Director of Major Gifts
10+ years
United States
Full-time
Remote
1 month ago
About the role
Director, Major Gifts
Glaucoma Research Foundation
Remote (San Francisco preferred) | $160,000–$175,000
About Glaucoma Research FoundationGlaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide — and for the more than 80 million people living with it, research is hope. Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) is the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated to funding innovative glaucoma research and advancing patient education. With a growing database of 160,000+ donors and an ambitious $50 million campaign on the horizon, this is a pivotal moment in our history — and we're looking for a gifted relationship-builder to help us meet it.
The OpportunityWe're seeking a Major Gifts Officer with a solid background in securing six-and seven-figure gifts who thrives on authentic connection, understands the nuance of national fundraising, and is energized by the opportunity to make a lasting difference. This is a frontline fundraising role with significant autonomy and organizational visibility.
This is not a community-based role — it's a nationally scoped position that calls for someone comfortable navigating a diverse, geographically dispersed donor landscape with sophistication and heart.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Development and COO, you'll inherit an active portfolio and build it into a powerhouse of approximately 150 major gift prospects. You'll work at the six- and seven-figure level, partnering closely with GRF's CEO and EDOD to drive strategy and deepen relationships with donors who have the capacity — and the passion — to fuel a future without glaucoma.
This role sits at the heart of our campaign planning. GRF is in the early phases of a $50 million comprehensive campaign launching publicly in February 2028, in celebration of our 50th anniversary. You'll help lay the groundwork: qualifying prospects, building relationships, and positioning GRF for its most ambitious fundraising effort yet.
What You'll DoBuild and Manage a National Portfolio
You'll personally qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 150 major gift prospects, drawn from a pipeline of 800+ high-priority donors and prospects. You'll add new prospects continuously, prioritize by ability, affinity, and access, and maximize giving potential at every level.
Partner on Strategy
You'll work hand-in-hand with GRF's executive leadership to develop and execute donor strategies, craft personalized proposals, and create meaningful moments of connection between donors, researchers, and GRF's mission.
Champion a Grateful Patient Program
Working alongside glaucoma specialists across the country, you'll help build and systematize a Grateful Patient program that becomes a cornerstone of campaign activity.
Represent GRF on the National Stage
You'll attend GRF's signature convenings — including the annual Glaucoma 360 event in San Francisco and the Annual Glaucoma Patient Summit — as well as engage donors in markets across the country. Extensive travel (40–50%) is an essential and exciting part of this role.
Support the Broader Development Team
You'll work closely with a collaborative, mission-driven team including program staff, leadership, and communications to build compelling cases for support.
Who You AreYou are a skilled, seasoned major gift fundraiser who understands that transformational giving is built on trust. You know how to meet donors where they are — geographically, emotionally, and motivationally — and you have a track record of closing six-figure gifts to prove it. You are equally comfortable working independently across a national landscape as you are collaborating with colleagues, volunteers, and leadership.
You bring:
• 4-5 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, including demonstrated success closing gifts of $100,000 or more
• Proven portfolio management skills with high-capacity donors
• Experience in a national organization — you understand that major donor work at this level requires a different approach than community-based fundraising
• Strong moves management instincts and a disciplined, strategic approach to relationship-building
• The ability to grasp and translate complex research into compelling, donor-centered conversations
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• A self-starter mindset, with the ability to work independently and travel extensively
• Genuine warmth, curiosity, and authenticity — you're someone donors want to hear from
Experience within a national organization or research fundraising is a plus. A graduate degree and/or CFRE are welcome but not required.
LogisticsThis is a hybrid role. Candidates based in or near San Francisco are preferred, with the option to work from the GRF office regularly. Candidates located elsewhere may work fully remotely from a home office, with regular visits to GRF's San Francisco headquarters and regular national travel.
Compensation: $160,000–$175,000 annually, commensurate with experience and an annual bonus tied to portfolio growth, donor stewardship, and fundraising milestones — rewarding the full scope of relationship-based fundraising.
