Assistant Director, Individual Giving

Perkins helps children with disabilities find their place in the world. An international NGO, we are committed to delivering best-in-class education to children, providing immersive training and support to professionals and families, advocating for inclusion, and accelerating innovation for people with disabilities. At Perkins, we think courageously, act collaboratively, and we own our work. Join a supportive community committed to growth where your work makes a difference.

What you can expect as our Assistant Director, Individual Giving

As our Assistant Director, Individual Giving, you will play a pivotal role in motivating both new and existing donors to join our mission. With a deep commitment to inclusion and accessibility, you will channel your passion for positive change into every donor relationship you cultivate.  In this leadership role, you'll drive the growth of our major giving program, developing a strategic vision for the next five years, including our upcoming 200th anniversary and a Capital Campaign. Inspired by Perkins' evolution from the first school for the blind in the U.S. to a global leader in accessibility, you’ll ignite the imaginations of our donors, encouraging them to dream big. This is a unique opportunity to shape and grow our indivdiual giving strategy, helping us reach new heights.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Expectations include the following:  

• Lead and build a best in class Individual Giving team who can drive fundraising growth and expand Perkins’ impact

• Set goals, objectives and strategies for a high performing team

• Manage a personal portfolio of high-potential prospects with the ability to contribute six- and seven-figure gifts

• Support management of a dynamic Annual Leadership Giving program

• Collaborate with program teams to develop strategies to build and expand the major donor pipeline

• Track and achieve key metrics

• Perform other duties and task as assigned

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Minimum of eight years of progressive fundraising development experience managing a high performance team

• Strong leadership and relationship building skills 

• Proven success in prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation of six- and seven-figure gifts

• Experience managing or working on Capital Campaigns

• Strong experience in budgeting and revenue forecasting 

• Eloquent and persuasive in speaking and writing; patient and calm under pressure or dealing with emotional topics

• Deadline and goal driven

• High ethical standards in handling sensitive information and maintaining donor confidentiality

• Skilled in building and maintaining effective relationships, motivating teams and achieving individual and collective goals 

• Experience with Salesforce and Salesforce Nonprofit

• International fundraising experience is a plus

• Willingness to travel (up to 20%)

If hired as a regular employee at Perkins, we have benefits that put you first, including an employer contributing retirement plan, tuition reimbursement from day one, professional development, personal days, paid time off and paid sick leave. Our campus is quaint, charming and historical, a perfect mix of legacy and modern buildings. It is located in the heart of Watertown, adjacent to the Charles River and less than 1 mile from food & entertainment at Arsenal Yards.

Perkins is an equal opportunity employer. View the Perkins Notice of non-discrimination.