Leapforkids is hiring: Major Gifts and Foundation Relations Manager in New Haven
Leapforkids, New Haven, CT, United States
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Major Gifts and Foundation Relations Manager
Full Time New Haven, CT, US
24 days ago Requisition ID: 1053
Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $80,000.00 Annually
Position Summary
The Major Gifts and Foundation Relations Manager develops and executes comprehensive fundraising strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward individual major donors and institutional funders supporting LEAP's $7.3M annual budget. This position serves as a key member of the Development and Communications team, managing a combined portfolio of 70-100 prospects that includes individual donors, foundations, and corporations. Success requires exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to articulate LEAP's impact in ways that motivate giving.
This is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position requiring strong organizational abilities, emotional intelligence, and comfort with modern technology including AI tools and donor database systems. The role requires balancing individual donor cultivation with foundation relationship management, taking initiative to build and deepen relationships, and working collaboratively across the organization to engage donors meaningfully.
Reports to: Deputy Director of Development and Communications
Individual Major Gifts Management
Manage portfolio of 60-80 major donors and donor prospects (previous gifts of $10,000+)
Develop and implement personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies aligned with donor interests and capacity
Conduct 12-18 meaningful donor contacts monthly through meetings, calls, site visits, and events
Collaborate with and support LEAP senior staff, Board members, and volunteers on solicitation strategy and execution
Research and qualify new prospects through wealth screening and relationship mapping
Create compelling, tailored proposals and solicitation materials
Foundation Relations
Serve as primary contact for 10-20 priority foundation and corporate funders, with primary focus on foundation relationships
Collaborate with grant writer and Deputy Director of Development on proposal strategy and reporting requirements for assigned institutional funders
Draft proposals and reports independently for select funders
Coordinate foundation meetings and program tours
Identify opportunities to deepen foundation relationships and increase funding levels
Stewardship and Engagement
Manage $2 million in existing relationships and cultivate, solicit and secure $250,000 in new support annually
Design and execute stewardship plans for both individual and institutional funders
Coordinate donor engagement opportunities including site visits, program observations, and volunteer activities
Develop customized impact reports and communications demonstrating program outcomes
Ensure timely, authentic acknowledgment and recognition of all gifts
Strategic Planning and Systems Management
Develop and implement annual major gifts and foundation fundraising plans that support LEAP's budget and organizational priorities, with approval from Deputy Director of Development and Communications
Maintain accurate, detailed records in CRM (Raiser's Edge) including contact reports, giving history, and strategy notes for all portfolio prospects
Track pipeline metrics and provide regular progress reports to leadership
Conduct prospect research using traditional and AI-assisted tools
Collaborate with the communications team on materials supporting major gifts and institutional giving efforts
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education
Minimum 5 years of major gifts fundraising experience with proven track record of closing gifts of $25,000+
Experience managing foundation relationships and collaborating on institutional proposals
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with ability to craft compelling, personalized proposals and presentations
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in youth development, education, or social services sector
Established relationships with Connecticut philanthropists and foundation funders
Knowledge of New Haven community and nonprofit landscape
CFRE certification or interest in pursuing professional development
Experience working with Board members and volunteers on fundraising initiatives
Technical Skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Workspace, and presentation software
Experience with donor database systems (Raiser's Edge preferred), prospect research platforms (iWave), and organizing digital records, or ability to learn quickly
Comfortable using AI tools to assist with prospect research, writing, and data analysis
Results Orientation : Meeting fundraising goals and advancing donor relationships with metrics-driven accountability
Research, Data Analysis, and Project Management : Strong capabilities in prospect research, analyzing donor data, and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously
Self-Motivation : Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage time effectively
Special Requirements
Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as needed for donor meetings, events, and organizational activities
Willingness to occasionally travel to donor meetings or conferences
Ability to represent LEAP professionally in the community
Reliable transportation to donor meetings and program sites
Compensation
Salary: $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience.
Excellent benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with retirement plan with employer contribution. Generous PTO, holiday leave, and professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
Send a letter of interest and resume through our online application portal: Recruitment Portal
Note: This is a hybrid position based out of the LEAP office in New Haven, CT. There is a required minimum of two days per week in person, with additional in-person days assigned as needed by department leadership. LEAP reserves the right to change its hybrid work policy.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
In Summary: Major Gifts and Foundation Relations Manager develops fundraising strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward individual major donors and institutional funders . Success requires exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to articulate LEAP's impact in ways that motivate giving . This is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position requiring strong organizational abilities .
