Job Details

Under the direction of the VP of Advancement, the Principal Gift Director provides strategic leadership for transformational and principal-level philanthropy, guiding the development of high-impact fundraising initiatives that advance capital priorities, endowment growth, and enterprise-level organizational needs. The role shapes the strategy for identifying and cultivating high-capacity prospects while partnering with executive leadership to secure leadership commitments, steward major supporters, and strengthen the long-term financial sustainability of Heartspring.

As a Major Gifts Donor Advisor, You Will

Principal & Transformational Gift Strategy

Direct the overall strategy for principal-level fundraising by shaping the organization's approach to identifying high-capacity donors, assessing philanthropic alignment, and designing long-term engagement plans that support capital initiatives and institutional growth. They will ensure thoughtful alignment between organizational priorities and philanthropic opportunities, support the design of campaign strategies, and provide leadership in establishing structured, sustainable approaches to securing gifts of significant scale. (Possibility)

Donor Relationships Leadership

Build sustaining high-trust relationships with principal-level donors and prospects whose interests align with the organization's mission and strategic vision. Emphasize personalized engagement, values-driven communication, and meaningful collaboration with executive leaders to strengthen donor confidence and connection. Reinforce Heartspring's commitment to service and mission impact by ensuring that donor relationships are cultivated with intentionality, authenticity, and shared purpose. (Service)

Fundraising Direction

Provide leadership in planning and advancing capital campaign strategies, ensuring that principal-level philanthropy aligns with facility expansion, program innovation, endowment development, and long-range organizational initiatives. Guide the development of campaign structures, cases for support, and long-term giving pathways that enable transformational investment. Ensure alignment between organizational strategy, campaign readiness, and the cultivation of leadership-level commitments essential for momentum and success. (Possibility)

Stewardship & Philanthropic Partnership Management

Oversee the stewardship strategy for principal-level supporters by ensuring that donors remain meaningfully connected to the mission through impact insights, transparent communication, and thoughtful recognition practices. Ensure that philanthropic partnerships are strengthened through consistent alignment with organizational values, fulfillment of commitments, and demonstration of long-term outcomes. Reinforce organizational integrity and donor confidence in the enduring impact of their investment. (Integrity)

Strategic Collaboration & Executive Partnership

Collaborate across the organization, partnering closely with executive leaders to align fundraising strategies with institutional priorities. Contribute to long-term planning related to campaign development, philanthropic sustainability, and integration of capital-related initiatives across advancement programs. Strengthen cross-departmental coordination, enhance organizational understanding of philanthropy's role, and support the advancement of systems and structures needed for high-level fundraising success. (Excellence)

Professional Responsibility

Adhere to code of conduct and company policies, review published communications, and ensure confidentiality. Other duties as assigned. (Integrity)

Requirements

• Strong relationship-building, interpersonal, and communication skills with proven success in engaging individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling donor proposals and presentations.
• A demonstrated track record of securing gifts of $10,000+ from individuals.
• Working independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
• Bringing creativity and developing innovative solutions to fundraising challenges.
• Managing multiple priorities, events, and stakeholder groups simultaneously with professionalism and efficiency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor/volunteer management databases.
• Willingness to travel locally/regionally and work occasional evenings or weekends.
• Demonstrating commitment to Heartspring's values: excellence, celebration, leadership, service, possibility, and integrity.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, communications, or related field. An additional four years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree.
• 5+ years of experience in fundraising or a related field, with a proven track record of successfully soliciting major gifts, preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting/Standing/Walking: sit constantly, stand and walk occasionally
• Climbing/Bending/Twisting/Kneeling/Reaching: climb seldom; bend, twist, kneel and reach occasionally
• Dexterity: constant hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
• Vision/Hearing: constant ability to see clearly and hear instructions
• Mind-Body Connection: occasional awareness of body positioning and task execution

Work Environment

• Environment: Primarily indoor office environment, with rare exposure to outdoor settings
• Safety Compliance: adherence to safety protocols. Use of protective gear when required occasionally
• Physical Interactions & Exposure Risks: Rare exposure to physical interactions from clients, including slapping, hitting, punching, kicking, head-butting, and biting. Potential exposure to infectious diseases, parasites, bodily fluids, and blood-borne pathogens in a school and residential care setting.

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the essential functions of the position and may not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be required during your employment. Your signature below constitutes your acceptance and understanding of the essential functions and requirements of this position. This does not create an employment contract or any promise for any term or condition of employment or otherwise alter the at-will employment relationship.