Major Gifts Director

Overview:

The Major Gifts Director plays a critical role in advancing Kupu’s mission of empowering youth through environmental stewardship, service-learning, and place-based leadership development.

This position is responsible for building and managing a portfolio of major donors and prospects, cultivating meaningful relationships, and securing significant philanthropic investments to support Kupu’s strategic priorities.Reports to the VP of Philanthropy, works closely with the CEO, Board members, and philanthropy team to execute major gift strategies. The MGD must be highly relational, strategic, and disciplined in portfolio management, demonstrating ethical fundraising practices, cultural competency, and a deep commitment to long-term donor partnership and sustainability.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

     Cultural Alignment & Organizational Leadership

• Conduct oneself with aloha and exemplify Kupu’s culture, mission, and CHOSEN Values
• Conduct oneself with integrity, credibility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Kupu’s mission
• Actively contribute as a strategic leader within the Executive Committee
• Support cross-departmental alignment
• Champion a culture of philanthropy across the organization
• Support organizational initiatives including strategic planning, annual budgeting, and long-range forecasting
• Represent Kupu at community, civic, and philanthropic events
• Maintain confidentiality and ethical fundraising standards

     Major Gift Strategy & Portfolio Management

• Manage/grow a portfolio of 75-125 major gift prospects and supporters

• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans
• Conduct regular donor meetings, in-person and virtual, to build relationships and assess giving capacity

• Personally solicit 5- and 6-figure gifts
• Partner with the Vice President of Philanthropy and CEO on principal-level strategies
• Identify and qualify new major gift prospects
• Prepare compelling proposals, concept papers, and impact reports tailored to donor interests

• Track and document all engagement activity in CRM system

     Revenue Growth & Campaign Support

• Support capital campaigns, special initiatives, and endowment growth efforts
• Assist in building multi-year commitments and blended giving strategies (cash, pledges, planned gifts)
• Coordinate with institutional giving and corporate partners when relationships overlap

     Board & Volunteer Engagement

• Partner with Board members to support cultivation and solicitation efforts
• Prepare briefing materials and talking points for donor meetings
• Support Board members in managing peer-to-peer fundraising relationships
• Participate in fundraising committee meetings as requested

     Stewardship & Reporting

• Acknowledge and personalize stewardship for all major donors
• Provide impact updates and strategic reports aligned with donor intent
• Maintain high standards of data integrity and reporting in CRM
• Monitor donor retention, upgrade strategies, and portfolio performance

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required. Preferred fields include Nonprofit management, business, public administration, or related field
• Min 5 yrs of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success in major gifts
• Proven track record of securing 5- and 6-figure gifts
• Strong relationship-building and donor cultivation skills
• Experience working with executive leadership and Boards of Directors
• Financial literacy and ability to align donor investments with program budgets
• Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce or similar)
• Demonstrated understanding of Hawaiʻi’s philanthropic and cultural landscape
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to travel throughout the State of Hawai’i. Possible travel beyond Hawai’i

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in nonprofit management, business, public administration, or related field
• CFRE credential
• Experience in youth development, conservation, education, or service-based nonprofits
• Experience with capital or comprehensive campaigns
• Familiarity with public-private partnerships
• Experience in culturally grounded fundraising practices in Hawaiʻi
• Demonstrated cultural competency in place-based leadership
• Familiarity with Ōlelo Hawai’i

Physical Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation):      

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Ability to travel locally for donor meetings.
• Ability to attend events in the evenings and/or weekends as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Frequent use of computer, phone, and presentation equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to speak, comprehend, and fully converse in English