Major Gifts Senior Manager (MGO)

WHO WE ARE

The Alliance for Decision Education (the Alliance) is a national nonprofit and field builder with the mission of improving lives by empowering students with essential skills and dispositions for making better decisions. Founded in 2014 and backed by experts in decision sciences, business, and education—including several Nobel laureates—the Alliance believes that better decisions lead to better lives and a better society. As a field builder, the Alliance partners with teachers, academic and business leaders, families, and community members to raise awareness and lead the growing call to have Decision Education taught in schools nationwide. The Alliance is committed to an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative culture. Our diverse team comprises educators, researchers, subject matter experts, and other professionals dedicated to our mission. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WHAT WE OFFER

The Alliance offers a comprehensive total rewards package, inclusive of competitive compensation:

Annual Salary:

$90,000 - $110,000 per year*

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (100% employer paid)

Life Insurance (100% employer paid)

Long Term Disability Insurance (100% employer paid)

Employee Assistance Program

401K Retirement Plan with up to a 5% match

Flexible Spending Account

Up to 20 Days of Paid Time Off in your first year (prorated based on your start date)

Job Overview

The role will drive major fundraising by building and managing relationships with individuals and corporations to secure significant financial support for the Alliance’s mission and strategic goals. This position reports to the Head of Philanthropy. This role is a key part of the Development Department, inspiring philanthropy to advance Decision Education.

Location and Schedule

This full-time role requires an 8-hour day and a 40-hour work week. It is an Exempt position under the FLSA, meaning it is not eligible for overtime pay. The Major Gifts Senior Manager will adhere to a hybrid working schedule, requiring an on-site presence at the office in Bala Cynwyd, PA, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Candidates who are not local will still be considered, with the expectation of occasional travel to the office.

Travel Requirements

This position involves ~50% travel, with most of that being local or regional travel.

Key Responsibilities

Relationship Management

Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 100-150 major gift prospects and donors to achieve specific engagement and revenue goals.

Engage high-capacity stakeholders to advance the Alliance’s philanthropic objectives.

Build trust-based relations through personalized engagement, including meetings, events, and communications.

Solicit and close five- and six-figure gifts, ensuring sustained donor support.

Strategy and Portfolio Management

Develop tailored strategies for donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, using data-driven insights.

Identify and research new major gifts prospects to expand the donor pipeline.

Collaborate with team members on strategic planning, campaigns, and donor engagement initiatives.

Administrative and Advocacy

Draft compelling correspondence, reports, and proposals to support fundraising efforts.

Maintain accurate, confidential donor records in Salesforce, adhering to departmental standards.

Represent the Alliance at donor events and serve as an ambassador for the organization and its mission with all stakeholders.

Please note: Duties may evolve in response to the organization’s needs.

Job Qualifications

Minimum of 10 years of experience in philanthropy, fundraising, corporate relations, or client-facing roles (e.g., business development).

Proven success in soliciting and closing five- and six-figure gifts or equivalent high-value commitments.

Strong portfolio management skills, with proven ability to build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects.

Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and data analysis for prospect research.

Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience in relevant fields considered.

Attributes and Characteristics

Demonstrated ability to build trust-based relationships with donors and stakeholders.

Open-minded and intellectually curious, with a commitment to understanding and advancing the field of Decision Education.

Self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative mindset.

Strategic thinker with strong execution and project management skills.

Emotionally mature, responsible, and detail-oriented.

Effective communicator with excellent writing, editing, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity.

Willingness to adapt to changing needs and priorities.

Embodies the Alliance’s core values and standards:

Humanism: valuing others as human beings

Rationality: thinking and skills to help answer “What is true?” and “What to do?”

Education: growth mindset; dedication to developing knowledge and skills

Conscientiousness: diligent work ethic, professionalism; high-quality work

Initiative: owner’s and founder’s mentality; leadership skills

Mission Alignment: dedication to the organization’s mission and goals

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

Sitting: Primarily desk-based work, most of the time is spent sitting at a desk or workstation

Movement: Occasional walking or standing as needed

Lifting: Occasional lifting and carrying up to 10 lbs

Hand and Finger Dexterity: Constant use of hands for tasks such as typing, writing, or handling small objects.

Visual and auditory requirements: Good vision and hearing are often necessary for tasks such as reading documents, working on a computer, or communicating with colleagues or external parties.

The position is based in the United States.

The posted salary range represents our good-faith estimate and may vary based on candidate qualifications and experience. The salary and benefits mentioned may be revised at the company's discretion.

The Alliance for Decision Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Employment at the Alliance for Decision Education is on an at-will basis. This means that the employee or the company can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.