Director, Major Gifts

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Job Description

As Director, Major Gifts, you will build and grow a portfolio of donors and prospects, leading the full lifecycle of major gift fundraising from initial engagement through solicitation and stewardship. You will develop tailored strategies, identify new opportunities, and connect donors directly to the impact of Uncommon Schools. In close partnership with internal teams and leadership, you will translate our work into compelling giving opportunities that expand philanthropic support.

Portfolio Management & Fundraising Strategy

• Build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, with a focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationships
• Design and execute individualized strategies to align donor interests with Uncommon’s priorities
• Develop proposals, letters of inquiry, and tailored communications to support fundraising efforts

Donor Engagement & Relationship Building

• Lead in-person and virtual engagement with donors through meetings, school visits, and curated experiences
• Translate Uncommon’s impact into clear, compelling narratives that inspire philanthropic investment
• Ensure timely, thoughtful stewardship to strengthen long-term donor relationships

Prospect Identification & Network Expansion

• Identify and qualify new prospective donors through research, events, and outreach
• Partner with internal stakeholders and leadership to expand access to new donor networks
• Contribute to building a strong pipeline of high-capacity prospects

Pipeline Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Maintain accurate donor records and pipeline data in Salesforce or similar systems
• Forecast revenue and track progress toward fundraising goals
• Collaborate with development, marketing, and program teams to align messaging and engagement strategies

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 10+ years of professional experience, including 7–9 years of directly relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience in frontline fundraising, with a focus on major or principal gifts
• Proven track record managing a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and securing major gifts
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey mission and impact
• Experience developing donor strategies, proposals, and engagement plans
• Proficiency with Salesforce or similar CRM systems, including pipeline tracking and revenue forecasting

Preferred:

• Familiarity with the New York City philanthropic landscape
• Experience collaborating across teams to support fundraising strategy
• Strong analytical skills to support planning and decision-making

Physical Requirements:

• Minimal physical demands, including extended periods working at a desk

Not sure you meet every qualification? We encourage you to apply—we’re excited to learn what you bring.

Additional Information

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent. 

Compensation:
The full compensation range for this role is $116,800–$146,000. Typically, new hires who fully meet all qualifications listed in the job description will start at $124,100. Starting compensation below this reflects candidates with less experience or qualifications. Offers near the top end of the range are reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the qualifications, bringing extensive experience and specialized expertise beyond what is listed.

Compensation determinations consider relevant professional experience and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Additionally, because we value internal growth and tenure, current staff