Benefits: 100% employer-sponsored retirement, health/dental/vision, paid vacation and holidays, 5% 401(k) match
Travel: 40–50%, including regular travel to San Francisco and national donor meetings
To Apply
Glaucoma Research Foundation
Remote (San Francisco preferred) | $160,000–$175,000
About Glaucoma Research FoundationGlaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide — and for the more than 80 million people living with it, research is hope. Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) is the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated to funding innovative glaucoma research and advancing patient education. With a growing database of 160,000+ donors and an ambitious $50 million campaign on the horizon, this is a pivotal moment in our history — and we're looking for a gifted relationship-builder to help us meet it.
The OpportunityWe're seeking a Major Gifts Officer with a solid background in securing six-and seven-figure gifts who thrives on authentic connection, understands the nuance of national fundraising, and is energized by the opportunity to make a lasting difference. This is a frontline fundraising role with significant autonomy and organizational visibility.
This is not a community-based role — it's a nationally scoped position that calls for someone comfortable navigating a diverse, geographically dispersed donor landscape with sophistication and heart.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Development and COO, you'll inherit an active portfolio and build it into a powerhouse of approximately 150 major gift prospects. You'll work at the six- and seven-figure level, partnering closely with GRF's CEO and EDOD to drive strategy and deepen relationships with donors who have the capacity — and the passion — to fuel a future without glaucoma.
This role sits at the heart of our campaign planning. GRF is in the early phases of a $50 million comprehensive campaign launching publicly in February 2028, in celebration of our 50th anniversary. You'll help lay the groundwork: qualifying prospects, building relationships, and positioning GRF for its most ambitious fundraising effort yet.
What You'll DoBuild and Manage a National Portfolio
You'll personally qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 150 major gift prospects, drawn from a pipeline of 800+ high-priority donors and prospects. You'll add new prospects continuously, prioritize by ability, affinity, and access, and maximize giving potential at every level.
Partner on Strategy
You'll work hand-in-hand with GRF's executive leadership to develop and execute donor strategies, craft personalized proposals, and create meaningful moments of connection between donors, researchers, and GRF's mission.
Champion a Grateful Patient Program
Working alongside glaucoma specialists across the country, you'll help build and systematize a Grateful Patient program that becomes a cornerstone of campaign activity.
Represent GRF on the National Stage
You'll attend GRF's signature convenings — including the annual Glaucoma 360 event in San Francisco and the Annual Glaucoma Patient Summit — as well as engage donors in markets across the country. Extensive travel (40–50%) is an essential and exciting part of this role.
Support the Broader Development Team
You'll work closely with a collaborative, mission-driven team including program staff, leadership, and communications to build compelling cases for support.
Who You AreYou are a skilled, seasoned major gift fundraiser who understands that transformational giving is built on trust. You know how to meet donors where they are — geographically, emotionally, and motivationally — and you have a track record of closing six-figure gifts to prove it. You are equally comfortable working independently across a national landscape as you are collaborating with colleagues, volunteers, and leadership.
You bring:
• 4-5 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, including demonstrated success closing gifts of $100,000 or more
• Proven portfolio management skills with high-capacity donors
• Experience in a national organization — you understand that major donor work at this level requires a different approach than community-based fundraising
• Strong moves management instincts and a disciplined, strategic approach to relationship-building
• The ability to grasp and translate complex research into compelling, donor-centered conversations
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• A self-starter mindset, with the ability to work independently and travel extensively
• Genuine warmth, curiosity, and authenticity — you're someone donors want to hear from
Experience within a national organization or research fundraising is a plus. A graduate degree and/or CFRE are welcome but not required.
LogisticsThis is a hybrid role. Candidates based in or near San Francisco are preferred, with the option to work from the GRF office regularly. Candidates located elsewhere may work fully remotely from a home office, with regular visits to GRF's San Francisco headquarters and regular national travel.
Compensation: $160,000–$175,000 annually, commensurate with experience and an annual bonus tied to portfolio growth, donor stewardship, and fundraising milestones — rewarding the full scope of relationship-based fundraising.
Benefits: 100% employer-sponsored retirement, health/dental/vision, paid vacation and holidays, 5% 401(k) match
Travel: 40–50%, including regular travel to San Francisco and national donor meetings
To Apply
- Send a cover letter, resume, and writing samples (one PDF) to [email protected] . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. This position is subject to a background check.
Skills
OtherNon-profit Organizations