Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving

Founded in 1881, the Academy of the Holy Names is a private Catholic school for boys and girls in Pre‑K‑8th grade and a college preparatory high school for young women.

The Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving is responsible for leading and executing AHN’s major gifts strategy to significantly grow philanthropic revenue. He/she is also responsible for developing, marketing, and managing our planned giving program to secure future philanthropic support. This role manages a portfolio of high‑net‑worth donors and prospects, cultivates long‑term relationships, and partners closely with school leadership to secure transformational gifts aligned with AHN’s mission and strategic priorities.

The role reports to the Director of Advancement. It is a full‑time 12‑month salaried position, Monday‑Friday, with some weekend and evening assignments. Occasional travel is required.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated success in relationship‑based revenue generation, preferably in major gifts fundraising or sales
• Proven record of personally soliciting and closing major gifts
• Experience working with senior leaders and board members
• Proficiency with donor databases/CRMs, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace

• Strategic thinker with a strong results orientation
• Highly organized with excellent follow‑through
• Discreet, ethical, and donor‑centered
• Strong relationship‑building and communication skills
• Collaborative and adaptable
• Passionate about AHN’s mission and impact

• Develop and implement a comprehensive major gifts strategy to meet and exceed annual and long‑term fundraising goals.
• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, typically defined as leadership gifts of $5,000+.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through personalized engagement strategies.
• Secure outright, multi‑year, and restricted gifts.
• Conduct personal face‑to‑face solicitations with lead donor prospects.
• Investigate and pursue potential opportunities for corporate and foundation support.
• Conduct prospect research to inform strategy and identify new donors.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive planned giving strategy aligned with AHN’s long‑term fundraising goals.
• Grow the Holy Names Legacy Society by adding new members each year.
• Promote planned giving opportunities, including bequests, beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, trusts, and other deferred giving vehicles.
• Create and manage marketing and educational initiatives to raise awareness of planned giving opportunities.
• Ensure accurate documentation, gift acceptance, and administration in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
• Track planned gift commitments, expectancies, and realized gifts.
• Develop stewardship plans for planned giving donors, including engagement and recognition.
• Ensure timely acknowledgment, reporting, and ongoing communication with planned giving donors and their families.

• Build deep, trust‑based relationships with donors through meaningful, mission‑driven engagement and exceptional customer service.
• Create tailored solicitation proposals and stewardship plans that align donor interests with organizational priorities.
• Organize memorial mass intentions and serve on athletic Hall of Fame induction committee.

• Partner with the School President, Director of Advancement, Advancement colleagues, and board members to support donor cultivation and solicitation efforts.
• Manage volunteers for initiatives/events related to major gift fundraising and the Holy Names Legacy Society.
• Collaborate with Advancement Team and Marketing/Communications department to:
  • Align messaging and donor impact storytelling.
  • Ensure timely, impactful donor recognition and reporting.
  • Identify major gift prospects and strategize engagement of prospective donors.
  • Secure leadership event sponsors and coordinate a successful paddle raise.

• Track donor activity, moves management, and revenue progress using the organization’s CRM system.
• Analyze data and prepare reports to inform strategy, forecast revenue, and assess performance.
• Manage expense budget.
• Engage in regular and ongoing professional development to grow skillset.
• Attend weekly team meetings and annual Advancement retreat.
• Set annual SMART goals/performance goals and work to achieve them.
• Participate in/support other Advancement programs/events, as necessary.