Sr. Director, Principal & Major Gifts

Position Summary The Senior Director of Principal Major Gifts is responsible for managing a portfolio of approximately 75 prospects capable of making gifts of $500,000 or more. S/he will manage 1–2 staff and serve as the primary staff liaison to assigned departments and programs.

The Senior Director will build and nurture effective working relationships with senior management, department chiefs, clinicians, researchers, and volunteer leadership to identify funding needs, develop compelling cases for support, identify prospects and donors, and solicit major gifts. This role is expected to generate $3M–$5M in annual revenue.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 75 prospects capable of making gifts of $500,000 or more; develop and execute strategies to cultivate, solicit, and close major and planned gifts
• Generate revenue consistent with institutional goals, with an expectation of closing $3M–$5M annually
• Supervise and mentor a team of Senior Major Gift Officers
• Serve as primary liaison to assigned departments and programs, partnering with leadership to identify priorities and funding needs
• Build and maintain relationships with senior management, clinicians, researchers, and volunteer leaders
• Conduct 8–10 donor visits per month, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship meetings
• Develop and grow the prospect pipeline through proactive outreach and relationship building
• Collaborate across development, research, events, communications, finance, and stewardship teams to maximize donor engagement
• Prepare proposals, reports, donor correspondence, and case materials tailored to individual prospects
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor activity and prospect management
• Support campaign planning, metrics tracking, and strategic initiatives in partnership with senior leadership
• Engage and support board members, volunteers, and philanthropic councils in fundraising efforts
• Oversee and support high-level donor engagement events and cultivation activities
• Supervise, coach, and develop staff; provide ongoing feedback and performance management

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of progressively responsible fundraising and management experience
• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and closing 7- and 8-figure gifts, preferably in science, healthcare, or research settings
• Proven track record in complex, multi-faceted fundraising campaigns
• Experience managing and mentoring high-performing teams
• Strong ability to partner with senior leadership, board members, and volunteer leaders
• Strategic thinker with experience designing and executing fundraising initiatives
• Excellent project management, organizational, and analytical skills
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and relationship-building abilities
• High level of accountability, professionalism, and attention to detail
• Passion for healthcare, science, and mission-driven work

The posted pay range is Boston Children’s reasonable and good-faith expectation for this pay at the time of posting.

Any base pay offer provided depends on skills, experience, education, certifications, and a variety of other job-related factors. Base pay is one part of a comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible schedules, affordable health, vision and dental insurance, child care and student loan subsidies, generous levels of time off, 403(b) Retirement Savings plan, Pension, Tuition and certain License and Certification Reimbursement, cell phone plan discounts and discounted rates on T-passes. Experience the benefits of passion and teamwork.