Director of Major Gifts

Overview

In the past 30 years, life has improved for people with Down syndrome. Many enjoy an increased lifespan, benefit from early intervention therapies, inclusion in school and community, and realize new opportunities for independence. The last 10 years have seen a significant increase in momentum in Down syndrome research. But many of the community’s medical and therapeutic needs continue to go unmet.

LuMind IDSC was founded in 2004 by families who wanted to accelerate Down syndrome research and create ways for people with Down syndrome and their loved ones to connect and learn.

Today, our organization serves as a bridge between researchers and a vibrant community of people with Down syndrome, their caregivers, siblings, and supporters.

LuMind IDSC envisions a world where every person with Down syndrome thrives with improved health, independence, and opportunities to reach their fullest potential. LuMind IDSC’s small, dynamic team is working across the U.S. to drive improvements in the lives of people with Down syndrome through accelerated research and the empowerment of individuals and their families.

About the Position

The Development team seeks an experienced, strategic, results-oriented major gift professional to serve as the Director of Major Gifts. The Director of Major Gifts will manage the mid-level and major donor program. This position reports to the Chief Development Officer and will work with other members of the development team, board members and senior management team.

The Director of Major Gifts has the opportunity to make a tremendous impact as part of a small and committed development team in support of a leading Down syndrome research focused organization. This position will manage a portfolio of mid-level and major donors/prospects capable of making 4 to 6 figure+ gifts to support the organization. The Director of Major Gifts will develop and execute on strategies to cultivate and solicit mid and major gift prospects and donors, expand the individual donor pipeline, grow the mid and major donor revenue, and deepen philanthropic relationships for long term support. The Director of Major Gifts may have the opportunity to explore and develop a new planned giving program.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Qualify, develop, and maintain year-round relationships with a portfolio of mid-level and major donors and prospects to grow immediate funding and long-term funding
• Serve as a primary fundraiser along with CDO and CEO, building donor relationships through face-to-face cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activity
• Grow annual revenue from mid and major donors through relationship-based fundraising and strategic moves management, with an emphasis on long-term stewardship
• Create individual engagement, stewardship plans and giving goals for each donor based on giving history, relationship and the organization's knowledge of the donor's giving potential
• Actively participate in creating and executing strategies to increase individual giving revenue
• With assistance, create a new Case for Support to be used in donor meetings
• Work with team to develop presentation materials, including background information and talking points. Prepare proposals, gift agreements and donor reports as needed.
• Develop new planned giving program
• Collaborate with database manager to implement prospect management strategies utilizing CRM
• Promptly track all outreach efforts and information in Salesforce.
• Ensure ethical handling of confidential donor and prospect information
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will have the following experience:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of 3 years of front-line major gift experience with demonstrated ability to facilitate donor solicitations and successful donor pipeline management, preferably for research-focused organizations
• Proven track record of soliciting, closing, and stewarding four-figure to six-figure (+) gifts, with experience managing a large pool of donors.
• Skilled at cultivating strong relationships with donors through personalized communications and outreach to retain and upgrade their support.
• Working knowledge and experience in planned giving
• Results oriented and committed to reaching departmental goals with a high degree of initiative to motivate high level donors
• Positioning, writing, and analytical skills to present complex research, scientific and medical issues that require philanthropic support
• Strong presentation, written and communication skills
• Ability to develop and implement effective cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
• Proficiency and experience using CRM database, Salesforce preferred
• Self-starter that can work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to set priorities, balance multiple tasks and meet multiple deadlines
• Willingness to travel as needed to meet with donors

Location

• This position is considered remote/hybrid with one day week onsite if located in Boston area. If located outside Boston area, must be near major city with preference for NY, IL or CA

What We Offer

LuMind IDSC offers a robust compensation and benefits package including health, dental, and vision, employer contribution to your 401(k) plan, and Long-term Disability.

Mission & Core Values

LuMind IDSC envisions a world where every person with Down syndrome thrives with improved health, independence, and opportunities to reach their fullest potential. We accelerate Down syndrome research to increase availability of therapeutic, diagnostic, and medical care options and we empower families through education, connections, and support. LuMind IDSC Foundation has a hands-on, dedicated team and seeks team members who are passionate about the mission and service to the Downs Syndrome community. We are driven by our core values of community, collaboration, trust, learning, excellence, innovation, and focus.

LuMind IDSC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, cultural heritage, ancestry, political belief, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability or veteran status.

To Apply

Please complete your application by clicking at right, and include both a resume and a thoughtful cover letter aligning your background and experience to this role. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Deadline to apply is Friday, January 31, 2025.