The Director of Major Gifts serves under the direct supervision of the Senior Director of Advancement.  The Director of Major Gifts works in collaboration with the Advancement Division of Notre Dame College Prep and is responsible for the overall management of the major gifts program, which is charged with maintaining relationships and securing support from donors who are capable of making major gifts.

EXPECTATIONS:

• Full-time, 12 months
• Travel as needed
• Nights and weekends as needed

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Specific accountabilities shall include, but not limited to:

• Knowledge of the mission and philosophy of Notre Dame College Prep and support in incorporating and communicating its vision.
• Engaging, developing and stewarding relationships to advance the NDCP mission and bottom line. 
• Soliciting major gifts ($10,000 and up) to support capital projects and tuition assistance.
• Working collaboratively with the Advancement Department in developing programs and strategies for Major Gift prospects and recognition of cumulative Major Gift donors of $10,000 or more.
• Identifying, qualifying, cultivating and soliciting appropriate alumni, alumni parents, current parents and friends of NDCP for major gifts.
• Maintaining updated information on Major Gift prospects and Major Gift donors in the fundraising database.
• Overseeing the Scholarship Endowment, maintaining donations from current supporters and soliciting new donors.
• Increasing participation in the Planned Giving Program.
• Meeting with potential donors identified as part of the "Dons on the Road" program locally and nationally, when appropriate.
• Obtaining supporters for our two largest fundraisers, the Ray Gorzynski ‘60 Golf Outing and our Spirit Gala.
• Supporting each member of the Advancement Department by providing assistance when requested and being a presence at major NDCP events.
• Continuing professional development.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in fundraising, nonprofit management, business administration, marketing, communications, or related field required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, with a focus on securing and stewarding major gifts ($10,000+).
• Proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing major and planned gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic fundraising plans to meet ambitious revenue goals.
• Demonstrated success in managing donor portfolios and achieving annual fundraising targets.
• Experience working in a school is a plus, but not required.

Qualifications:

• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage high-net-worth donors and inspire philanthropic support.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills; ability to craft compelling donor proposals and impact reports.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Proficiency with donor management databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and Google suite.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends for donor events and meetings.

About Notre Dame College Prep

Notre Dame College Prep, the largest, all-male Catholic high school in the state of Illinois, was founded in 1955 by the Priests of Holy Cross, Indiana Province. Since then, Notre Dame has been committed to educating the minds and hearts of young men in an inclusive, family-oriented community for over 70 years. With an emphasis on faith, scholarship and service, NDCP is faithful to the Roman Catholic tradition and prepares students to be lifelong learners and lead lives of integrity.

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