Director - Major Gifts

Position Title: Associate Director/Director - Major Gifts  

Location: US Remote  

Department: Development  

Reporting to: Vice President, Development  

POSITION SUMMARY 

Winrock International seeks a strategic, mission-driven Major Gifts Officer or Director, Major Gifts to build and grow a major donor portfolio in support of our work to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources. This individual will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors and family foundations with the capacity to make five- and six-figure gifts.  

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Major Gifts Officer will work in close partnership with development and program leadership, communications, and executive leadership—including the CEO—to craft compelling cases for support, build meaningful relationships, and secure philanthropic investment in Winrock’s global and domestic programs. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

Major Donor Strategy & Portfolio Management  

• Design and implement a comprehensive individual major gifts strategy to grow Winrock’s base of high-capacity donors and family foundations. 

• Build and manage a portfolio of 75–100 qualified major donors and prospects, ensuring regular engagement and meaningful touchpoints throughout the year. 

• Develop individualized cultivation and solicitation plans for each prospect, leveraging moves management best practices. 

• Prepare customized donor communications, proposals, presentations, and stewardship materials in collaboration with communications and program teams. 

• Track all interactions and plans in Winrock’s Salesforce CRM system, ensuring accuracy and accountability. 

Cultivation, Solicitation & Stewardship 

• Identify new donor prospects through research, networking, and internal referrals. 

• Cultivate and solicit gifts in the five- and six-figure range, supporting leadership and Board engagement where needed. 

• Plan and execute donor meetings, virtual briefings, events, and site visits that meaningfully connect prospects to Winrock’s mission and impact. 

• Ensure timely and personalized stewardship for all major donors, including reporting, thank-you touchpoints, and ongoing engagement in Winrock’s work. 

Internal Collaboration & Case Development  

• Work closely with program leaders and technical experts to identify strategic funding priorities and develop clear, compelling cases for support. 

• Serve as a thought partner to the Vice President of Development on integrating individual giving into broader fundraising strategies. 

• Collaborate with finance and awards teams to develop gift agreements, manage restricted revenue, and ensure donor intent is honored. 

Organizational Leadership & External Representation 

• Represent Winrock at donor events, philanthropic networks, and external meetings as needed. 

• Stay current on trends in global philanthropy, climate resilience, food security, and related areas. 

• Contribute to a culture of philanthropy across the organization by building internal awareness and storytelling capacity. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience: 

• Associate Director: Minimum 8 years of fundraising or relationship management experience, including work with major donors and/or family foundations. 

• Director: Minimum 10 years of progressively senior experience in major gift fundraising or nonprofit development, with management experience. 

• Track Record: Demonstrated success securing five- and six-figure gifts from individuals and family foundations. 

Skills: 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with ability to translate complex global development work into compelling donor messaging. 

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with high emotional intelligence. 

• Organized, detail-oriented, and strategic, with the ability to manage competing priorities and donor timelines. 

• Experience using donor CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce,or equivalent). 

Language: English required: English speaking and written communication is required. 

Required Travel: Some travel anticipated, based on donor cultivation needs and organizational priorities.  

Winrock offers competitive pay and an excellent benefits package.

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by law. 

At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation.