Jobs and Careers

Director of Corporate Partnerships (Director of Major Gifts)

New York City, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 16 Apr 2026

💰 $140,000/yr($42,000/yr – $140,000/yr)

About the role

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.
Reporting to the Managing Director of Advancement, the Director of Major Gifts (posted as Director of Corporate Partnerships) is responsible for managing philanthropic partnerships with DREAM’s individual and corporate donors. This individual will cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors and work collaboratively across a diverse fundraising team towards a collective goal of $21M in philanthropic annual revenue.
This is a great role for an experienced fundraiser who is looking to build long-term relationships with New York City’s leading individual and corporate donors and maximize their impact. This person will have the opportunity to lead and innovate on securing new partners, while collaborating with a diverse and well-established fundraising team.

Responsibilities

Strategic Portfolio Management
Design and execute specific revenue strategies for DREAM’s major gifts program with a focus on building the major gifts portfolio
Manage a dynamic portfolio of 100-150 individual and corporate major gift prospects
Develop and implement tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies for each prospect; write concept notes and proposals as needed
Conduct regular donor meetings and visits to deepen relationships and bring donors closer to DREAM’s mission
Collaborate with the Special Events & Operations team to solicit special event sponsorships
Ensure timely and meaningful stewardship, including writing donor reports, coordinating touchpoints from executive and Board leadership, and PR and cause marketing initiatives
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in Salesforce

Pipeline Development
Collaborate with the Prospect Researcher to identify, qualify, and cultivate new donors to DREAM
Attend external events and conferences to expand DREAM’s philanthropic network
With support from the Special Events & Operations team, plan and facilitate cultivation events with key corporate prospects

Career Partnerships
Collaborate with the Program team to identify and secure corporate partners who can provide internship and career opportunities for current DREAM students and alumni
Support special partner initiatives, including but not limited to panels, presentations, media opportunities, and targeted volunteer events
Leverage volunteer and employee engagement opportunities for increased engagement of corporate and individual prospects

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, required; Master’s degree in relevant field, preferred;
5+ years of direct fundraising experience cultivating and soliciting individual and/or corporate donors;
Experience with strategic management of a major gifts portfolio, preferred;
A high level of emotional intelligence and the ability to quickly build relationships with donors, board members, and colleagues;
Excellent verbal and written communicator, who can inspire others to join DREAM’s mission and illustrate our impact;
Strong team player, who works alongside other fundraisers and executives to maximize philanthropic partnerships;
Fluid and dynamic problem-solver;
A working knowledge of the New York City philanthropic community;
Experience using Salesforce to manage donor activity and revenue pipeline; strong analytical skills to plan, project, and adjust revenue forecasts;
A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community.