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 (Reed pays 60% on medical and dental insurance premiums for your dependent), 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 $135,000-145,000. Pay offers are contingent upon experience and are determined through an internal pay assessment. Advanced candidates with 15+ years of relevant experience and a degree may be considered for compensation above the posted range, not to exceed $160,000, based on verified years of experience and demonstrated accomplishments. This is an exempt position in grade 11.
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 in partnership with the Executive Director of Development Leadership and Strategies
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
Provide direct leadership to a high-functioning team of fundraisers and foster a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and professional development
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 and prospects capable of making major and planned gifts
Pipeline and Portfolio Management
Contribute to the development and implementation of fundraising policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure effective and compliant operations
Partner with Advancement Operations to develop reporting tools and performance metrics
Collaborate with prospect researcher to maintain a strong pipeline of major and gift planning prospects
Lead regular portfolio reviews and monitor pipeline health using data-informed practices
Collaboration and Stewardship
Partner with administrators, faculty, and volunteer leaders to advance donor relationships and solicitations
Work closely with Annual Giving, Donor Relations, Alumni Relations and Parent Engagement, to ensure a seamless donor experience
Develop and implement stewardship practices that promote sustained donor engagement and long-term relationship building.
Travel multiple days per month including domestic and international travel
Minimum Qualifications
