Director, Major Gifts - Northeast

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director, Major Gifts – Northeast to join our Individual Giving team during an moment of change. Reporting to the Vice President, Individual Giving & Revenue Operations, this role is part of a high-performing cohort of major gift officers responsible for deepening and expanding HIAS’ philanthropic partnerships with individuals giving $25,000 or more annually.

This is more than a frontline fundraising role—it’s an opportunity to help shape the future of a historic and values-driven organization. The Director will play a central role in growing HIAS’ major donor base across the Northeast corridor, expanding our reach, deepening relationships, and raising critical resources to advance welcome, safety, and justice for forcibly displaced people around the world.

Note, the salary range for this position is $130,000.00-140,000.00. This position can be based at our headquarters in New York, New York, or it can be remote for applicants who live outside of commuting distance to either of our offices and are based in other states in which we are registered (Connecticut, New Jersey, New York).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Builds and manages a portfolio of major donor prospects, with a focus on high-net-worth individuals capable of annual support at the $25K+ level.
• Partners with the mid-level team to identify and cultivate donors ready to grow in their giving journey; develops customized strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Brings HIAS’ case for giving to life, crafting personalized narratives that connect donors to the mission and impact of their support.
• Leads with curiosity and care—creating intentional donor engagement strategies and cultivating meaningful, long-term partnerships.
• Crafts and executes a clear annual plan, aligning portfolio activity with agency-wide fundraising goals, including a $28M unrestricted revenue target.
• Actively plans and executes donor meetings, parlor gatherings, and site visits to strengthen relationships and uncover new opportunities.
• Collaborates with lay leadership and senior staff, leveraging their networks and influence to advance donor strategy.
• Partners with development operations to ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and analytics related to donor engagement and giving.
• Supports donor stewardship efforts with timely and personalized follow-up, including tailored acknowledgments and impact communications.
• Contributes to a strong, collaborative team culture where ideas and insights are shared and celebrated.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 8–10 years of direct fundraising experience with a strong track record in individual major giving.
• Demonstrated success in donor cultivation and solicitation; experience working with and through volunteers and senior leadership.
• Familiarity with the Jewish community and/or a deep appreciation for HIAS’ mission and values is strongly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to build trust and credibility with donors, colleagues, and partners alike.
• Self-directed and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Comfort with CRM systems and fundraising analytics; able to translate data into strategy.
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and ability to collaborate with endowment staff.
• Willingness to travel, including occasional travel to international or insecure locations as needed.

EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION:

All employees are expected to represent the organization in alignment with HIAS' mission, vision and values. Some employees of HIAS are expected to speak externally on behalf of the organization with clients, donors, affiliates, partners, etc. as part of their work-related responsibilities. Applicants for these roles acknowledge and accept the inherent risk associated with external representation of HIAS.