Director, Major Gifts

JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR, MAJOR GIFTS REPORTING TO: CHIEF PHILANTHROPY OFFICER DEPARTMENT: PHILANTHROPY POSITION: FULL-TIME/EXEMPT

Orange County United Way seeks a dynamic and strategic fundraising professional to serve as Director, Major Gifts, with a key leadership role overseeing the Alexis de Tocqueville Society—a distinguished group of philanthropists contributing $10,000 or more. This individual will direct all Tocqueville Society efforts in Orange County, including managing the Tocqueville Cabinet, stewarding members, leading year-round society engagement events, and driving both renewals and—most critically—new member acquisition.

In addition, the Director will lead efforts to cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of donors contributing between $10,000 and $100,000, while advancing relationships with prospects capable of making six-figure gifts. The Director will play a pivotal role in driving philanthropic revenue to support our mission and programs.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder with a deep understanding of donor motivations, a compelling communicator, and a results-oriented fundraiser with a proven track record in major gifts. This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire donors and volunteers alike.

• Alexis de Tocqueville Society Leadership
  • Provide strategic leadership for the Tocqueville Society, ensuring strong volunteer empowerment, engagement, stewardship, and growth.
  • Manage and support the Tocqueville Cabinet, including meeting planning, volunteer engagement, and partnership on cultivation and solicitation strategies.
  • Lead efforts to renew and upgrade current Tocqueville members and, especially, to acquire new members through targeted outreach and cultivation.
  • Support volunteer leaders in their fundraising efforts.
  • Oversee all Tocqueville Society stewardship and engagement events throughout the year.
  • Serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of Tocqueville-level donors and prospects.
• Fundraising & Portfolio Management
  • Secure major gifts ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a goal of raising $1.5 million annually within two years.
  • Manage a portfolio of100–125 major donors and prospects, ensuring consistent engagement and stewardship.
  • Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to meet and exceed activity metrics and revenue goals.
  • Develop and execute individualized donor strategies and moves management plans.
• Donor Engagement & Stewardship
  • Conduct direct, face-to-face solicitations regularly.
    
    Meet weekly goals of having at least 3-4 face-to-face donor visits each week.
  • Ensure timely and meaningful donor recognition, both public and private.
  • Help donors achieve their philanthropic goals through strategic engagement with our organization.
• Collaboration & Leadership
  • Partner with staff and volunteer leadership to leverage relationships and expand donor networks.
  • Collaborate closely with the development teams to align fundraising strategies.
  • Work with the Chief Philanthropy Officer to set annual goals and strategies.
• Systems & Reporting
  • Utilize donor database and prospect research resources to track engagement and inform strategy.
  • Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions, contact reports, and meeting preparation.
  • Meet weekly expectations for database entries and updates to donor plans.
• Events & Representation
  • Attend and support donor cultivation events, organizational functions, and community engagements as needed.
  • Always represent Orange County United Way with professionalism and passion.
• Other Duties
  • Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the success of Orange County United Way and the philanthropy team.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution preferred.
• 3–5 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with a strong record of securing major gifts and meeting revenue goals.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and soliciting six-figure gifts.
• Deep understanding of donor engagement, stewardship, and relationship management.
• Familiarity with Orange County and/or Southern California…