En Español: Si no puede completar esta solicitud debido a una discapacidad, póngase en contacto con este empleador para solicitar un alojamiento o un proceso de aplicación alternativo. Major Gifts and Foundation Relations Manager Full Time New Haven, CT, Estados Unidos hace 24 días Requisition ID: 1053 Salario Rango: $70,000.00 A $80,000.00, Annual Position Summary El Director de Principales Regalos y Relaciones Fundamentales desarrolla e ejecuta estrategias integrales de recaudación de fondos para cultivar, solicitar y administrar a los principales donantes individuales e instituciones financiadoras que apoyan el presupuesto anual del LEAP de $7.3M. Este puesto sirve como miembro clave del equipo de Desarrollo y Comunicaciones, gestionando un conjunto combinado de 70-100 perspectivas que incluye donantes individuos, fundaciones y empresas. El papel requiere equilibrar el cultivo individual de donantes con la gestión de las relaciones fundacionales, tomar iniciativa para construir y profundizar las relaciones AI Edge, y trabajar en colaboración a través de toda la organización para involucrar a los donantes de manera significativa. Informes a: Director Adjunto de Desarrollo y Comunicaciones Gestión de Regalos Principales Individuales Administrar una cartera de 60-80 grandes donantes y perspectivas de donación (regalo anteriores de $ 10,000+) Desarrollar e implementar estrategias personalizadas de cultivo y solicitud alineadas con los intereses y capacidades del donante Conducir 12-18 contactos significativos de IA cada mes mediante reuniones, llamadas, visitas al sitio y eventos Colaborar y apoyar al personal, miembros del directorio y voluntarios sobre la estrategia de solicitación y ejecución de fondos La Dirección Ejecutiva Proyecto de Reconocer y calificar nuevas perspectivas por medio de exploración de riqueza y aprobación de proyectos de investigación Propuestas más importantes y propuestas de cooperación Asigna un tiempo adecuado Los esfuerzos tradicionales de desarrollo de las bases y materiales de búsqueda de datos que sirvan como un proceso de contacto detallado y refuerzo Las necesidades básicas y los sistemas de apoyo a nivel promedio de información y la administración de recursos humanos Conforme a todos los principales programas de financiación y servicios financieros, así como desarrollando informes de ayuda a las instituciones establecimiento de fondos y gestionables y las redes sociales Oportunidades de trabajo y de todas las organizaciones de acuerdo con los nuevos niveles de conocimientos técnicos y de comunicación y de programa Capacitación e implementación de sus metas y de negocios Generosa PTO, vacaciones y oportunidades de desarrollo profesional. Cómo solicitar Enviar una carta de interés y currículum a través de nuestro portal de solicitud en línea: Portal de Reclutamiento Nota: Este es un puesto híbrido basado en la oficina de LEAP en New Haven, CT. Hay un mínimo requerido de dos días por semana en persona, con días adicionales asignados en persona según sea necesario por el liderazgo del departamento. Leap se reserva el derecho de cambiar su política de trabajo híbrida. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Major Gifts and Foundation Relations Manager
Full Time New Haven, CT, US
24 days ago Requisition ID: 1053
Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $80,000.00 Annually
Position Summary
The Major Gifts and Foundation Relations Manager develops and executes comprehensive fundraising strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward individual major donors and institutional funders supporting LEAP's $7.3M annual budget. This position serves as a key member of the Development and Communications team, managing a combined portfolio of 70-100 prospects that includes individual donors, foundations, and corporations. Success requires exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to articulate LEAP's impact in ways that motivate giving.
This is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position requiring strong organizational abilities, emotional intelligence, and comfort with modern technology including AI tools and donor database systems. The role requires balancing individual donor cultivation with foundation relationship management, taking initiative to build and deepen relationships, and working collaboratively across the organization to engage donors meaningfully.
Reports to: Deputy Director of Development and Communications
Individual Major Gifts Management
Manage portfolio of 60-80 major donors and donor prospects (previous gifts of $10,000+)
Develop and implement personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies aligned with donor interests and capacity
Conduct 12-18 meaningful donor contacts monthly through meetings, calls, site visits, and events
Collaborate with and support LEAP senior staff, Board members, and volunteers on solicitation strategy and execution
Research and qualify new prospects through wealth screening and relationship mapping
Create compelling, tailored proposals and solicitation materials
Foundation Relations
Serve as primary contact for 10-20 priority foundation and corporate funders, with primary focus on foundation relationships
Collaborate with grant writer and Deputy Director of Development on proposal strategy and reporting requirements for assigned institutional funders
Draft proposals and reports independently for select funders
Coordinate foundation meetings and program tours
Identify opportunities to deepen foundation relationships and increase funding levels
Stewardship and Engagement
Manage $2 million in existing relationships and cultivate, solicit and secure $250,000 in new support annually
Design and execute stewardship plans for both individual and institutional funders
Coordinate donor engagement opportunities including site visits, program observations, and volunteer activities
Develop customized impact reports and communications demonstrating program outcomes
Ensure timely, authentic acknowledgment and recognition of all gifts
Strategic Planning and Systems Management
Develop and implement annual major gifts and foundation fundraising plans that support LEAP's budget and organizational priorities, with approval from Deputy Director of Development and Communications
Maintain accurate, detailed records in CRM (Raiser's Edge) including contact reports, giving history, and strategy notes for all portfolio prospects
Track pipeline metrics and provide regular progress reports to leadership
Conduct prospect research using traditional and AI-assisted tools
Collaborate with the communications team on materials supporting major gifts and institutional giving efforts
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education
Minimum 5 years of major gifts fundraising experience with proven track record of closing gifts of $25,000+
Experience managing foundation relationships and collaborating on institutional proposals
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with ability to craft compelling, personalized proposals and presentations
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in youth development, education, or social services sector
Established relationships with Connecticut philanthropists and foundation funders
Knowledge of New Haven community and nonprofit landscape
CFRE certification or interest in pursuing professional development
Experience working with Board members and volunteers on fundraising initiatives
Technical Skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Workspace, and presentation software
Experience with donor database systems (Raiser's Edge preferred), prospect research platforms (iWave), and organizing digital records, or ability to learn quickly
Comfortable using AI tools to assist with prospect research, writing, and data analysis
Results Orientation : Meeting fundraising goals and advancing donor relationships with metrics-driven accountability
Research, Data Analysis, and Project Management : Strong capabilities in prospect research, analyzing donor data, and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously
Self-Motivation : Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage time effectively
Special Requirements
Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as needed for donor meetings, events, and organizational activities
Willingness to occasionally travel to donor meetings or conferences
Ability to represent LEAP professionally in the community
Reliable transportation to donor meetings and program sites
Compensation
Salary: $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience.
