Director of Major Gifts

If you love working in a strong team environment, are an effective communicator and relationship builder with a passion for equity-centered philanthropy, and have a proven track record of driving major gift support to an organization then United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC) is where you want to be.  The Director of Major Gifts is part of the Resource Development team and works closely with the CEO and major donors while holding true to UWABC’s long-term strategic vision.  

Position is responsible for maintaining and increasing annual revenue through the development, implementation, and management of comprehensive major gifts moves management plan. Internally this position will work closely with the VP of Resource Development, President and CEO, and cross-functionally to leverage and enhance donor and prospect engagement to inspire deeper connection to the mission and programs of UWABC.Director is responsible for the management of the overall affinity group and planned giving strategies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain the major gifts pipeline and consult with the CEO and Vice President of Resource Development on cultivation strategies and portfolio management for major individual gifts
• Responsible for $1M in annual revenue from cash and pledges 
• Link donors’ philanthropic goals with UWABC programs, initiatives, and volunteer opportunities
• Develop strategies with Resource Development staff to increase the number of major and leadership donors within the workplace
• Create and distribute patron communications and collateral, in partnership with the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications to ensure alignment between departments
• Prioritize short and long-term development communications needs
• Design and manage department-steered events, ranging from donor cultivation activities to the annual Community Services Award dinner
• Record donor interactions and communications in CRM software; prepare and regularly run all reports necessary to track progress toward goals
• Develop revenue goals for major giving with Vice President of Resource Development, tracking progress closely and adjusting strategies when necessary to ensure the achievement of goals
• Provide development revenue and projection reporting
• Support the activities of the board of directors and affinity groups to grow major gifts revenue
• Participate in general management and strategic planning by serving on Leadership Team 
• Work with other departments to identify potential funding opportunities
• Enhance and execute planned-giving and endowment strategies
• Refine and grow the planned giving program
• In partnership with Marketing and Communications, develop planned giving marketing efforts to include digital strategies and targeted mailings
• Ensure all planned gifts are documented and recorded in CRM

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are associated with the position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and minimum 3 years in fundraising, major gifts, or individual stewardship experience required 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as needed
• Minimum 3 years of supervision 
• Valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets insurance requirements and access to reliable transportation
• Commitment to the mission and guiding principles of UWABC and the ability to model those principles 

Technical Skills, Abilities, and Other Requirements

• High technological proficiency with computers and software, including prior working knowledge of Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office applications, CRMs, project management software
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and use a variety of software platforms and new skills 

• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts from individuals and private foundations 
• Demonstrated success in securing multi-year pledges to support capital or special-initiative campaigns 
• Demonstrated respect for diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in interactions with current and potential donors
• Demonstrated success in working with volunteers
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions 
• Ability to manage and complete multiple projects, maneuver complex work environments, engage in planning and problem-solving, and execute details with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated advanced writing skills with attention to detail with high standards for presentation and written material
• Demonstrated ability to coach employees and hold self and team member accountable for achieving results
• Experience with public speaking
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Ability to stay abreast of technology and trends in donor research
• Knowledge of planned and blended gift fundraising, including DAFs, IRAs, will bequests, and other deferred giving vehicles.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and organization

Nice to Have

• CFRE credential
• Experience in health and human services development 

Work Environment

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals who are differently abled to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:

• Sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear
• Use finger and hand motion
• Must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Moderate level of stress caused by tight deadlines
• Moderate level of mental and/or visual fatigue and/or eyestrain may result from looking at a computer screen for extended periods
• Frequent work in the community 
• Occasional work outside of normal business hours
• Drive a vehicle within the region
• Moderate office noise level

This position is exempt from overtime regulations. Hybrid work environment: a mix of office, remote, and community settings.  As part of our hybrid work policy, new employees are required to work from the UWABC office a minimum of 3 days per week for the first 90 days and then, the schedule can be modified based on conversation with the supervisor.

Reports To:  Vice President of Resource Development

Supervises:  1 employee

Hours: 40/week 

Salary and Benefits: $71, 400 to $83, 925 plus full benefits, including paid vacation, sick and personal leave; employer contributions to 401(k), contributions to health, dental, and vision insurance benefits, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, self-care fund, and coaching and support.

At our organization, we are dedicated to nurturing your professional growth through a range of formal and informal development programs, personalized coaching, and hands-on challenges. We actively encourage you to ask questions, step out of your comfort zone, and take risks.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.