DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Mai 27, 2025 - The Director of Major Gifts demonstrates expertise in securing significant donor support and managing donor relationships. Proficient in Raiser’s Edge and Salesforce, ensuring effective database utilization for fundraising success. Skilled in modern management techniques and strategic delegation to achieve organizational goals.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Director of Major Gifts Resume
  • Fundraising Strategy
  • Major Gift Solicitation
  • Donor Database Management
  • Proposal Writing
  • Budget Management
  • Event Planning
  • Data Analysis
  • Planned Giving Programs
  • Public Relations
  • Media Relations
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Relationship Building
  • Negotiation
  • Team Collaboration
  • Problem Solving
  • Adaptability
  • Time Management
  • Decision Making

Summary of Director of Major Gifts Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Advertising with 7 Years of Experience

  • Fundraising and development experience 
  • Demonstrated success in donor stewardship and closing five and six figure gifts.
  • Strong familiarity with the NY/NJ philanthropic community 
  • Experience working in a national organization with an affiliate or chapter structure
  • Experience in fundraising and/or outside sales experience 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Proven track record of successful gift solicitation with evidence of substantial fundraising accomplishments
  • Demonstrated experience establishing strong partnerships with businesses, civic organizations, and higher education institutions. 
  • Ability to look for new and innovative approaches that will improve efficiencies or outcomes. 
  • Exceptional project management skills

2. BA in Communications with 8 Years of Experience

  • Must have a proven track record in securing major gift support
  • Must have demonstrated experience and confidence in asking people to contribute time and money.
  • Proficiency with Raisers Edge
  • Must possess the insights and skills of modern management (i.e. Continuous Improvement) to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization through the efforts of other people.
  • Must have excellent/ proven written and verbal communication skills as well as media relations/public affairs experience.
  • Must have a demonstrated/proven ability to work effectively with business leaders, community and government officials, volunteers, Board of Directors, and senior management team members.
  • Must be able to administer all program, fiscal, and personnel policies of the Association. 
  • Must be able to delegate appropriate responsibility to efficiently achieve the fundraising goals of the organization.
  • Must be able to read, must be able to write legibly and in an understandable manner.
  • Fluency with donor databases, ideally Salesforce.com.

3. BA in Marketing with 10 Years of Experience

  • Exceptional donor-relations skills: proven ability in creating strategies to cultivate prospects and channel donor engagement.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and meet objectives and performance standards.
  • Knowledge of and appreciation for TK-12 education and charter schools in particular.
  • Proven track record of success with fundraising systems and prospect identification.
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite, and strong working knowledge of digital communication channels and processes, including Slack, G Suite, and Zoom.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively in a highly motivated goal-oriented team environment
  • Strong commitment to Aspire's mission and values, and the ability to operate with the highest degree of integrity in representing the organization.
  • Persuasive verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to make dynamic presentations to diverse audiences.
  • Strong and flexible planning skills, including the ability to anticipate tasks, set priorities, meet deadlines and function smoothly under strict time frames and shifting priorities.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with donors, volunteers, Boards of Directors and diverse staff.
  • Agility to be a strong team player who also works well independently.
  • Strength as a self-starter with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

4. BA in Nonprofit Management with 6 Years of Experience

  • Experience in resource development, fundraising, special events, and planned giving.
  • Background in complex organizations of commensurate size and scope.
  • Skilled at effectively presenting information and ideas to executive teams, volunteers, and board of directors.
  • Ability to communicate clearly with stakeholders to inspire trust
  • Outstanding interpersonal, coaching, and listening skills, with the ability to communicate positively within all levels of the organization.
  • Thrive in a dynamic environment and able to work on various projects simultaneously.
  • Recognized for both emotional intelligence and intellectual rigor.
  • Committed to exploring new ideas and innovative approaches to solving problems.
  • Experience using a CRM and/or donor database
  • Evening and weekend work, as well as frequent travel with regional assignments
  • Exceptional communicator, both written and verbal, with a strong understanding of digital communication tools 
  • Knowledge and ability to create and adapt communications for different platforms and diverse individuals.
  • High level job-related experience in major gift fundraising
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