Director, Major Gifts

Job Title: Director, Major Gifts

Organizational Unit: Development

Reports To: Chief Development Officer

Supervises: Mid-level Giving & Prospecting Officer

Location: Equality Now is a remote organization. This position may be based in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, or Washington, D.C., with a strong preference for candidates based in New York.

MISSION OBJECTIVE:

The Director, Major Gifts plays a pivotal role in advancing Equality Now’s global mission by leading and growing a major gifts portfolio, including gala sponsor ships, mid-level giving and donor engagement. In partnership with the Chief Development Officer and Chief Executive Officer, the Director translates Equality Now’s development strategy into actionable fundraising plans, strengthens donor pipelines and systems, and cultivates meaningful relationships with individuals, family foundations, and philanthropic networks.

This role spans strategy, donor cultivation and stewardship, portfolio management, events, executive engagement, and team leadership, and collaborates closely with Annual Giving & Development Operations functions. It requires an experienced fundraising leader with sound judgment, strong relationship-management skills, cross-cultural fluency, and the ability to translate Equality Now’s complex legal and programmatic work into compelling opportunities for philanthropic investment.

The Director will have the opportunity to shape and strengthen Equality Now’s Individual and Major Giving program during an important period of organizational growth. The successful candidate must be comfortable building systems, navigating complexity, inspiring donors and colleagues, and building the capacity of supervisee(s) and other junior staff focused on securing sustainable revenue to advance legal and systemic change for women and girls worldwide.

MAJOR

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following provides a general outline of the role. It is not exhaustive, and responsibilities may evolve at the discretion of the CDO based on organizational needs and priorities.

Purpose:
Innovate for Mission Expansion

• Serve as the senior lead for operationalizing the Individual & Major Giving strategy, translating our  development strategy into actionable plans, systems, and donor pathways across the full Individual Giving portfolio.
• Drive the execution and refinement of Equality Now’s high-touch major donor growth strategy, including implementing a network-mapping approach, strengthening Advisory Board and Ambassador engagement, building individualized strategies for UHNW, and designing innovative donor/prospect engagement initiatives (eg-salons, donor cohorts, donor journeys, in-kind/volunteer opportunities for mission impact)
• Partner with the CEO and CDO to support high-value donor/prospect cultivation and shape donor-facing opportunities aligned with organizational priorities, advising on donor motivations, portfolio insights, and potential engagement opportunities.
• Provide strategic leadership to align all tiers of individual giving—major gifts, gala sponsor ships, mid-level, and annual giving—ensuring cohesive messaging, clear donor journeys, and seamless handoffs between donor segments.
• Lead maintenance and continuous improvement of pipeline development and tracking practices, including donor qualification, engagement strategies, moves management, and standardized systems that enhance efficiency, clarity, and visibility across the portfolio.
• Lead/guide the development of donor-facing cases for support, investment opportunities, and strategic offerings, ensuring they reflect Equality Now’s mission, program vision, and funder-aligned messaging.

Engagement:
Advocate

• Manage a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects
  , cultivating deep,…