Career Blazers Nonprofit Search
Director of Major Gifts
New York, NY Hybrid - Onsite 3 days
Position Overview Join a nonprofit organization committed to sharing art as a means of building a global community that bridges cultural divides. Every team member plays a vital role in advancing our mission to create, present, preserve, and expand the rich tradition of classical dance through world-class performances and educational programs that reach the broadest possible audience.
As Director of Major Gifts, you will lead efforts to cultivate and strengthen relationships with donors who are passionate about classical ballet and the performing arts. This role is key to advancing a dynamic fundraising program, expanding a pipeline of supporters capable of making significant annual and multi-year contributions. It also involves close collaboration with artistic and administrative teams to align donor engagement with organizational priorities.
Responsibilities Manage and grow a portfolio of 100+ major gift donors and prospects through all stages of the giving cycle Co-lead the Chairman's Council, a $25K+ giving group; develop and execute compelling annual engagement strategies Act as the primary Advancement liaison for education outreach and community engagement initiatives Partner with the Artistic Director and Education team to build a donor pipeline and launch a new advisory council Lead strategic donor engagement efforts, including planning and executing cultivation events Collaborate with senior Advancement staff to identify, cultivate, and solicit support for key programs Maintain accurate records and track donor interactions using CRM tools Co-manage the major donor pipeline, bringing expertise in prospect research and strategic fundraising planning Conduct donor prospecting using tools like iWave to analyze and prioritize ticket buyer data Draft donor communications, proposals, stewardship reports, and presentations Support executive leadership with cultivation and stewardship efforts, including briefings and event materials Coordinate with Special Events to plan donor-centric events throughout the year Represent the organization at performances and events, including evenings and weekends, to engage with donors Qualifications
Bachelor's degree preferred; 7+ years of frontline fundraising experience, ideally in the performing arts Proven track record managing donor portfolios, making solicitations, and meeting or exceeding fundraising goals Skilled in Microsoft Office, Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, and other CRM tools; quick to adapt to new technologies Familiar with donor research tools such as iWave Strong written and verbal communication skills Experience working independently and collaboratively within a team environment Background in stewarding patron programs and working with volunteer leadership Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting with professionalism and discretion Demonstrates sound judgment, creativity, and enthusiasm for the organization's mission Compensation
Salary: $125,000 - $150,000 10 days' vacation, 2 personal days, 1 floating holiday; 20 sick days The organization takes a "Hiatus Week" in August, and closes between Christmas and New Year; we also observe the standard annual Company Holidays including Juneteenth 403(b) with no company match; eligible to participate after 6 months Group health insurance where company pays 100% of the single premium rate for all plans; $1,500 annually if you chose not to participate in the plan (Medical, Dental, Vision) Short-Term Disability Insurance, etc. provided by the company
Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintains a broad focus so that your search can be thorough, and inclusive of all relevant options. We carefully consider your desired outcome, skills, and experience. The professionals at Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintain your confidentiality and will not send your resume to a client without your approval.
Career Blazers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
New York, NY Hybrid - Onsite 3 days
Position Overview Join a nonprofit organization committed to sharing art as a means of building a global community that bridges cultural divides. Every team member plays a vital role in advancing our mission to create, present, preserve, and expand the rich tradition of classical dance through world-class performances and educational programs that reach the broadest possible audience.
As Director of Major Gifts, you will lead efforts to cultivate and strengthen relationships with donors who are passionate about classical ballet and the performing arts. This role is key to advancing a dynamic fundraising program, expanding a pipeline of supporters capable of making significant annual and multi-year contributions. It also involves close collaboration with artistic and administrative teams to align donor engagement with organizational priorities.
Responsibilities Manage and grow a portfolio of 100+ major gift donors and prospects through all stages of the giving cycle Co-lead the Chairman's Council, a $25K+ giving group; develop and execute compelling annual engagement strategies Act as the primary Advancement liaison for education outreach and community engagement initiatives Partner with the Artistic Director and Education team to build a donor pipeline and launch a new advisory council Lead strategic donor engagement efforts, including planning and executing cultivation events Collaborate with senior Advancement staff to identify, cultivate, and solicit support for key programs Maintain accurate records and track donor interactions using CRM tools Co-manage the major donor pipeline, bringing expertise in prospect research and strategic fundraising planning Conduct donor prospecting using tools like iWave to analyze and prioritize ticket buyer data Draft donor communications, proposals, stewardship reports, and presentations Support executive leadership with cultivation and stewardship efforts, including briefings and event materials Coordinate with Special Events to plan donor-centric events throughout the year Represent the organization at performances and events, including evenings and weekends, to engage with donors Qualifications
Bachelor's degree preferred; 7+ years of frontline fundraising experience, ideally in the performing arts Proven track record managing donor portfolios, making solicitations, and meeting or exceeding fundraising goals Skilled in Microsoft Office, Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, and other CRM tools; quick to adapt to new technologies Familiar with donor research tools such as iWave Strong written and verbal communication skills Experience working independently and collaboratively within a team environment Background in stewarding patron programs and working with volunteer leadership Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting with professionalism and discretion Demonstrates sound judgment, creativity, and enthusiasm for the organization's mission Compensation
Salary: $125,000 - $150,000 10 days' vacation, 2 personal days, 1 floating holiday; 20 sick days The organization takes a "Hiatus Week" in August, and closes between Christmas and New Year; we also observe the standard annual Company Holidays including Juneteenth 403(b) with no company match; eligible to participate after 6 months Group health insurance where company pays 100% of the single premium rate for all plans; $1,500 annually if you chose not to participate in the plan (Medical, Dental, Vision) Short-Term Disability Insurance, etc. provided by the company
Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintains a broad focus so that your search can be thorough, and inclusive of all relevant options. We carefully consider your desired outcome, skills, and experience. The professionals at Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintain your confidentiality and will not send your resume to a client without your approval.
Career Blazers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.