Rodale Institute

Director of Development, Major Gifts

Allentown, PA
Full Time
Experienced
Position Overview
The Director of Development, Major Gifts is a key member of our development team, dedicated to advancing our mission by securing significant financial contributions. This role is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors. This role requires a results-driven, relationship-focused professional who thrives on making meaningful connections and directly securing philanthropic investments of $10,000 and above. The director will build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, developing tailored strategies to align donor interests with organizational priorities, and will be a key player in driving revenue growth and advancing the mission by building a pipeline of long-term supporters.  This position will be based at our Founders Farm location but will also consider a remote work location.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Portfolio Management & Direct Solicitation
  • Manage a dynamic portfolio of 100–150 major donors and prospects capable of making significant contributions
  • Develop and implement individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies, with a focus on closing gifts and increasing giving levels. Initiate contact and build relationships through various communication channels.
  • Ensure consistent and meaningful interactions with donors, providing regular updates on the impact of their contributions. Conduct regular in-person or virtual meetings with donors and prospects to maintain and deepen donor relationships.​
  • Prepare and present compelling proposals, presentations that align donors' interests with the organization's priorities. Be able to make the ask!


Funder Relationship Development
  • Build and sustain strong relationships with high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, and influential community leaders.
  • Identify opportunities for deeper engagement through events, briefings, personalized updates, and recognition.
  • Ensure timely and strategic follow-up to all donor interactions to maintain momentum and trust.
  • Represent the organization at events and functions to network with donors and prospects. Assist in planning and executing donor-centric events that advance fundraising objectives.​
Collaboration & Strategic Alignment
  • Partner with executive leadership, board members, and program staff to align donor interests with organizational funding priorities.
  • Provide counsel and partner with key stakeholders on pipeline and stewardship strategies of annual leadership donors moving into higher levels of giving. 
  • Support the development and execution of campaign strategies or special initiatives.
  • Provide briefing materials and coaching for leadership and volunteers when they are involved in solicitations or meetings.
Tracking & Reporting
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and complete records of donor interactions, plans, and outcomes in Blackbaud’s NXT.
  • Track progress toward individual and team revenue goals and contribute to forecasting and pipeline reports.
Qualifications:

Required:
  • 10+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with at least 3 years focused on direct major gift solicitation and donor relationship management.
  • Proven track record of successfully closing gifts of $10,000+ from individuals and/or family foundations.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a donor-centric approach and natural ability to connect with a variety of stakeholders.
  • Strategic thinker with strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Proficiency in donor databases and CRM tools. Experience with Blackbaud and NXT highly preferred.
  • Willingness and ability to travel for donor meetings and events, and to work occasional evenings/weekends.
Preferred:
  • CNFP / CFRE / ACFRE or equivalent certification.
  • Experience in mission-driven or nonprofit organizations.
  • Commitment to the organization's mission and values.​
  • Familiarity with regenerative organic agriculture, health, climate, or aligned issue areas.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.

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