Director of Individual Philanthropy

United Way of Utah County is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Director of Individual Philanthropy to lead major gift fundraising for our Community Centers and other key initiatives.

This is a highly external role. The Director will spend significant time meeting face-to-face with current and prospective donors, introducing people to United Way’s work, bringing donors into our Community Centers, developing relationships, and asking individuals and families to make significant philanthropic investments.

The Director will build and manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, with a particular focus on gifts of $10,000 and above, including multi-year commitments and significant investments in our Community Center projects.

We are looking for someone who can think strategically about how to move a relationship from an introduction to a meaningful philanthropic partnership, while also being personable, genuine, and comfortable sitting across the table from a donor. This person should be a self-starter who creates opportunities rather than waiting for them, follows through consistently, and is resilient and adaptable through the changing fundraising landscape.

Success in this role requires someone who enjoys people, is comfortable asking for significant gifts, solves problems creatively, and collaborates well with staff, board members, and community leaders to open doors and build relationships.

The salary range is $55,000–$70,000 for this full-time position, plus excellent benefits.

Job Responsibilities

Major Gifts Fundraising

• Build and manage a portfolio and pipeline of major donors and prospects, with a primary focus on gifts of $10,000 and above.
• Develop and execute individualized strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors.
• Maintain an active schedule of face-to-face donor meetings, Center tours, and other relationship-building opportunities.
• Secure major gifts, including multi-year commitments and investments in United Way’s Community Center projects.
• Develop strategies to retain donors and grow their engagement and giving over time.

Donor & Community Engagement

• Work with United Way leadership, board members, Tocqueville Society Cabinet members, and community leaders to identify prospects, secure introductions, and strengthen donor relationships.
• Plan donor events, tours, and other cultivation and stewardship opportunities.

Strategy, Collaboration & Management

• Collaborate with program and Resource Development staff to develop compelling funding opportunities, proposals, and donor materials.
• Track major gift goals, donor activity, next steps, and solicitations in Salesforce CRM and adjust strategies based on results.

Who We’re Looking For

The strongest candidate will be someone who:

• Is highly personable and energized by meeting donors and prospects face-to-face.
• Can confidently communicate a vision, build trust, and ask for significant philanthropic investments.
• Thinks strategically about relationships and how to move them toward meaningful philanthropic partnerships.
• Is a self-starter who takes initiative and creates opportunities.
• Is resilient, persistent, and able to adjust when an approach doesn’t work.
• Is a creative problem solver with strong judgment and follow-through.
• Collaborates effectively with staff, board members, volunteers, and community partners.
• Demonstrates a high level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion.

Qualifications

• Fundraising, major gifts, sales, business development, relationship management, or similar experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong professional relationships and achieve fundraising, sales, or relationship-development goals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience working with executives, entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, community leaders, or similar audiences preferred.
• Knowledge of and relationships within Utah County are a plus.
• Experience using Salesforce, fundraising CRMs or similar relationship-management system preferred.
• Valid Utah driver’s license and reliable transportation, with the ability to travel throughout Utah County.
• Willingness to occasionally work evenings or outside traditional business hours for donor meetings and events.