Associate Director of Major Gifts
Job Summary:
The Graduate School of Design (GSD) is a global leader in design education and research, training the next generation of architects, landscape architects, urban planners, urban designers, and design thinkers whose work will shape the future of cities, communities, and the planet. At a moment when the world faces urgent and interlocking challenges—from climate change and environmental justice to access to housing, public health, and infrastructure—the GSD is uniquely positioned to generate the creative, interdisciplinary, and actionable solutions these crises demand.
The School’s faculty and students push the boundaries of knowledge and practice, advancing ideas that influence policy, industry, and communities worldwide. To sustain and accelerate this impact, the GSD must secure long-term philanthropic investment in its core priorities: ensuring access for exceptional students, supporting world-class faculty, and fueling innovative programs and research.
Development and Alumni Relations is central to advancing these goals. Our dynamic and collaborative team, including five frontline fundraising positions, is pivoting toward a more metrics- and goal-oriented major and principal gifts program designed to significantly increase philanthropic support for the School. The Associate Director of Major Gifts will play a pivotal role in this evolution, helping to build a robust, sustainable pipeline of donors who are deeply engaged with the GSD’s mission and work.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Major Gifts and Individual Philanthropy, the Associate Director of Major Gifts is a key frontline fundraiser for the GSD, responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of approximately 150–250 prospective donors—including individuals, corporations, and foundations—with a primary focus on six-figure gifts and select opportunities to secure seven-figure commitments. Reporting to the Senior Director of Major Gifts and Individual Philanthropy, the Associate Director will advance the School’s highest priorities—students, faculty, and programs—by developing and executing thoughtful, data-informed strategies for identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
This full-time, exempt position is hybrid, with a minimum expectation of one day per week in the Cambridge office and extensive travel (primarily domestic) to engage donors and prospects.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Portfolio Management and Fundraising Strategy
- Manage a dynamic portfolio of approximately 150–250 major gift prospects across individuals, corporations, and foundations, with an emphasis on six-figure gifts and select seven-figure opportunities.
- Develop and implement individualized strategies for each prospect, guiding them through the full donor cycle: identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Lead the strategy and execution of complex solicitations, including multi-year commitments and endowed funds, collaborating with faculty and institutional leadership as appropriate.
- Maintain an active schedule of in-person and virtual visits, with extensive (primarily domestic) travel to engage prospects and donors.
Prospect Qualification and Pipeline Development
- Proactively identify and qualify new major gift prospects, building and strengthening a robust pipeline for major and principal gifts.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues in Development and Alumni Relations, and across the University as appropriate, to share intelligence and coordinate engagement strategies.
- Use data, research, and performance metrics to prioritize activity, inform decision-making, and drive toward ambitious revenue and activity goals.
Collaboration and Institutional Representation
- Serve as a compelling and informed ambassador for the GSD, articulating the School’s mission, vision, and priorities—and the urgency of design’s role in addressing global challenges—in a clear and inspiring way.
- Partner effectively with faculty, School leadership and staff, and University partners, preparing them for donor interactions and supporting their roles in the cultivation and solicitation process.
- Contribute positively to a collaborative team culture that values openness, learning, and shared success across all Development and Alumni Relations functions. Participate actively in the GSD campus community.
Stewardship and Donor Experience
- Ensure high-quality stewardship for major donors, informing tailored impact reporting, recognition, and ongoing engagement aligned with donor interests.
- Collaborate with colleagues to develop creative engagement opportunities—events, campus visits, program presentations, and other experiences—that deepen donors’ connection to the GSD’s work.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all donor and prospect activity in the Development CRM, supporting transparency, continuity, and institutional memory.
Metrics, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement
- Meet or exceed annual goals for visits, solicitations, dollars raised, and other key performance indicators.
- Regularly review portfolio performance, pipeline health, and progress against goals with the Senior Director of Major Gifts and Individual Philanthropy.
- Contribute to the ongoing refinement and elevation of the GSD’s major and principal gifts strategies across the team, bringing forward new ideas, best practices, and lessons learned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position.
Working Conditions: This position requires one day per week in-person at the GSD campus in Cambridge, MA throughout the academic year. Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that we cannot sponsor a VISA. Candidates who do not live within commuting distance of our Cambridge, Massachusetts campus should indicate on their resumes whether they are “willing to relocate,” as this position requires a regular on-campus presence.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications: Minimum of 8 years of frontline fundraising experience (or equivalent experience in a directly transferable area of development or institutional advancement), with a demonstrated track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts. Proven ability to manage the full donor cycle of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences. General computer literacy, including proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office or Google Workspace) and experience with at least one Development CRM (e.g., Advance, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or similar). Willingness and ability to travel extensively (primarily domestic) and to work occasional evenings and weekends as donor and event schedules require. Commitment to working in person on campus in Cambridge at least one day per week as part of a hybrid work arrangement.
Additional Qualifications and Skills: Bachelor’s degree preferred. Demonstrated success working independently to develop and execute tailored strategies for a diverse portfolio of prospects. Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and earn the trust of donors, senior leaders, faculty, and colleagues. Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with comfort working in a metrics- and goal-oriented environment. High level of professional judgment, discretion, and integrity in handling confidential information and donor relationships. Interest in design and the built environment, and the ability to represent the GSD’s work and vision compellingly and credibly. Strategic and analytical mindset: Able to synthesize information, prioritize opportunities, and design multi-step strategies that align donor interests with institutional needs. Independent and proactive: Comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy, taking initiative, and driving work forward without extensive direction, while knowing when to seek input. Collaborative team player: Values shared goals, communicates openly, and contributes to a culture of mutual respect, learning, and support. Persuasive storyteller: Able to connect the urgency of design education—and issues such as climate, housing, and social equity—to compelling cases for philanthropic investment. Adaptable and resilient: Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment; able to pivot strategies, manage ambiguity, and sustain focus on long-term goals. Detail-oriented and organized: Manages multiple priorities, deadlines, and relationships simultaneously, with strong follow-through and meticulous record-keeping.
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