About Opportunity@Work

Opportunity@Work is a national nonprofit whose mission is to rewire the labor market so that STARs–workers who are skilled through alternative routes instead of a bachelor’s degree – can work, learn, and earn to their full potential. By 2030, Opportunity@Work aims to enable at least 1 million working adults in America to get hired into middle- and high-wage jobs, thus generating a $20 billion boost in annual earnings. 

We are driven by a firm belief that “if you can do the job, you can get the job.” STARs earn valuable skills through pathways like military service, community college, talent development programs, partial college completion, or on-the-job experience, instead of through a bachelor’s degree. STARs are half of the U.S. workforce, yet over the last few decades they’ve been blocked from accessing millions of good-paying jobs – and have actually seen their wages decline.

Opportunity@Work’s research capabilities inform the nation’s understanding of STARs and uncover insights that show how to make positive change within regions and industries. Our national awareness campaign, “Tear the Paper Ceiling,” communicates a new, positive narrative about STARs and elevates contributions to the skills-first movement. We’ve developed accessible STAR-centric tools, powered by our data and generative AI, to help organizations make more informed decisions on inclusive workforce strategies and hiring. 

#YouWantToBeHere

About the role

As Director of Major Gifts, you will play a critical leadership role within the Resource Mobilization team, responsible for driving fundraising efforts to help secure $250k+ major gifts from private/corporate foundations and individuals. Reporting to the Vice President of Resource Mobilization, you will play a key role in advancing Opportunity@Work’s mission by creating and stewarding high-level philanthropic partnerships that drive STARs hiring and economic mobility. You will lead external donor engagement efforts, oversee prospecting and pipeline management, and collaborate cross-functionally to align fundraising strategy with organizational priorities.

If you are a rising leader with major gifts and experience who wants to contribute to systems-level change by building strategic relationships with key leaders in the philanthropic and workforce ecosystems, then we want to hear from you! 

What you'll do

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship (70%)

• Lead the cultivation and solicitation of major donors, securing major gifts from institutions and high-net-worth individuals.
• Build and strengthen relationships with prospective and existing donors through tailored engagement strategies.
• Lead and participate in high-level donor meetings, effectively articulating Opportunity@Work’s mission and funding priorities.
• Drive revenue growth by developing and managing a strong donor pipeline, ensuring consistent stewardship and dot-connecting to lead to continued sustainability.
• Oversee the stewardship process, ensuring timely communication, recognition, and impact reporting to funders.
• Codify key learnings at each stage of the cultivation and stewardship process.
• Support the VP and executive leadership by managing key donor relationships, providing background research, drafting briefing materials, and offering strategic guidance.

Fundraising Strategy & Operations (15%)

• Partner with the VP, Resource Mobilization, Chief Engagement Officer, and CEO to design and implement a comprehensive fundraising and partnership management strategy that supports Opportunity@Work’s ~$30M annual revenue goals.
• Represent Opportunity@Work at external engagements, conferences, and fundraising events to expand the organization’s donor network and influence.
• Develop persuasive fundraising materials, including proposals, presentations, and donor reports, that align with organizational goals and core messaging.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership (15%)

• Serve as a key liaison between the Resource Mobilization team and internal departments (Marketing, External Affairs, Programs, Finance, etc.), ensuring fundraising efforts align with organizational priorities.
• Partner with finance and program teams to ensure grant compliance and alignment between funding and programmatic work; oversee and enhance tracking and reporting.
• Contribute to cross-team efforts, including fundraising events, investor briefings, and donor recognition initiatives.
• Serve as an Engagement Team leader, inspiring others while fostering a collaborative, fun, and results-oriented work environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with a proven track record of securing major gifts and developing strong donor relationships.
• A natural relationship-builder able to command a room, cultivate meaningful connections, and inspire confidence in donors and stakeholders.
• Strong ability to define and structure fundraising problems, analyze data, and propose solutions to meet financial targets and metrics.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills, able to oversee multiple donor engagements and meet deadlines.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with experience navigating complex fundraising challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams, fostering partnerships that enhance fundraising outcomes.
• Experience using Salesforce or similar CRM tools to track donor engagement and pipeline progression.
• Embody our core values of: better together, intentionally inclusive, always learning, seeking clarity to inform action, and championing empowerment.
• A well-developed sense of humor and adaptability to change. 

Opportunity@Work is an equal opportunity and skills-first employer. We celebrate diversity and the dignity of every worker - especially those with overlooked skills. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

To Apply:

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to Opportunity@Work’s career page. We will review applications on a rolling basis and contact you if we will move forward with a phone interview.