Director of Major Giving and Stewardship

Job Summary:

The Director of Major Giving and Stewardship develops and implements fundraising strategies for individual giving prospects and donors, focusing on annual gift solicitation. Working with the Assistant Vice-President of Development, the Director of Major Giving and Stewardship will develop and execute an annual fundraising business plan to reach out to these donors. The Director is responsible for making a specified number of personal visits and solicitations monthly. Managing a portfolio of 125 constituents, the Director will develop and execute a plan for steward donors throughout the year. 

Key Responsibilities:

Major Gift Fundraising:

• Develops and executes a strategic fundraising plan annually, focusing primarily on annual fund support from individuals
• Cultivate new and renew existing donors to meet annual fundraising goal. The Assistant Vice-President of Development determines the goals each year. 
• Manages the Trustee Constituent Giving Campaign, which solicits the support of donors connected to BGCGM’s Board of Trustees. 
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors, securing significant gifts to support Club initiatives and operations.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and prospects, implementing personalized engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with the CEO, Board members, and leadership team to leverage relationships and enhance donor engagement.
  

Stewardship & Donor Relations:

• Create and execute a comprehensive stewardship program to recognize and retain major donors.
• Develop impact reports, donor communications, and recognition events to demonstrate the value of their contributions.
• Oversee the planning and execution of donor appreciation initiatives, including exclusive events and personalized outreach.

Strategic Development & Leadership:

• Work closely with the development team to align major giving strategies with overall fundraising goals.
• Develop annual revenue targets and strategies to achieve fundraising benchmarks.
• Provide leadership in crafting compelling donor proposals and cases for support.

Collaboration & Community Engagement:

• Partner with marketing and communications teams to create effective donor materials and storytelling content.
• Represent the organization at networking events, donor meetings, and community engagements.
• Ensure alignment of donor engagement efforts with organizational values and mission-driven work.                        

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in major gift fundraising, donor stewardship, or nonprofit development.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or related field (Master’s preferred).

Skills:

• Proven track record of securing major gifts and building long-term donor relationships.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate impact and mission effectively.
• Knowledge of donor databases (Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM) and fundraising best practices.
• Passion for youth development and the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee.

• Must have a valid WI driver’s license, a good driving record and meet state required automobile insurance minimums.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach above shoulders, and climb or balance.  Tehe employee may occasionally lift and /or move up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics describe here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.  

Why Join Us?

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, we are committed to providing transformative opportunities for young people. This role is an opportunity to make a lasting impact by connecting donors to a cause that changes lives. If you are a strategic, relationship-driven fundraiser with a heart for philanthropy, we encourage you to apply!