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Clint Ward
Major Gifts Director
Summary
A highly skilled and experienced Major Gifts Director with a proven track record of success in cultivating, developing, and maintaining relationships with major donors, achieving revenue targets exceeding $1 million. Possesses a deep understanding of philanthropic fundraising principles and practices, and excels in managing a pipeline of prospects through research, qualification, and cultivation strategies. Adept at developing and executing personalized solicitations, leading and motivating a team of major gifts officers, and conducting in-depth due diligence on potential donors. Has a strong commitment to ethical fundraising practices and a passion for making a difference through philanthropy.
Education
Bachelor’s degree
May 2017
Skills
- Prospecting and Lead Generation
- Donor Stewardship and Relationship Management
- Major Gift Solicitation and Closing
- Philanthropic Event Planning and Execution
- Board Engagement and Cultivation
- Case Writing and Grant Proposal Writing
Work Experience
Major Gifts Director
- Lead and motivate a team of major gifts officers, setting goals, providing training, and ensuring performance excellence.
- Conduct indepth due diligence on potential donors, identifying philanthropic interests and alignment with organizational priorities.
- Establish and maintain ethical fundraising practices, adhering to industry regulations and internal policies.
- Develop and implement fundraising campaigns tailored to the interests of major donors, generating significant revenue.
Major Gifts Director
- Cultivate, develop, and maintain relationships with major donors, achieving revenue targets exceeding $1 million.
- Manage a pipeline of prospects through research, qualification, and cultivation strategies, securing commitments totaling $500,000+.
- Foster longterm collaborations with major donors through stewardship programs, increasing donor retention rates by 20%.
- Develop and execute personalized solicitations, including letters, phone calls, and facetoface meetings, resulting in closing rates of 75%.
Accomplishments
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive major gift fundraising strategy, resulting in a 30% increase in donations
- Cultivated and closed a $1 million planned gift from a firsttime donor
- Established and managed a portfolio of highnetworth individuals, resulting in multiyear gift commitments
- Led a team of fundraising professionals to secure grants totaling $2.5 million for a major capital project
- Conducted thorough research and analysis to identify and qualify potential major gift prospects
Awards
- Major Gifts Fundraising Award for exceeding annual fundraising goals by 25%
- Association of Fundraising Professionals Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award
- Nonprofit of the Year Award for exceptional fundraising leadership and strategic vision
- Major Gift Societys Lifetime Giving Award for contributions exceeding $1 million
Certificates
- Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)
- Master Fund Raising Executive (MFRE)
- Advanced Certified Major Gift Fundraiser (ACMGFR)
- Certified Development Director (CDD)
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How To Write Resume For Major Gifts Director
- Highlight your accomplishments and quantify your results whenever possible.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the major gifts fundraising process and your ability to manage a pipeline of prospects.
- Emphasize your relationship-building skills and your ability to cultivate long-term relationships with donors.
- Showcase your leadership and management skills, as well as your ability to motivate and train a team.
Essential Experience Highlights for a Strong Major Gifts Director Resume
- Cultivate, develop, and maintain relationships with major donors, achieving revenue targets exceeding $1 million annually.
- Manage a pipeline of prospects through research, qualification, and cultivation strategies, securing commitments totaling $500,000+.
- Foster long-term collaborations with major donors through stewardship programs, increasing donor retention rates by 20%.
- Develop and execute personalized solicitations, including letters, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings, resulting in closing rates of 75%.
- Lead and motivate a team of major gifts officers, setting goals, providing training, and ensuring performance excellence.
- Conduct in-depth due diligence on potential donors, identifying philanthropic interests and alignment with organizational priorities.
- Establish and maintain ethical fundraising practices, adhering to industry regulations and internal policies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) For Major Gifts Director
What are the key responsibilities of a Major Gifts Director?
The key responsibilities of a Major Gifts Director include cultivating, developing, and maintaining relationships with major donors, managing a pipeline of prospects, developing and executing personalized solicitations, leading and motivating a team of major gifts officers, conducting in-depth due diligence on potential donors, and establishing and maintaining ethical fundraising practices.
What are the essential skills for a Major Gifts Director?
Essential skills for a Major Gifts Director include prospecting and lead generation, donor stewardship and relationship management, major gift solicitation and closing, philanthropic event planning and execution, board engagement and cultivation, and case writing and grant proposal writing.
What is the career path for a Major Gifts Director?
The career path for a Major Gifts Director typically includes roles such as Development Officer, Major Gifts Officer, and Director of Development. With experience and success, Major Gifts Directors may advance to leadership roles within the organization, such as Vice President of Development or Chief Development Officer.
What is the salary range for a Major Gifts Director?
The salary range for a Major Gifts Director varies based on experience, location, and the size of the organization. According to Salary.com, the median annual salary for a Major Gifts Director in the United States is $112,654. Salaries can range from $80,000 to $150,000 or more.
What is the job outlook for Major Gifts Directors?
The job outlook for Major Gifts Directors is expected to grow faster than average in the coming years. As nonprofits increasingly rely on major gifts to fund their programs and services, the demand for skilled professionals who can cultivate and manage relationships with major donors will continue to increase.
What are the top companies that hire Major Gifts Directors?
Top companies that hire Major Gifts Directors include the American Red Cross, United Way, Salvation Army, YMCA, and Habitat for Humanity.
What are the key trends in major gifts fundraising?
Key trends in major gifts fundraising include the increasing use of technology to identify and cultivate potential donors, the growing importance of donor stewardship and relationship management, and the increasing focus on personalized and tailored solicitations.
What are the ethical considerations for Major Gifts Directors?
Major Gifts Directors must adhere to the highest ethical standards in their work. This includes being transparent and honest with donors, respecting donor privacy and confidentiality, and avoiding any conflicts of interest. Major Gifts Directors must also be mindful of the fiduciary responsibility they have to their organization and its donors.