
Tailor your materials to mission fit
Nonprofits at different stages, a startup arts organization versus a research university mid-campaign, want different things. Read the case for support or campaign goals before you apply and reflect the organization's language back in your cover letter.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists director of major gifts openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Get your references lined up early
Major gifts hiring almost always involves calls to your references before an offer, not after. Contact your references before you apply so they're prepared to speak to your relationship-building style, your close rate, and your work with boards or leadership.
Prepare a cultivation story for the interview
Expect to walk through a specific donor relationship from first identification to closed gift. Have a detailed example ready that shows your strategy, your timeline, and how you involved the organization's leadership or board in the cultivation process.
Negotiate beyond base salary
Major gifts roles frequently include performance incentives tied to closed gifts or campaign goals. Ask what metrics trigger those incentives and how they were structured in the last full fiscal year so you understand what you're actually being offered.
Director of Major Gifts Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most director of major giftss?
The most active employers for director of major giftss right now are Harvard University, United Way, and WHYY, and the most openings are in Massachusetts, New York, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Universities and large health systems tend to post the most openings at any given time.
How many director of major gifts jobs are remote?
About 83% of director of major gifts openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the role is relationship-intensive by nature. Planned giving and some campaign roles are more amenable to remote arrangements, while positions tied to a specific major campaign or geographic donor base typically require regular in-person presence.
How do you become a director of major gifts?
Most directors of major gifts start as annual fund officers or major gifts officers and build up their frontline fundraising experience over several years. You'll need to demonstrate a history of closing significant gifts, managing a prospect portfolio, and working collaboratively with organizational leadership. Earning a Certified Fund Raising Executive credential strengthens your candidacy as you move into director-level roles.
Can you get a director of major gifts job without direct fundraising experience?
It's rare to be hired as a director of major gifts without prior frontline fundraising experience, since the role requires you to manage staff and lead strategy from day one. Candidates who transition from related fields like development consulting, foundation grantmaking, or high-net-worth financial advising occasionally make the move, but they typically need to demonstrate deep relationship management skills and a credible understanding of the donor cultivation cycle.
What does the director of major gifts interview process look like?
The process typically runs three to four rounds and includes an initial screening call with HR or a search consultant, a deeper interview with the chief development officer or VP, and a final round with senior leadership or board members. Many organizations ask candidates to present a written portfolio strategy or a sample donor cultivation plan. Reference checks are thorough and almost always completed before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to director of major gifts jobs?
You can find and apply to director of major gifts jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your background and interests, and apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 41 Director of Major Gifts Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Director of Major Gifts Jobs