Director, Major Gifts

JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR, MAJOR GIFTS

REPORTING TO: CHIEF PHILANTHROPY OFFICER

DEPARTMENT: PHILANTHROPY

POSITION: FULL-TIME/EXEMPT

Orange County United Way seeks a dynamic and strategic fundraising professional to serve as Director, Major Gifts, with a key leadership role overseeing the Alexis de Tocqueville Society—a distinguished group of philanthropists contributing $10,000 or more. This individual will direct all Tocqueville Society efforts in Orange County, including managing the Tocqueville Cabinet, stewarding members, leading year‑round society engagement events, and driving both renewals and—most critically—new member acquisition.

In addition, the Director will lead efforts to cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of donors contributing between $10,000 and $100,000, while advancing relationships with prospects capable of making six‑figure gifts. The Director will play a pivotal role in driving philanthropic revenue to support our mission and programs.

The ideal candidate is a relationship‑builder with a deep understanding of donor motivations, a compelling communicator, and a results‑oriented fundraiser with a proven track record in major gifts. This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire donors and volunteers alike.

• Alexis de Tocqueville Society Leadership
  • Provide strategic leadership for the Tocqueville Society, ensuring strong volunteer empowerment, engagement, stewardship, and growth.
  • Manage and support the Tocqueville Cabinet, including meeting planning, volunteer engagement, and partnership on cultivation and solicitation strategies.
  • Lead efforts to renew and upgrade current Tocqueville members and, especially, to acquire new members through targeted outreach and cultivation.
  • Support volunteer leaders in their fundraising efforts.
  • Oversee all Tocqueville Society stewardship and engagement events throughout the year.
  • Serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of Tocqueville‑level donors and prospects.
• Fundraising & Portfolio Management
  • Secure major gifts ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a goal of raising $1.5 million annually within two years.
  • Manage a portfolio of 100–125 major donors and prospects, ensuring consistent engagement and stewardship.
  • Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to meet and exceed activity metrics and revenue goals.
  • Develop and execute individualized donor strategies and moves management plans.
• Donor Engagement & Stewardship
  • Conduct direct, face‑to‑face solicitations regularly. Meet weekly goals of having at least 3–4 face‑to‑face donor visits each week.
  • Ensure timely and meaningful donor recognition, both public and private.
  • Help donors achieve their philanthropic goals through strategic engagement with our organization.
• Collaboration & Leadership
  • Partner with staff and volunteer leadership to leverage relationships and expand donor networks.
  • Collaborate closely with the development teams to align fundraising strategies.
  • Work with the Chief Philanthropy Officer to set annual goals and strategies.
• Systems & Reporting
  • Utilize donor database and prospect research resources to track engagement and inform strategy.
  • Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions, contact reports, and meeting preparation.
  • Meet weekly expectations for database entries and updates to donor plans.
• Events & Representation
  • Attend and support donor cultivation events, organizational functions, and community engagements as needed.
  • Always represent Orange County United Way with professionalism and passion.
• Other Duties
  • Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the success of Orange County United Way and the philanthropy team.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution preferred.
• 3–5 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with a strong record of securing major gifts and meeting revenue goals.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and soliciting six‑figure gifts.
• Deep understanding of donor engagement, stewardship, and relationship management.
• Familiarity with Orange County and/or Southern…