Director of Major Gifts   Email     Print   PDF

Reporting to the Senior Director of Individual Giving, manages the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of a portfolio of over 150 $25,000+  major gift prospects throughout the United States, with a focus on New England and New York. The Director of Major Gifts is responsible for developing a strategic vision and process for growing this donor pool.  Works closely with key faculty and administration members to develop major proposals for individuals. 

• Develops and implements strategies for cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of over 150  major donors/prospects capable of making gifts at the $25,000 to seven-figure level.  Works directly with donors and prospects one-on-one in the field and at WHOI. 
• Responsible for developing both long and short range operational plans to strengthen and grow the major gifts program. 
• Responsible for setting annual personal fundraising revenue goals and working with the Development team to devise overall team goals. 
• Works closely with key faculty and administration members to develop funding priorities and create major proposals. 
• Staffs 1 Institute and 2-3 funding initiatives. 
• Develops and maintains good working relationships with constituents, including board members, to secure their help in the cultivation and solicitation of major gift prospects.  Identifies and cultivates additional constituents to support the process.   
• Works closely with other development officers to plan targeted outreach activities aimed at increasing the donor pool and cultivating and stewarding existing prospects. 
• Provides strategies, briefing materials, and other written documents for the President and Director of the Institution and other senior administrators;  
• Cultivates, solicits and stewards prospects through over 100 personal visits annually and written and oral communication. 
• Maintains computer tracking of assigned prospects.

Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree in a scientific discipline highly desirable.  5-7 years fundraising experience or training, educational background, and familiarity with scientific research organizations and funding of basic research required.  Demonstrated social skills and poise.  Strong communication skills, both written and oral.  Good organizational skills with facility for managing many projects simultaneously.  Ability to work independently within established guidelines, and to meet frequent deadlines.  Ability and willingness to travel.  Willingness to be a team player.  High energy level essential.  Understanding and appreciation for WHOI’s special scientific mission and the capability to project that mission and the value of scientific research to prospective donors.