Excellent benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with retirement plan with employer contribution. Generous PTO, holiday leave, and professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
Send a letter of interest and resume through our online application portal: Recruitment Portal
Note: This is a hybrid position based out of the LEAP office in New Haven, CT. There is a required minimum of two days per week in person, with additional in-person days assigned as needed by department leadership. LEAP reserves the right to change its hybrid work policy.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
In Summary: Major Gifts and Foundation Relations Manager develops fundraising strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward individual major donors and institutional funders . Success requires exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to articulate LEAP's impact in ways that motivate giving . This is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position requiring strong organizational abilities .
En Español: Si no puede completar esta solicitud debido a una discapacidad, póngase en contacto con este empleador para solicitar un alojamiento o un proceso de aplicación alternativo. Major Gifts and Foundation Relations Manager Full Time New Haven, CT, Estados Unidos hace 24 días Requisition ID: 1053 Salario Rango: $70,000.00 A $80,000.00, Annual Position Summary El Director de Principales Regalos y Relaciones Fundamentales desarrolla e ejecuta estrategias integrales de recaudación de fondos para cultivar, solicitar y administrar a los principales donantes individuales e instituciones financiadoras que apoyan el presupuesto anual del LEAP de $7.3M. Este puesto sirve como miembro clave del equipo de Desarrollo y Comunicaciones, gestionando un conjunto combinado de 70-100 perspectivas que incluye donantes individuos, fundaciones y empresas. El papel requiere equilibrar el cultivo individual de donantes con la gestión de las relaciones fundacionales, tomar iniciativa para construir y profundizar las relaciones AI Edge, y trabajar en colaboración a través de toda la organización para involucrar a los donantes de manera significativa. Informes a: Director Adjunto de Desarrollo y Comunicaciones Gestión de Regalos Principales Individuales Administrar una cartera de 60-80 grandes donantes y perspectivas de donación (regalo anteriores de $ 10,000+) Desarrollar e implementar estrategias personalizadas de cultivo y solicitud alineadas con los intereses y capacidades del donante Conducir 12-18 contactos significativos de IA cada mes mediante reuniones, llamadas, visitas al sitio y eventos Colaborar y apoyar al personal, miembros del directorio y voluntarios sobre la estrategia de solicitación y ejecución de fondos La Dirección Ejecutiva Proyecto de Reconocer y calificar nuevas perspectivas por medio de exploración de riqueza y aprobación de proyectos de investigación Propuestas más importantes y propuestas de cooperación Asigna un tiempo adecuado Los esfuerzos tradicionales de desarrollo de las bases y materiales de búsqueda de datos que sirvan como un proceso de contacto detallado y refuerzo Las necesidades básicas y los sistemas de apoyo a nivel promedio de información y la administración de recursos humanos Conforme a todos los principales programas de financiación y servicios financieros, así como desarrollando informes de ayuda a las instituciones establecimiento de fondos y gestionables y las redes sociales Oportunidades de trabajo y de todas las organizaciones de acuerdo con los nuevos niveles de conocimientos técnicos y de comunicación y de programa Capacitación e implementación de sus metas y de negocios Generosa PTO, vacaciones y oportunidades de desarrollo profesional. Cómo solicitar Enviar una carta de interés y currículum a través de nuestro portal de solicitud en línea: Portal de Reclutamiento Nota: Este es un puesto híbrido basado en la oficina de LEAP en New Haven, CT. Hay un mínimo requerido de dos días por semana en persona, con días adicionales asignados en persona según sea necesario por el liderazgo del departamento. Leap se reserva el derecho de cambiar su política de trabajo híbrida. #J-18808-Ljbffr