The posting
The Director of Gift Planning and Major Gifts is a senior leader within Reed College’s Advancement office, responsible for advancing the college’s philanthropic priorities through strategic leadership of major gift and gift planning programs. The Director will oversee a program focused on securing philanthropic support while strengthening Reed’s long-term culture of philanthropy. The Director will lead and manage a team of development professionals spanning major gifts ($100,000 plus) and planned gifts, providing coaching, strategic direction, and accountability to ensure strong portfolio management, collaborative fundraising practices, and successful donor outcomes. The role combines team leadership with frontline fundraising, including management of a personal portfolio of leadership-level donors capable of making six- and seven-figure commitments through current and deferred gifts.
This position reports to the Executive Director of Development Leadership and Strategies, under the division of the VP of College Advancement, and primarily works on campus interfacing with faculty and staff.
Reed College offers an exceptional benefits package, including a comprehensive medical and dental insurance option for you and family, 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution (after one year of service), educational assistance for employees and their children, 22 days of paid vacation, paid holidays, half-day Fridays in the summer, and many other campus amenities. This is a full-time role with typical work hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one hour unpaid lunch.
The starting salary for this position is $165,000-172,000. Pay offers are contingent upon experience and are determined through an internal pay assessment. This is an exempt position in grade 12.
Who You Are
- You can design and execute long-term, integrated strategies that align major gifts and planned giving with institutional priorities and campaign goals
- You have the strong ability to lead, coach, and develop fundraisers, setting clear expectations, inspiring bold thinking, improving performance, and building a collaborative, high-functioning, and accountable team
- You have demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure gifts
- You have expertise in managing donor portfolios (50+ prospects), prioritizing moves management activity, and maintaining a healthy pipeline using data-driven decision-making
- You are comfortable using metrics, reporting tools, and performance data to guide strategy and assess progress
- You possess exceptional interpersonal skills to build trust with high-net-worth individuals, alumni, faculty, and institutional leaders
- You have the ability to work seamlessly across Advancement functions to create a cohesive donor experience
- You have the capacity to articulate the institution’s mission and funding priorities in a compelling, donor-centered way
- You have strong project management skills to balance leadership responsibilities with an active fundraising portfolio and campaign initiatives
- You possess genuine alignment with Reed College’s values and the ability to foster a culture of philanthropy that is inclusive, collaborative, and mission-driven
What You’ll Do
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement an integrated strategy for major gifts and gift planning that aligns with Reed College’s fundraising priorities and campaign goals
- Lead coordination between major gifts and gift planning to ensure cohesive donor strategies that maximize both current and deferred philanthropic support
- Contribute to campaign planning
Team Leadership and Management
- Supervise a team of fundraisers, including coaching and performance management
- Establish clear goals, metrics, and accountability systems aligned with institutional fundraising targets
- Support training initiatives for advancement staff related to major gifts and gift planning concepts
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture
- Manage and actively cultivate a portfolio of 50+ leadership-level donors
Pipeline and Portfolio Management
- Help shape fundraising policies, procedures, and best practices
- Partner with Advancement Operations to develop reporting tools, analytics, and performance metrics
- Collaborate with prospect researcher to maintain a strong pipeline prospects
Collaboration and Stewardship
- Partner with administrators and faculty to advance donor relationships and solicitations
- Work closely with Annual Giving, Donor Relations, Alumni Relations and Parent Engagement, to support donor experience
- Strengthen stewardship practices that promote long-term engagement
Minimum Qualifications
- 5 years experience managing fundraising staff
- 10 years of fundraising experience
- Bachelor’s degree or experience in lieu
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated success securing major gifts and planned gifts, including six-and seven-figure commitments
Application Instructions
A resume is required. You can submit this document in any format, but pdf works best.
Applications will be considered as they are submitted. You are encouraged to apply before September 18.
Reed College replies to every candidate. We will confirm that your application is received, and if you are not selected, we will let you know as soon as possible.
