Director of Major Gifts - Playmaker Project

For as long as you can remember, you've had a gift for connecting people through storytelling and helping others see themselves in the story. Your teachers commented on it, your parents boasted about it, and your successful career has been built upon it. Over the years, you've discovered how much it matters to you to have a tangible impact, a way to measure the connections you make. You love a creative challenge and making a difference in the lives of others. Once you discovered the world of making gifts count, you knew you'd found your calling. We're glad you found us.

ABOUT THE LIFE IS GOOD PLAYMAKER PROJECT

We teach early childhood educators to help kids heal through play. Our kids are in crisis. Depression, anxiety, and trauma are rising at alarming rates. We believe early childhood educators are perfectly positioned to be a powerful first-line of defense in addressing this crisis. We give them the training, resources, and ongoing support they need to do so. We have a growing network of more than 18,000 professionals across the U.S. who use our trauma-informed, play-based approach to build positive relationships and joy-filled environments for children. We call these trained educators Playmakers. Our work is needed now more than ever. In 2023, we launched our new online platform, Playmaker University, offering a new teacher certification program, continuing education, and a supportive alumni community. Our NPS is off the charts, and it’s time for the world to know about us. That’s where you come in.  

YOUR OBJECTIVE
Simply put, you make it rain. You are responsible for developing and implementing a fundraising strategy that significantly diversifies our revenue streams and donor base beyond what Life is Good contributes annually. You are not inheriting a well-established major gifts program, donor roster, and team. You are rolling up your sleeves and applying an entrepreneurial mindset to drive transformational change at a critical moment for our organization. In close collaboration with the Founder, Executive Director, and Donor Stewardship Manager, you will develop meaningful relationships with high-value donors and strategic partners and be able to cultivate, solicit, and steward for increased levels of investment. You maximize revenue and relationship-building outcomes through activities including, but not limited to, developing an effective major gifts program, a differentiated investor experience, creating business process standards for relationship management, and data management and reporting standards.

Requirements

YOUR JOB

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Major Gifts is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and reports directly to the Executive Director

• Lead the development and execution of a world-class Major Gifts program that attracts, recognizes, engages, and retains multi-year, high-value investors
• Serve as a primary fundraiser alongside the Executive Director, building relationships through face-to-face cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activity
• Leverage our inspirational Founder and Chief Playmaker to advance relationships and inspire a deeper level of investment in our work
• Grow annual revenue from individual, foundation, and corporate donors through relationship-based fundraising and strategic moves management
• Develop and manage a diverse portfolio of investors, soliciting corporate sponsorships and major gifts in the $25,000-$1,000,000+ levels
• Manage and mentor the Donor Stewardship Manager to develop a portfolio of donors in the$1,000-$25,000 range
• Oversee donor research, stewardship, and appreciation programs. Build year-round engagement activities to maximize revenue and build loyalty
• Collaborate with Donor Stewardship Manager to implement prospect management strategies utilizing Salesforce and drive processes to track & achieve targets
• Partner with the Donor Stewardship Manager to create individual engagement, stewardship plans and giving goals for each donor, including Board Members, based on giving history, relationship and the knowledge of the giving potential
• In collaboration with Senior Leadership Team and Marketing lead, consistently refresh pitch collateral and case for support to be used in solicitation meetings
• Provide regular updates to Executive Director regarding Major Gift qualified prospects, solicitations, moves management strategies and requests for leadership engagement/stewardship
• Stay on top of trends in the field and identify/communicate potential opportunities and/or relationships to increase our ability to diversify donor base and drive revenue

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS  

The role involves tasks such as operating a computer, phone, and other office equipment, maintaining manual dexterity for typing and filing, and occasionally moving materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds. You should have the ability to effectively communicate and understand information, both orally and in writing, and adapt to various communication styles. You should have the ability to perceive and comprehend information through alternative means if necessary. 

You must be able to work in a professional office setting with moderate noise levels from phones, computers, and conversations, and controlled temperatures. You will work in a well-lit environment and be flexible in adapting to changes within the work environment. 

YOUR EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• You bring the expertise gained from several years of meeting and growing philanthropy targets of $600K to $1,000,000 annually
• You've demonstrated diverse fundraising experience in a nonprofit environment, including capital campaigns, major gifts, annual gifts, and corporate philanthropy
• You have obtained measurable results in identifying, cultivating and stewarding, soliciting, and closing major gifts of $50,000-$100,000 or more
• You have led the development of new pipelines of supporters and have generated a base of philanthropic investors
• You speak and write clearly, effectively, and succinctly
• You effectively analyze data and pay attention to the right details
• You organize your work and use your time effectively
• You know how to use CRM databases for donor and fundraising outcomes
• You effectively use the Microsoft Office Suite

YOUR PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• You believe passionately in our mission
• You are a positive person who enjoys working with others and building relationships
• You are proactive and practice a growth mindset, always learning and hungry to continuously improve in the role
• You are known for your ability to give & receive feedback thoughtfully & constructively
• You are effective as both a player and coach We are a small and mighty team
• You are ready to roll up your sleeves, partner with the Donor Stewardship Manager, and working both independently and as a member of a team to achieve set goals

YOU’LL KNOW YOU’RE SUCCESSFUL WHEN:

• We meet or exceed philanthropy targets year over year ($1.5M/year by 2026)
• Our donors are active, engaged believers, as evidenced by a majority invested in multi-year commitments
• We have clear, documented processes around prospect management, data management, and reporting standards
• You are regularly soliciting $50,000+ level gifts and consistently adding new individual, foundation, and corporate investors to the major gifts pipeline
• We have an established year-round engagement program featuring defined stewardship plans for all that ensures both new and existing donors have a great experience when investing in Playmaker Project
• You are a cultural leader for the team and throughout all of Life is Good

Benefits

The Life is Good Playmaker Project offers a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited, to medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, EAP, retirement plan with employer match, generous vacation and leave policies, and professional development stipends. Our new office is located in the innovative Fort Point neighborhood, 0.2 miles from South Station. We are in the office 1-2 days a week.

We welcome applicants of all abilities and are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to ensure equal employment opportunities. If you require accommodation during the interview process or after selection, please contact us to discuss your needs. The Playmaker Project is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.