Director of Major Gifts

Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of TechnoServe’s work around the world for over 50 years. TechnoServe is a pioneer in leveraging the power of business and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty.

The low-income communities in which we work are full of enterprising people. Their small-scale farms and businesses are the keys to economic development. But they face many challenges: low literacy, lack of access to jobs and markets, unpredictable political dynamics and, increasingly, the effects of climate change. For many women and young people, the challenges are even more daunting. Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are amazing...when incomes increase and living conditions for families get better, they are able to access health care and education previously out of reach. Communities and even whole countries are better off. 

Job Summary:

TechnoServe is embarking on an exciting new strategic plan that will result in it doubling its impact over the next 10 years. In support of that plan, the organization has set an ambitious target by more than  doubling its private fundraising - revenue derived primarily from US-based individuals and family foundations - from $6.5 million to $15 million by 2026. While some of this growth will be driven by direct mail and digital marketing, the majority of it will come from significantly expanding its Major Donor program.

The purpose of this position is to lead the growth of that  program, generating primarily unrestricted revenue from donors making gifts in excess of $10,000. This position advances the organization’s mission by helping its board and staff develop long-term philanthropic relationships with individuals and family foundations that encourage them to maximize their financial support for TechnoServe.

The person occupying the post should be fully capable of developing and leading the implementation of a comprehensive major gift program that covers the whole donor development cycle: identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Success will depend on her/his ability to effectively engage development and communications department staff, program staff, executive leadership and board members. The qualified individual will have a strong track-record of managing a personal portfolio of donor relationships; will be a self-starter; and prepared to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. Key measures of success for the position include: increasing contributed income, growing the overall portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, and engaging personally with donors and prospects.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Lead a comprehensive major donor program that has a strategic approach to each phase of the donor development cycle and effectively leverages TechnoServe’s existing donor programs (i.e. Global Advisory Council, Mid-level Donors, Partners in Prosperity):
  • A robust prospect identification and research capacity that effectively generates new leads for major gift officers
  • A comprehensive donor cultivation approach that incorporates personal, online and offline tactics in an integrated fashion
  • An aggressive approach to gift solicitation that is appropriately tailored to a prospect/donor’s propensity and capacity
  • An effective stewardship program that expresses gratitude while at the same time setting the stage for future gifts
• Manage a personal portfolio of 100+ donors/prospects at various stages of engagement with TechnoServe:
  • Develop and manage strategies for the portfolio
  • Engage in individual cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities
• Work with board members, the CEO and other staff to effectively engage them in the major donor program:
  • Solicit prospect leads
  • Engage and support them in developing and managing cultivation and solicitation plans for donors/prospects as appropriate, including developing meeting strategies, talking points and follow-up activities.
• Work with leadership and program staff to identify funding needs and opportunities
• Establish and continually seek to develop and improve systems, tools and approaches related to:
  • Moves management
  • Success metrics
  • Major Donor program reporting and accountability
• Work closely and effectively with the whole development and communications team to support, and at times lead, the development of content and messaging that supports and advances the goals of the major donor program
• Performs other duties as required

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and 15 years of experience; or Master’s degree and 10 years of experience
• At least 7 years of experience working directly with major gifts in a nonprofit organization
• Experience managing a major gifts program supported by digital marketing
• Experience soliciting gifts from individuals in excess of $500,000

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with donor management and marketing software platforms, Raisers Edge and Hubspot preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to think strategically while also managing a challenging day to day workload
• Proven ability to engage with colleagues and to form strong working relationships in a team environment

Supervisory Responsibilities

As the leader of the major gift program, the Director of Major Gifts will supervise 3 staff:

• 2 mid-level major gift officers
• 1 prospect researcher

We encourage all qualified individuals who share TechnoServe's vision of improving the lives of others through proven business solutions to apply.

With our commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, HIV/AIDS status, protected veteran status, disability and all other protected classes.

We are also proud of our commitment to protecting staff, partners, and beneficiaries from abuse and exploitation and thoroughly vet all final candidates through rigorous background and reference checks.

If you have a disability that affects your ability to use our online system to apply for a position at TechnoServe please contact the Human Resources at recruitment@tns.org or call +1 202 785 4515.

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