Major Gifts Fundraiser

Company Description

The Trauma Research Foundation is a mission-driven organization dedicated to advancing the understanding, treatment, and prevention of psychological trauma. Through research, education, convening, and practice-based innovation, TRF works to bridge the gap between science and lived experience, ensuring that trauma-informed approaches are grounded in evidence and accessible to communities worldwide. TRF is entering a pivotal phase of growth with the launch of the TRF Institute, a research engine designed to place rigorous trauma research at the center of the organization's long-term impact and sustainability. Philanthropy will be central to making this vision possible. Role Description TRF is seeking a hands-on, relationship-driven Major Gifts Fundraiser to play a central role in advancing the organization's philanthropic strategy. This is a portfolio-building role. The successful candidate will cultivate new prospects and establish philanthropic relationships, working closely with TRF leadership to build the foundation of a major gifts program from the ground up. The Major Gifts Fundraiser will manage a personal portfolio of donors and prospects, lead cultivation and solicitation efforts, and work closely with TRF leadership to connect philanthropic partners to the Institute and the wider TRF ecosystem. This is a frontline fundraising role for an experienced development professional who thrives on building deep, long-term relationships with individual donors and foundations and who is motivated by mission, meaning, and impact. The role is both strategic and practical, with a strong emphasis on relationship-building, donor engagement, and compelling storytelling.

Key Responsibilities

Major Gifts Fundraising

• Build and manage a portfolio of approximately 75 – 100 major gift prospects, primarily individuals, with a focus on five- and six-figure gifts and select seven-figure opportunities.
• Develop and execute tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor, aligned with TRF’s mission and priorities.
• Conduct regular donor meetings (virtual and in person), with a strong emphasis on building trust and long-term relationships.
• Actively solicit major gifts in partnership with senior leadership, board members, and key advisors.

Institute-Focused Philanthropy

• Position the TRF Institute as a core philanthropic opportunity, articulating its purpose, structure, and long-term impact to prospective funders.
• Work closely with TRF Institute leadership to translate complex research and program concepts into clear, fundable narratives for donor conversations and proposals.

Strategy and Collaboration

• Partner with the CEO and senior team to shape and refine the organization's major gifts strategy.
• Collaborate with board members and advisors to leverage networks, support donor engagement, and participate in solicitations where appropriate.
• Coordinate with events and communications colleagues to ensure donor engagement opportunities are thoughtful, aligned, and timely.

Pipeline and Coordination

• Maintain basic contact notes and pipeline records to support forecasting and team coordination.

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 5–8 years’ experience in major gifts fundraising, preferably within a nonprofit, research, healthcare, or mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and closing five- and six-figure gifts; experience with seven-figure gifts is a strong plus.
• Strong relationship-builder with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Comfortable working directly with senior leaders, board members, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and compellingly to non-specialist audiences.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and comfortable working in a small, entrepreneurial organization.
• Alignment with TRF’s mission and values, and a genuine interest in trauma research and healing.

Working Style and Values Fit This role will suit someone who:

• Enjoys being hands-on and personally accountable for fundraising outcomes
• Is thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, and able to work with sensitivity in a trauma-informed context
• Thrives in an organization that is evolving and values initiative, collaboration, and sound judgement over rigid hierarchy

Compensation

Between $120k - $150k. Competitive and commensurate with experience. TRF is committed to building an equitable and sustainable compensation structure. Why This Role Matters This is a rare opportunity to help shape the philanthropic future of an organization at a moment