Per Scholas · 23 hours ago
Senior Director, Leadership and Major Gifts
United States
Full-time
Remote
Director/Executive
$150K/yr - $157K/yr
7+ years expPer Scholas is a mission-driven organization focused on driving mobility and opportunity in technology. They are seeking a Senior Director of Leadership and Major Gifts to cultivate and secure transformational philanthropic partnerships, manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, and lead a team of Major Gifts Officers.
Information Technology & Services
Responsibilities
Serve as a strategic partner in cultivating and securing leadership gifts of $100,000 and above, including seven-figure commitments, while stewarding and upgrading five-figure donors to maintain a strong pipeline of future major and leadership gift prospects
Manage and steward a portfolio of approximately 50 current major and leadership level donors, while identifying, qualifying, and cultivating 20+ new high-capacity prospects in close collaboration with the VP of Individual Giving
Design and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies aligned with donor interests and Per Scholas’ long-term growth priorities
Advance a disciplined moves management approach that drives accountability, performance, and sustained growth in leadership giving; regularly report on progress and outcomes
Represent Per Scholas at key programmatic and fundraising opportunities, including campus visits, graduations, and donor convenings (occasional evenings and travel required)
Coach, mentor, and develop a small team of Major Gifts Officers, providing ongoing feedback, skills development, and performance support to maximize individual and team fundraising results
Partner with the VP of Individual Giving to establish team goals, performance expectations, and professional development pathways that foster a high‑performing, accountable, and collaborative culture
Elevate portfolio strategy and fundraising execution across the team by modeling best practices in donor engagement, moves management, solicitation planning, and reporting
Support recruitment, onboarding, and scaling of Major Gifts talent as the program expands into new growth markets
Qualification
Required
7+ years of progressive experience in major or leadership gifts fundraising, with a demonstrated record of securing five- and six-figure commitments
Proven success cultivating and sustaining long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic partners
Strong executive presence with excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to translate complex strategies, outcomes, and systems-level impact into compelling, donor-centered cases for support
Knowledge of the philanthropic landscape and trends, particularly within education, workforce development, or economic mobility
Strategic, self-directed fundraiser with experience operating effectively in a national organization
Track record of partnering with senior leaders, program teams, and board members on donor strategy and solicitation
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team, fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture
Proficiency with Salesforce and prospect research tools
Willingness to travel up to 30% and work occasional evenings or weekends as needed
Motivated by mission-driven work and long-term systems change
Energized by building and scaling a leadership giving program in a growth-oriented organization
Results-oriented, data-informed, and highly organized
Thoughtful relationship-builder with sound judgment and discretion
Deep alignment with Per Scholas' mission and belief in equitable access to high-growth careers
Company
Per Scholas
Per Scholas is proud to celebrate 30 years of fostering economic mobility by giving individuals from diverse backgrounds access to high-growth tech careers.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Damon Lucky
Chief Executive Officer
Kenneth L. W.
Executive Vice President, Advisor to the CEO
Company data provided by crunchbase