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Sr. Director, Major and Planned Gifts

WABE is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Sr. Director, Major and Planned Gifts to lead and grow a comprehensive major and planned giving program. This senior leader will report to the Executive Vice President, Membership and Development and be responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity donors while managing a team of frontline fundraisers and a stewardship manager.

The ideal candidate is an experienced fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing significant gifts, building high-performing teams, and developing donor-centric strategies that drive revenue growth and deepen engagement.

Accountabilities:

• Develop and implement integrated annual and major giving plans to meet established fundraising goals and revenue targets. 
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of major gift officers and a stewardship manager, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture. 
• Set clear goals, performance metrics, and accountability standards for team success. 
• Provide ongoing coaching and strategic guidance to support strong portfolio management and donor engagement. 
• Partner with Development leadership to align major and planned giving strategies with organizational priorities. 
• Design and execute strategies to grow major gifts ($10,000+) and planned giving commitments. 
• Manage a personal portfolio of high-capacity donors, with a focus on securing transformational gifts. 
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through tailored engagement strategies. 
• Collaborate with leadership on campaign planning and key fundraising initiatives. 
• Oversee a comprehensive stewardship program to ensure timely, meaningful donor recognition and engagement. 
• Partner cross-functionally with marketing and programming to align donor communications and storytelling. 
• Guide the development of donor proposals, presentations, and customized materials. 
• Expand and promote planned giving efforts, including bequests and other legacy gifts. 
• Utilize CRM data and reporting to inform strategy, track performance, and forecast revenue. 
• Monitor, document, and report on pipeline activity and progress toward revenue goals and KPIs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• 10+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with a strong emphasis on major gifts 
• Proven success securing five- and six-figure gifts and closing complex philanthropic commitments 
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing fundraising teams 
• Strong knowledge of major and planned giving strategies and vehicles 
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills 
• Strategic thinker with the ability to use data to inform decision-making and drive results 
• Proficiency with CRM systems such as Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or similar platforms 
• Ability to manage multiple complex priorities with a high level of organization and confidentiality 
• Collaborative mindset with strong team orientation and the ability to work across functions 
• Passion for WABE’s mission, with flexibility to travel and engage with donors and stakeholders as needed

Desired Attributes and Traits:  

• Collaboration: Works effectively across teams and builds strong internal partnerships to achieve shared goals 
• Strategic Focus & Execution: Prioritizes work, manages multiple projects, and drives both short- and long-term objectives 
• Donor Curiosity & Insight: Demonstrates genuine curiosity about donors, uncovering capacity, interests, and motivations 
• Judgment & Decision-Making: Exercises sound judgment and makes timely, thoughtful decisions in complex or ambiguous situations 
• Influence & Relationship Building: Persuades and inspires others through strong interpersonal skills and indirect influence 
• Adaptability & Resilience: Navigates change effectively and adjusts strategies to meet evolving needs and circumstances 
• Communication & Leadership: Communicates clearly and persuasively, actively listens, and leads teams with motivation and accountability

Work Environment & Physical Demands: 

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods during the day. Reaching above shoulder height, below the waist or lifting as required (up to 5 lbs.), filing documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. Ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment. Candidates must be willing to work in a hybrid environment but provide their own transportation to the station. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support departmental events or during high-volume periods (membership campaigns).

WABE is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.  

For consideration, submit cover letter and resume to:

WABE

Attention: Human Resources

740 Bismark Rd. NE

Atlanta, GA 30324

Fax: 678-553-3026

Apply online at: www.wabe.org

EOE