Issue One

Director of Major Gifts

Issue One

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Washington • District of Columbia • Washington • United States

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Salary

💰 $100,000 - $115,000 per year

Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • Lead and grow Issue One's major donor program (gifts of $10,000+), managing a personal portfolio of 75-100 major donor prospects and donors
  • Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each portfolio donor
  • Conduct donor research, wealth screening, and strategic segmentation to identify and qualify new major gift prospects
  • Make 5-10 donor visits per month (in-person or virtual) to advance relationships and secure gifts
  • Draft compelling proposals, reports, and updates tailored to individual donor interests and organizational priorities
  • Support donor cultivation in-person events throughout the country (with domestic travel expected approximately once per quarter)
  • Track and manage the donor pipeline using RFM analyses and strategic moves management
  • Meet or exceed annual major gifts revenue goals
  • Collaborate with the Senior Director of Foundations to identify prospects who may be appropriate for both individual and institutional giving strategies, and coordinate cultivation approaches for donors who give through both channels.

Requirements

  • 5–7+ years of progressive experience in major gifts fundraising, donor relations, or relationship-based sales
  • Demonstrated success managing a portfolio of major donors or high-value clients with proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts
  • Experience with political advocacy, nonprofit fundraising, or democracy reform is highly preferred.
  • Candidates should be comfortable with Issue One's bipartisan approach to democracy reform and able to authentically engage donors across the political spectrum.
  • Deep familiarity with the donor lifecycle and successful execution of moves management strategies
  • Experience working with donor databases (Salesforce preferred) and research tools (iWave)
Benefits
  • All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan with 100% of the premium paid by Issue One.
  • In addition, the organization covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff.
  • Staff receives more than 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures.
  • Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for commuting and any work-related travel.
  • Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance.
  • They are also eligible to be reimbursed for stepping outside of their comfort zone and doing something they have never done before.
  • All staff are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization hosts several opportunities for fun and fellowship.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
major gifts fundraisingdonor relationsrelationship-based salesmoves managementdonor researchwealth screeningstrategic segmentationproposal writingRFM analysisdonor pipeline management
Soft Skills
relationship buildingcommunicationcollaborationstrategic thinkingevent planningpersuasionadaptabilityauthentic engagement