Upwardly Global
For immigrants and refugees. For America.
Senior Director – Major Gifts
Location
California
Posted
130 days ago
Salary
$140K - $175K / year
Bachelor Degree10 yrs expEnglish
Job Description
• Lead the major gifts and individual giving program, overseeing strategy, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors at the $10K+ level.
• Manage a personal portfolio of high-net-worth donors and prospects, cultivating deep relationships and securing six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Develop and execute a multi-year growth plan for major gifts in partnership with the Chief Development Officer and CEO.
• Partner with the Development Operations team to ensure the donor pipeline, Salesforce systems, and reporting processes effectively support relationship management.
• Supervise and mentor a team of gift officers and donor engagement staff, fostering a collaborative, results-oriented culture.
• Partner closely with Finance, Communications, and Program teams to align fundraising priorities and impact storytelling.
• Collaborate with Upwardly Global’s leadership and Board to identify and engage new networks of philanthropic supporters.
• Design and oversee a robust donor stewardship and recognition strategy that deepens engagement and demonstrates impact.
• Plan and participate in donor events, briefings, and campaigns that advance major gift relationships.
• Represent Upwardly Global externally with authenticity, passion, and a clear articulation of our mission and results.
Job Requirements
- 10+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with at least 5 years focused on major gifts or individual giving.
- Proven track record in building major gift pipelines through thoughtful and strategic prospecting; establishing pathways to engage lapsed donors, upgrade existing, and bring in new qualified donors.
- Proven success managing a personal portfolio of high-net-worth donors and closing six- and seven-figure gifts.
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams and integrate major gifts strategies with broader organizational goals.
- Strong command of fundraising systems (Salesforce NPSP preferred), donor pipeline management, and data-driven strategy.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to inspire trust, convey impact, and connect authentically with diverse stakeholders.
- A strategic, entrepreneurial mindset and passion for Upwardly Global’s mission to create equitable pathways to opportunity.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with employer match
- Generous paid time off and professional development support
- Flexible, mission-driven, and inclusive workplace culture
- Wellness benefits include (but are not limited to) a Calm App subscription, a Birthday Holiday, 16 hours of health and wellness PTO in addition to the regular sick leave (40 hours) and PTO (160 hours); an office-wide end-of-year closure (paid) from December 20 to January 1 to allow our team to rest and restore for the new year.
- 12 weeks paid parental leave (gender inclusive)
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