Director, Major Gifts

About this role

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date. Weekly Work Hours 40 Compensation Range Administrator Range E05 Salary Minimum $92,700.00 Annually FLSA United States of America (Exempt) Position Type Administrator JOB DESCRIPTION Dallas College is one of the largest community college systems in Texas, committed to transforming lives and communities through higher education. With a rich history of serving the diverse population of Dallas County, the college provides accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that empowers students to achieve their academic and career goals. Dallas College has a set of core values that shape its culture and operations: integrity, respect, opportunity, collaboration, accountability, and engagement and support.

Position / Job Summary

The Director of Major Gifts leads Dallas College Foundation’s major gifts program as a strategic people leader and frontline fundraiser. This role builds and manages a high-value portfolio, advances multi-year gift strategies aligned to institutional priorities and developed Major Gift Officers to deliver measurable results. The Director partners across Dallas College, engaging academic and administrative leaders to craft compelling cases for support and exceptional donor experiences. The Director of Major Gifts will report to the Senior Director of Development. Like all Dallas College Foundation (DCF) employees, this individual is a keeper of the Dallas College Foundation culture of philanthropy.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities • Lead the major gifts strategy and deliver annual outcomes; serve as a frontline fundraiser managing a

portfolio of 40–50 qualified prospects. • Recruit, train, coach, and evaluate Major Gift Officers; set clear goals and ensure accountability for

performance and results. • Expand the prospect pipeline through research, relationship building, and targeted qualification meetings.

• Drive all stages of the donor cycle — discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship — aligning donor

interests with Dallas College priorities. • Craft and present compelling proposals; lead complex solicitations, including six- and seven-figure

opportunities in collaboration with senior leadership. • Coordinate high-level donor engagement with Advancement leaders and Board volunteers; prepare

briefings and manage follow-up actions. • Partner with subject-matter experts to design transformational gift opportunities and exceptional

stewardship experiences. • Contribute to annual and long-term planning for the major gifts program; implement process

improvements that enhance scalability and impact. • Ensure accurate and timely recording of all donor and prospect interactions in Raiser’s Edge; maintain

data integrity across the team’s portfolios. • Analyze financial, philanthropic, and affinity data to inform cultivation strategies and optimize solicitation

outcomes. • Uphold ethical standards and compliance with Dallas College policies and professional guidelines (CASE,

AFP, APRA), ensuring integrity in all fundraising practices. • All employees are required to complete a minimum of 19 hours of leadership development.

• People leaders are required to have an additional 16 hours of leadership development.

• Perform other duties not listed as assigned.

The following duties are required for People Leader roles specifically: • Exercises full discretion and decision-making authority in the recruitment, selection, hiring, mentoring,

coaching, development & termination of staff, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, budgetary constraints, and workforce planning strategies. • Drive high performance by administering the performance management process timely, setting clear

expectations, conducting performance evaluations, and implementing initiatives that enhance employee engagement, motivation, and retention.

Minimum and Preferred – Education, Experience, and/or Certifications

Required Qualifications for Role (necessary or mandatory) • Bachelor’s degree plus five (5) years of experience in fundraising.

• Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, donor continuum, and moves management best practices.

• Experience designing and executing major gift strategies and comprehensive campaigns; familiarity with

annual giving, planned giving, and integrated development programs is preferred. • Demonstrated success in managing and training individuals or teams.

• Demonstrated experience and progressive responsibility in fundraising, with a strong grasp of commitment

to best practices in all areas of development. • Proven track record of closing five, six, and seven-figure gifts.

• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to work independently with little

supervision. • Ability to creatively conceptualize and implement new projects and a high-level strategy.

• Must have a valid driver’s license required to travel to various off-site locations.

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for donor engagement and events.

• Advanced general computer knowledge of Windows and network-based environments,

proficiency with fundraising CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge preferred). Other Preferred Qualifications for Role (not mandatory, but advantageous) • Experience in higher education or complex nonprofit environments.

• Experience with Blackbaud suite and prospect research tools.

• CFRE certification or willingness to pursue certification

• Bilingual or multilingual preferred.

*** Will be subject to a criminal background check. Some positions may be subject to a fingerprint check. ***

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required Qualifications for Role (necessary or mandatory) • Ability to speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective

communication tools and techniques. • Ability to communicate and interact with high-profile constituents and volunteers.

• Ability to communicate clearly

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