Director, Major Gifts

Duties & Responsibilities

• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and retains annual and leadership-level donors through strategic relationship-building efforts designed to increase philanthropic support and advance organizational fundraising priorities.

• Manages donor engagement activities by developing personalized communication strategies, conducting outreach, and implementing stewardship initiatives that strengthen donor relationships and encourage continued giving.

• Designs and executes donor cultivation and stewardship plans through coordinated benefits fulfillment, donor recognition programs, and engagement opportunities that enhance donor satisfaction and long-term commitment.

• Coordinates and implements targeted fundraising communications, including solicitations, donor impact messaging, newsletters, event invitations, and stewardship correspondence, utilizing multiple communication channels to maximize donor engagement.

• Develops and manages donor recognition and acknowledgment programs that ensure timely and meaningful recognition of philanthropic contributions while reinforcing donor impact and organizational mission.

• Collaborates with development leadership, advancement services, ticket operations, marketing, and foundation partners to align donor engagement strategies, fundraising initiatives, and stewardship activities with institutional goals.

• Supports fundraising and donor cultivation efforts by identifying opportunities to deepen donor engagement, increase giving participation, and advance donors through the philanthropic pipeline toward leadership and major gift consideration.

• Coordinates donor cultivation experiences, including special events, hospitality programs, and donor travel opportunities, designed to strengthen relationships with key prospects and existing donors.

• Serves as a liaison with advancement services and gift processing teams to support gift administration, donor benefit valuation, tax receipting, and stewardship reporting processes that ensure compliance and donor satisfaction.

• Maintains accurate donor records, communication histories, and stewardship activities within fundraising systems to support strategic decision-making, donor management, and organizational reporting requirements.

• Represents the organization at donor-facing events, athletics contests, and special engagement opportunities, providing exceptional donor service and stewardship through regular evening and weekend participation.

• Budget accountability.

• Additional duties as assigned. 
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Self-motivated and results-oriented with a professional demeanor.

• Ability to manage value-added projects and strategic initiatives.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to solve problems and make decisions.

• Ability to multitask effectively with frequent interruptions.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships at all levels of the organization.

• Ability to initiate, lead, and support value-added projects.

• Meticulous attention to detail.

• Knowledge of NCAA, Big 12, and University of Arizona position-related rules and compliance requirements.

• Demonstrated organizational skills, including the ability to plan, establish priorities, and successfully manage multiple priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree.

• Experience in a Power 4 Conference.