United Way of Central Indiana works to bring the resources of philanthropy, government, corporations, the social sector, and neighborhoods together to confront generational poverty head on and ensure a better future for our neighbors in need. This is an ambitious time to join United Way as we embark on a five-year strategic plan to reduce the number of households experiencing poverty and financial instability. To make a significant impact in our region, United Way is looking for dedicated, confident, and compassionate team members who live our shared values of inclusivity, courage, accountability, respect, and excellence. 

Position Summary

United Way of Central Indiana recognizes that the key to success is a strong and cohesive team that works through shared values to achieve our mission by deepening and maintaining relationships with major donors and prospects. The Director of Major Giving will identify, qualify, engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward current and prospective major donors, increasing philanthropic support to advance United Way’s mission. This role is responsible for managing a portfolio of major donors and generating at least $1,000,000 in philanthropic support.

United Way of Central Indiana’s Tocqueville Society, established in 1990, comprises hundreds of individuals contributing $10,000 or more annually. Members demonstrate extraordinary commitment to improving life for all in our community. The Director plays a key role in supporting the Tocqueville Society by assisting the Major Giving Director in managing the Tocqueville Council and ensuring excellent stewardship of Tocqueville Society members.

The Director will deliver excellent donor experiences, marked by empathy, active listening, persuasive communication, and exemplary customer service, while upholding the mission, integrity, and values of United Way.

Position Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Portfolio Management

• Manage and grow a portfolio of 150 individual donors who give $10,000 or more annually to United Way
• Conduct at least 150 meaningful donor interactions annually, with an emphasis on in-person meetings to deepen relationships and inspire giving.
• Execute a minimum of 10 solicitations annually of $50,000 or more, including multi-year commitments and planned gifts, with a goal of securing an increasing number of gifts at $250,000 and above.
• Participate in strategic solicitations of major, planned, and Tocqueville Society gifts, including prospects outside of the assigned portfolio, and involvement of Executive Team members, such as United Way’s CEO.
• Cultivate donor relationships through personalized and consistent communication, visits, and event participation.
• Proactively identify and qualify new prospective major donors in collaboration with the Manager of Prospect Research, ensuring a healthy and evolving portfolio.
• Develop and regularly update individualized donor strategies using data, insights, and moves management best practices to deepen engagement and increase giving.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in EmpowerPack (United Way’s Salesforce CRM), including contact reports and donor engagement plans for all portfolio donors.
• Ensure proper recognition of Tocqueville- and Meridian-level donors and assist the Major Giving Director in maintaining accurate membership lists and tracking engagement.
• Collaborate with colleagues across United Way, including Brand, Impact, and Strategic Intelligence, to develop compelling donor communications, including proposals, stewardship reports, and customized materials.
• Support the Major Giving Director in achieving Tocqueville Society goals, including donor acquisition, retention, and growth.
• Actively and creatively engage and steward Tocqueville donors who do not desire traditional donor calls, stewardship and cultivation.
• Ensure timely acknowledgment and stewardship of all donor gifts.

Annual Goals & Collaboration

• Meet or exceed annual goals for revenue, donor visits, and other engagement benchmarks.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Leadership, Major, and Transformational Giving team to support broader pipeline strategies and ensure a seamless donor experience.
• Lead or support short-term initiatives or work groups aimed at enhancing major gifts strategy or donor experience.
• Stay informed of trends in philanthropy, fundraising strategy, and donor engagement by participating in professional development opportunities and sector events.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the basic knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual in this role must display the highest level of integrity and confidentiality. United Way also values innovative thinking, and a successful candidate will be a self-starter who can work within the team to achieve goals and objectives. The individual should have effective communication skills, attention to detail and organization, flexibility, adaptability and the ability to multi-task and be open-minded in a fast-paced environment. The individual will also maintain knowledge of trends in his/her area of responsibility and reviews literature to understand key issues.

This individual routinely reads, interprets and analyzes financial reports, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and/or governmental / legal regulations. Routinely writes complex and detailed reports and business correspondence. Routinely presents information and responds to questions from groups of managers (may include Top Management), clients, customers, and the general public. Routinely solves practical problems and deals with a variety of concrete variables in situations where standardization exists. Is able to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Makes day-to-day and/or daily decisions used to support strategic direction. Decisions often require thought and are structured. Decisions tend to be short term (one year or less) and usually moderate to high cost.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree required.* Master’s degree preferred. CFRE preferred. Two to four years major gift fundraising experience required. Experience soliciting and securing gifts of $10,000 per year or more is preferred. Knowledge of the central Indiana community and the human service sector is preferred.

Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, a strong reputation for integrity and professionalism, ability to resolve conflict constructively, strong performance management and evaluation capabilities including the willingness and ability to ensure accountability, ability to build strong relationship both inside and outside United Way, ability to think strategically, commitment to fostering an inclusive environment consistent with United Way’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Must have the ability to prepare, explain, and monitor performance, manage a diverse group of donors and volunteers, manage projects and workload, and engage constructively with the other members of the United Way team.

• Work experience may substitute for education requirements on a case-by-case basis.

Position Leader: Vice President Major and Transformational Giving

Position Lead: N/A

FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-time

Salary Range: Upper 80’s to Mid 90’s

Benefits: Complete Benefits Package Available

Reviewed: April 2025

Equal Opportunity Employer

Please apply at uwci.org/careers

This position description does not constitute a contract of employment or a guarantee of any terms or conditions of employment. UWCI employees are employed on an at-will basis. In addition, nothing in this position description restricts UWCI’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

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