Senior Director, Major Gifts Job at Sesame Workshop, New York, NY

V2xVK2p4OFZpYTZUSTJWdUdHdlo5WjdNNkE9PQ==
  • Sesame Workshop
  • New York, NY

Job Description

Sesame Workshop is looking for a Senior Director, Major Gifts.

The Revenue and Philanthropy Department is a major contributor to Sesame Workshop’s $150 million annual budget and works closely with our Distribution team and International Offices to advance the organization’s broader revenue goals. Sesame Workshop sees a significant growth opportunity in the Major Gifts and Planned Giving space and is building a team to unlock this potential. The Sr. Director of Major Gifts role will be a critical part of this new team, helping to establish the business processes and build the donor relationships that bring it to life.
The Senior Director, Major Gifts is a key senior-level frontline fundraiser responsible for securing significant philanthropic support to advance Sesame Workshop’s mission. Reporting to the Vice President of Major Gifts, this position drives the development and execution of major gift strategies for a portfolio that includes high-net-worth individual donors and family foundations. The Senior Director will provide strategic fundraising execution, manage relationships, oversee written communication, and contribute to the overall success of the Major Gifts program.

Responsibilities

  • Portfolio management: Manage and grow a portfolio of 75–125 high-capacity individual donors and family foundation prospects, with a focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts at the $100,000+ level.
  • Fundraising strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive, individualized moves management strategies for donors in the portfolio, from identification and qualification to solicitation and stewardship.
  • High-level solicitation: Personally solicit and secure major and principal gifts by crafting compelling proposals and presentations that align donor and family foundation interests with Sesame Workshop's funding priorities.
  • Proposal writing and reporting: Lead the preparation of high-quality proposals and grant reports for family foundations within the portfolio, synthesizing complex programmatic information into clear, compelling, and compliant narratives.
  • Strategic collaboration: Work closely with the Vice President of Major Gifts, the Executive Team, and Board members to facilitate and support high-level donor and foundation engagement.
  • Team mentorship: Provide informal coaching and guidance to other Major Gift Officers (MGOs), sharing expertise and modeling best practices in donor and family foundation engagement.
  • Prospect identification: Partner with the Director of Research to proactively identify new major gift and family foundation prospects, leveraging AI-powered insights to expand the pipeline.
  • Events & visibility: Participate in donor and foundation cultivation events, program showcases, and other strategic gatherings to build relationships and move prospects through the pipeline.
  • CRM management: Ensure accurate records of all donor and foundation interactions, proposals, and gift statuses within the Salesforce CRM, in partnership with the Revenue Operations team.
  • Programmatic knowledge: Develop and maintain a deep knowledge of Sesame Workshop's programs, priorities, and global impact to effectively articulate the case for support to all funders.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
  • 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in major gift fundraising, with a demonstrated track record of closing six- and seven-figure gifts from both individuals and family foundations.
  • Proven expertise in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-net-worth individuals and family foundations.
  • Exceptional proposal writing, reporting, and communication skills, with the ability to engage a diverse range of stakeholders.
  • High proficiency in using CRM systems for fundraising, preferably Salesforce.
  • Ability to travel regularly for donor and foundation meetings and events.
  • Deeply committed to the mission of Sesame Workshop and its global impact.

Nice to have:

  • Experience in media, social impact, and early childhood development fundraising is strongly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Job Tags

Full time,

Similar Jobs

Row Partners

Appointment Setter - Sales Job at Row Partners

 ...a make sense argument for potential customers. Working with us,Appointment Setters will have the opportunity...  ...career advancement. A supportive and collaborative work environment. Health, dental, and vision benefits. Work from home in this position!... 

Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Event Planner Job at Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

 ...them closer to God the Creator, and one another. The candidate will be responsible for coordinating and planning all aspects of the event. Skills, Education, and Experience Required: High school diploma or equivalent. Computer Skills-Microsoft Word, Excel, Access... 

Propak Logistics LLC

Pallet Repair Skilled Warehouse Laborer Job at Propak Logistics LLC

 ...Job description: We are seeking a hardworking, motivated, and physically fit Skilled Warehouse Laborer - Pallet Repair to join our team. This role is crucial for a skilled tradesman or repairman who is passionate about working with lumber. The position, also known... 

T&H

MULTI-SITE ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER - APARTMENTS-Full-Time Job at T&H

 ...Good values are like a magnet; they attract good people John Wooden Work with us! Work with us! SUMMARY: MULTI-SITE ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER - FULL TIME This position assists the Multi-Site Property Manager in overseeing and managing the financial aspects... 

MASONICARE

Nursing Assistant Job at MASONICARE

 ...located on a Behavioral Health/Acute Psych Unit* Evening Shift / 24hrs/wk / EOW This is a 50-bed state of the art Behavioral Health Hospital unit The CNA performs basic nursing care procedures under the direction and supervision of a licensed nurse. Follow treatment plan...