Director of Major Gifts bei People Performance Resources

Who we are:

At the Child Poverty Action Lab CPAL, we believe every child deserves a life filled with opportunity. CPAL operates as an unofficial Research and Development lab for Dallas, using data to rethink public systems and equipping community partners at the neighborhood level to be successful in collectively achieving our mission to reduce childhood poverty in Dallas by 50% within a single generation. CPAL works across five key areas to reduce child poverty - Benefits Delivery, Maternal Health, Housing, Criminal Justice and Public Safety. These five “big bets” are rooted in a growing body of evidence that connects experiences in childhood to economics in adulthood.

Three key principles underpin CPAL’s approach:

• Design for scale: Child poverty is a problem of massive scale and requires the magnitude of government resources to fund solutions of equal scale. CPAL brings together the leaders of nine Dallas public agencies with a collective annual operating budget of over $10 billion to align local resources and take collective action on promising interventions.
• Center on evidence: CPAL develops and applies evidence-based outcomes frameworks on child poverty alleviation programs. Data is used to determine where to develop interventions and to evaluate if those interventions are working. CPAL equips our partners and community leaders to use data so they can make better decisions.
• Power with community expertise: By empowering community based organizations, residents, families, or frontline teams with tools, resources, and access to leaders, CPAL builds a broad coalition for sustainable efforts to combat child poverty.
  
  

Overview of Position:

CPAL is seeking an experienced and dynamic, relationship-driven Director of Major Gifts to strengthen relationships with current and prospective major donors, defined at $50,000+. This role plays a key part in cultivating, securing, and stewarding major gifts primarily from individuals, while remaining open to aligned corporate partnerships and maintaining relationships with foundations. CPAL is looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and is excited to help continue building a portfolio of supporters.

This role is ideal for a passionate fundraiser who enjoys meaningful conversations, makes donors feel valued and connected, and brings the credibility and storytelling skills needed to represent a complex mission with humility and confidence.

Why we need you:

• To lead a major gifts strategy that drives CPAL’s growth, deepens donor relationships, and expands our base of support.
• To serve as a trusted steward of high-value donors, ensuring they feel connected, valued, and inspired by CPAL’s mission.
• To represent CPAL with professionalism and warmth in the Dallas philanthropic community, strengthening our visibility and credibility.

Detailed Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive major gifts strategy, managing a portfolio of individuals, foundation (in coordination with the Director of Development), and corporate donors.
• Steward high-value donors through consistent communication, in-person meetings, and tailored engagement plans.
• Plan and deliver donor and stakeholder experiences in collaboration with the Director of Development and external team, creating personalized cultivation opportunities.
• Partner with leadership to integrate major donor strategies into CPAL’s overall fundraising approach.
• Support donor tracking, moves management, and reporting in CPAL’s CRM (currently Boomerang, transitioning to Foundant).
• Represent CPAL at community and philanthropic events with credibility and enthusiasm.

Qualifications:

Required

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a proven track record of cultivating and closing major gifts.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Skilled relationship-builder with exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Strategic thinker who can develop plans and also roll up their sleeves to implement them.
• Comfort with public speaking and representing an organization externally.
• Based in Dallas with the ability to attend regular in-person donor meetings and community events.

Preferred

• Highly organized with experience managing donor pipelines and CRM systems (experience with Boomerang or Foundant is a plus).

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off and holidays

How to Apply:

For more information about CPAL, please visit https://cpal.org/.

Applications should include a letter of interest and a current résumé or curriculum vitae. We are eager to meet you!
No agency or third-party candidates will be considered for this position. No phone calls, please.