Director of Philanthropy

Director Of Philanthropy

The Director of Philanthropy is a seasoned major-gifts fundraiser responsible for securing transformational philanthropic investments that advance IDEA Public Schools' mission. Managing a multi-region portfolio of high-capacity donors, the Director drives strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to grow IDEA's pipeline of individuals, corporations, and foundations capable of giving $10,000–$250,000+ annually. Operating within IDEA's new Foundation model, the Director applies a disciplined, data-informed approach to portfolio strategy—executing thoughtful qualification, crafting tailored donor pathways, and aligning every engagement 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. A trusted philanthropic advisor to donors and a strategic thought partner across IDEA's fundraising and regional leadership, the Director collaborates closely with program leaders, regional executives, Advancement Services, and the Donor Experience team to design high-impact proposals, stewardship plans, and engagement experiences that deepen trust and strengthen IDEA's financial sustainability.

Reporting to the Lead Director of Philanthropy, this role bridges strategy and execution—ensuring IDEA's 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, in more regions, for years to come.

Location:

This is a full-time position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:
This role requires regular in-person donor meetings across multiple regions, including travel within and outside the Director's home market. Approximately 30–40% travel annually, with increased volume during peak fundraising periods (e.g., donor solicitations, cultivation events, College Signing Day, and the Annual Gala).

Essential Duties:

• 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.

Additional

Duties and Responsibilities:

In addition to the essential duties outlined above, the Director of Philanthropy contributes to portfolio planning, forecasting, and continuous improvement efforts related to major gifts fundraising. This role participates in special initiatives, pilots, or campaigns that support the effectiveness and scalability of IDEA's major gifts program; supports leadership reporting and analysis as needed; and maintains flexibility to adapt strategies in response to donor feedback, regional priorities, and organizational needs.

Knowledge and Skills –

Competencies:

• Make Strategic Decisions:
  This team member makes informed decisions by gathering reliable information, asking clarifying…