Impress employers and recruiters.
Choose from hundreds of resume examples.

Target Resume Now

About the Role

The Director of Philanthropy is a seasoned major-gifts fundraiser responsible for securing transformational philanthropic investments that advance IDEA Public Schools’ mission. This role manages a multi-region portfolio of high-capacity donors, driving strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to grow IDEA’s pipeline of individuals, corporations, and foundations capable of giving $10,000–$250,000+ annually. The Director applies a disciplined, data-informed approach to portfolio strategy, executing qualification, crafting tailored donor pathways, and aligning engagements to long-term revenue growth. The role requires mastery in major gifts, including multi-year commitments, donor-advised funds, endowed gifts, and planned giving, and the ability to translate IDEA’s bold ambitions into compelling investment opportunities. As a trusted philanthropic advisor and strategic thought partner, the Director collaborates with internal partners to design high-impact proposals, stewardship plans, and engagement experiences. Reporting to the Lead Director of Philanthropy, this role bridges strategy and execution, ensuring major gifts work is coordinated, relationship-centered, metrics-aligned, and high-impact. The Director plays a critical frontline role in expanding IDEA’s community of loyal supporters and securing the philanthropic investments needed to serve more students.

Responsibilities

Manage a multi-region portfolio of high-capacity individual, corporate, and foundation donors, leading strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts that secure major gifts of $10,000–$250,000+ annually.
Develop and execute individualized donor strategies informed by data, research, and relationship history to advance prospects through the major gifts pipeline toward long-term philanthropic investment.
Conduct thoughtful donor qualification and discovery to assess capacity, interest, and readiness, aligning donor priorities with IDEA’s funding needs and strategic initiatives.
Prepare and deliver compelling proposals and gift solicitations, including multi-year commitments, donor-advised fund gifts, endowed gifts, and planned giving opportunities.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation of donor interactions, strategies, and progress within IDEA’s CRM to support effective portfolio management, forecasting, and collaboration.
Collaborate with internal partners to design and execute stewardship plans, engagement experiences, and donor communications that demonstrate impact, reinforce trust, and encourage continued investment.
Contribute to portfolio planning, forecasting, and continuous improvement efforts related to major gifts fundraising.
Participate in special initiatives, pilots, or campaigns that support the effectiveness and scalability of IDEA’s major gifts program.
Support leadership reporting and analysis as needed.
Maintain flexibility to adapt strategies in response to donor feedback, regional priorities, and organizational needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
5+ years of major gifts or high-level relationship management experience, with a strong track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts.
Graduate from a recognized four-year college or university preferably with a major in business administration, Human Resources, Information Systems, or related field or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
3+ years of experience with HCM configuration and support.
3+ years of experience utilizing project management frameworks to ensure project and team effectiveness.
3+ years of experience in business process design.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time while working at a computer, participating in meetings, and engaging in in-person and virtual donor interactions.
Ability to travel regularly and move between meeting locations or event venues, including walking, standing, and navigating indoor and outdoor spaces during donor meetings and fundraising events.
Ability to lift, carry, or move light materials (up to approximately 25 pounds), such as presentation materials, event supplies, or donor engagement resources.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends during peak fundraising periods; must be comfortable working independently while traveling.

Skills

Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts of $10,000–$250,000+, including multi-year and planned gifts.
Experience leading a sophisticated, multi-region portfolio with disciplined moves-management.
Strong ability to build trust with high-capacity donors and serve as a strategic philanthropic advisor.
Excellent storyteller who can translate impact data and organizational priorities into persuasive donor strategies.
Effective partner to executives, regional leaders, and program teams to align donor engagement and organizational needs.
Skilled in using CRM insights, forecasting, and analytics to drive portfolio decisions and measure progress (Salesforce preferred).
Deep commitment to IDEA’s values, with a donor-centered approach grounded in integrity and long-term partnership.
Ability to engage confidently across diverse regions, communities, and stakeholders.
Strong project management and organization across multiple priorities.
Make Strategic Decisions: This team member makes informed decisions by gathering reliable information, asking clarifying questions, and evaluating multiple options. They thoughtfully align their choices with team objectives, current responsibilities, and the broader mission of the organization.
Manage Work and Teams: This team member sets clear, measurable goals and regularly reflects on progress, adjusting actions as needed. They prioritize work aligned with their goals using a task management system and consistently meet deadlines through effective time management.
Grow Self and Others: This team member demonstrates self-awareness by actively seeking and thoughtfully responding to feedback with curiosity and a growth mindset. They identify development areas, implement feedback when appropriate, and pursue opportunities to build their knowledge and skills.
Build a Culture of Trust: This team member proactively builds strong personal and professional relationships with individual stakeholders and regularly seeks feedback to improve their work experience. They create a supportive environment where others feel safe to take risks and learn from mistakes without fear of retribution.
Communicate Deliberately: This team member communicates thoughtfully by anticipating potential misunderstandings and providing necessary context to ensure clarity. They leverage structured communication channels to address challenges, ask meaningful questions, and guide conversations toward solutions, while actively listening to the concerns of others.

Location

Texas
Rio Grande Valley
San Antonio
Tarrant County (Fort Worth)

Work Type

Full-time
Hybrid

Experience Level

5+ years of major gifts or high-level relationship management experience
3+ years of experience with HCM configuration and support
3+ years of experience utilizing project management frameworks
3+ years of experience in business process design

Education Level

Bachelor's degree required
Master's degree preferred
CFRE/CFRM preferred

Salary/Compensations

$98,200 - $115,900
Eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans
Disability
Life insurance
Parenting benefits
Flexible spending account options
Generous vacation time
Referral bonuses
Professional development
403(b) plan
Relocation stipend may be offered

About the Company

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values