Major Gifts Manager

Camp Solomon Schechter is hiring for a Major Gifts Manager who can bring equal parts strategy and heart to our development efforts – someone who loves the art (and joy!) of relationship building, is motivated by big goals, and is excited to help shape the next chapter of our camp story.

The Major Gifts Manager (MGM) will focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts of $1,800+, with a strong emphasis on growing our base of leadership-level supporters. This role blends donor strategy with hands-on relationship management and requires both initiative and collaboration.

The MGM will work closely with the Executive Director, Development Director, and Board to unlock new prospects, deepen engagement with existing donors, and ensure every supporter feels the warmth, gratitude, and impact of our camp community.

About Camp Solomon Schechter

Camp Solomon Schechter (CSS) has a 70-year tradition of fun, friendship, and Jewish education in the Pacific Northwest. We value each child as an individual and support their social and spiritual growth. Our campers explore independence in a safe, nurturing environment and are encouraged to try new things, make friends, and grow as leaders and individuals. CSS offers a fully immersive, welcoming, and spiritual Jewish experience.

We are also home to the Stampfer Retreat Center, a beautiful setting for conferences, retreats, and special events from mid-August through mid-June, as well as a year-round outdoor school, Osprey Camp. Both provide a welcoming, safe, and values-based environment that promotes community and personal growth through art, culture, sports, and environmental education.

Key Responsibilities

1. Donor Cultivation & Solicitation
   • Manage and grow a personal portfolio of approximately 50-100 prospects and donors capable of giving $1,800K+.
   • Develop tailored strategies for cultivation and solicitation, aligning donor passions with our mission and campaign priorities.
   • Lead or support solicitations, preparing compelling proposals, presentations, and cases for support.
   • Partner with volunteer leaders and senior staff to make high-impact donor connections.
2. Prospect Identification & Research
   • Proactively research and qualify new major gift prospects, including individuals, families, and foundations.
   • Collaborate with staff and volunteers to leverage networks and uncover untapped relationships.
   • Use data and insights to build strong cultivation plans for newly identified donors.
3. Stewardship & Relationship Building
   • Create meaningful, personalized stewardship experiences that connect donors to camp’s impact year-round.
   • Coordinate recognition efforts, special updates, and invitations to exclusive donor events.
   • Ensure timely, thoughtful follow-up after every donor interaction.
4. Campaign & Team Collaboration
   • Work closely with the Development Director to align major gift work with the broader fundraising strategy.
   • Serve as a key member of the capital campaign team, helping track progress toward goals and keeping momentum strong.
   • Partner with marketing staff to develop materials and stories that inspire high-level giving.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with proven success in soliciting and closing major gifts at $1,800K+ (capital campaign experience a plus).
• Strong relationship-building skills with a warm, authentic communication style.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate big vision into actionable donor plans.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating in a team-driven environment.
• Familiarity with Jewish culture and values a plus, and enthusiasm for camp life a must.
• Bring your passion and energy to a supportive and collaborative team that celebrates big wins and small moments alike.
• Enjoy working in a mission-driven workplace where your contributions directly help create transformative camp experiences.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position, $75,000 - $85,000 per year, depending on experience. Employee is covered by medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurances. Employee may also cover eligible dependents at their own cost under these medical, dental and vision insurances. Employee is also able to enroll in Camp Solomon Schechter’s 401k plan, which includes an employer contribution. Further, employee will receive 15 days per year of vacation that accrues over the course of the year, as well as eight paid national holidays and 13 Jewish holidays (which are paid if they occur on a day that an employee is regularly scheduled to work).