Major Gifts and Foundation Relations Manager presso LEAP (Leap for Kids)

Position Summary

The Major Gifts and Foundation Relations Manager develops and executes comprehensive fundraising strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward individual major donors and institutional funders supporting LEAP's $7.3M annual budget. This position serves as a key member of the Development and Communications team, managing a combined portfolio of 70-100 prospects that includes individual donors, foundations, and corporations. Success requires exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to articulate LEAP's impact in ways that motivate giving.

This is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position requiring strong organizational abilities, emotional intelligence, and comfort with modern technology including AI tools and donor database systems. The role requires balancing individual donor cultivation with foundation relationship management, taking initiative to build and deepen relationships, and working collaboratively across the organization to engage donors meaningfully.

Reports to: Deputy Director of Development and Communications

Essential Duties

Individual Major Gifts Management

• Manage portfolio of 60-80 major donors and donor prospects (previous gifts of $10,000+)
• Develop and implement personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies aligned with donor interests and capacity
• Conduct 12-18 meaningful donor contacts monthly through meetings, calls, site visits, and events
• Collaborate with and support LEAP senior staff, Board members, and volunteers on solicitation strategy and execution
• Research and qualify new prospects through wealth screening and relationship mapping
• Create compelling, tailored proposals and solicitation materials

Foundation Relations

• Serve as primary contact for 10-20 priority foundation and corporate funders, with primary focus on foundation relationships
• Collaborate with grant writer and Deputy Director of Development on proposal strategy and reporting requirements for assigned institutional funders
• Draft proposals and reports independently for select funders
• Coordinate foundation meetings and program tours
• Identify opportunities to deepen foundation relationships and increase funding levels

Stewardship and Engagement

• Manage $2 million in existing relationships and cultivate, solicit and secure $250,000 in new support annually
• Design and execute stewardship plans for both individual and institutional funders
• Coordinate donor engagement opportunities including site visits, program observations, and volunteer activities
• Develop customized impact reports and communications demonstrating program outcomes
• Ensure timely, authentic acknowledgment and recognition of all gifts

Strategic Planning and Systems Management

• Develop and implement annual major gifts and foundation fundraising plans that support LEAP's budget and organizational priorities, with approval from Deputy Director of Development and Communications
• Maintain accurate, detailed records in CRM (Raiser's Edge) including contact reports, giving history, and strategy notes for all portfolio prospects
• Track pipeline metrics and provide regular progress reports to leadership
• Conduct prospect research using traditional and AI-assisted tools
• Collaborate with the communications team on materials supporting major gifts and institutional giving efforts

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• Minimum 5 years of major gifts fundraising experience with proven track record of closing gifts of $25,000+
• Experience managing foundation relationships and collaborating on institutional proposals
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with ability to craft compelling, personalized proposals and presentations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in youth development, education, or social services sector
• Established relationships with Connecticut philanthropists and foundation funders
• Knowledge of New Haven community and nonprofit landscape
• CFRE certification or interest in pursuing professional development
• Experience working with Board members and volunteers on fundraising initiatives

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Workspace, and presentation software
• Experience with donor database systems (Raiser's Edge preferred), prospect research platforms (iWave), and organizing digital records, or ability to learn quickly
• Comfortable using AI tools to assist with prospect research, writing, and data analysis

Essential Competencies

• Results Orientation: Meeting fundraising goals and advancing donor relationships with metrics-driven accountability
• Research, Data Analysis, and Project Management: Strong capabilities in prospect research, analyzing donor data, and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Self-Motivation: Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage time effectively

Special Requirements

• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as needed for donor meetings, events, and organizational activities
• Willingness to occasionally travel to donor meetings or conferences
• Ability to represent LEAP professionally in the community
• Reliable transportation to donor meetings and program sites

Compensation

Salary: $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience.

Excellent benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with retirement plan with employer contribution. Generous PTO, holiday leave, and professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

Send a letter of interest and resume through our online application portal: Recruitment Portal

Note: This is a hybrid position based out of the LEAP office in New Haven, CT. There is a required minimum of two days per week in person, with additional in-person days assigned as needed by department leadership. LEAP reserves the right to change its hybrid work policy.

Additional information about the organization is available via www.leapforkids.org.

LEAP is an equal opportunity employer.