Director of Individual Giving

Director of Individual Giving 

Reports to Job Role: Chief Development and Engagement Officer

FLSA: Exempt

Role:  Management

The Director of Individual Giving will play a pivotal role in advancing Cornerstones' mission by developing and leading strategies to grow and sustain the individual giving program. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this individual will engage with donors, create a pipeline for major and legacy gifts, and work collaboratively across the organization to expand Cornerstones’ base of support. The ideal candidate will be a motivated and resourceful relationship-builder, dedicated to making an impact in our community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive individual giving strategy that aligns with organizational goals, ensuring a diversified and sustainable funding base.
• Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual donors, including high-net-worth individuals, annual donors, and prospects. Build strong, lasting relationships through personalized outreach, events, and regular communications.
• Annual Giving Campaigns: Lead the planning and execution of annual giving campaigns, including direct mail, digital appeals, and special giving days. Track and report on results, adjusting strategies as needed to maximize revenue.
• Major Gifts: Collaborate with leadership to identify and qualify major gift prospects. Develop tailored engagement plans and manage a personal portfolio of donors capable of making significant gifts.
• Legacy Giving: Oversee Cornerstones’ planned giving program to engage donors in creating long-term impact. Educate supporters about legacy giving options and manage cultivation and stewardship for legacy donors.
• Collaboration and Partnership: Work closely with the communications and marketing team to create compelling donor materials and impact reports. Collaborate with program teams to understand Cornerstones’ services and relay stories of impact.
• Donor Data Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of interactions with donors in the donor database. Analyze data to measure and improve fundraising efforts.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor development staff and volunteers as needed. Foster a collaborative and goal-oriented environment to support team growth and success.

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, communications, business) required; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in individual giving, major gifts, or annual campaigns.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage donors.
• Proficiency in donor databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge a plus) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with planned giving concepts and techniques.
• Passion for Cornerstones' mission and a deep commitment to making a difference in the community.

Work Environment

This position is performed in a traditional office environment as well as in Cornerstones’ community-based programs.

This position has lifting and physical requirements which include boxes and materials up to 30 pounds and moving items related to drives, donations and fundraising events.