Job Description
Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the black college community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and several Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). This high-profile 6-month consulting role is designed for a dynamic, experienced fundraising leader with a minimum of 7–10 years of hard-core fundraising experience. The Gala Fundraising Lead will spearhead a strategic and large-scale fundraising event, collaborating with internal and external constituents to reach a $2M fundraising goal. The ideal candidate is adept at cultivating relationships with major donors, managing high-ego individuals, and orchestrating complex campaigns that drive significant revenue growth and donor engagement.
Reports To:
Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth and Special Initiatives
Responsibilities:
- Plan, coordinate, and execute high-profile gala dinner scheduled for October 4, 2025
- Oversee all aspects of impactful fundraising outcomes, developing and implement strategies to attract and engage high-profile donors, corporate sponsors, and foundation partners.
- Serve as the primary liaison for key donor contacts, including board members, alumni, and high-net-worth individuals.
- Drive the transition of the gala fundraising model to one that emphasizes revenue generation and brand enhancement.
- Recruit and manage volunteers to support gala fundraising while navigate internal and external teams that include high-profile and high-ego individuals while fostering a collaborative environment.
- Leverage existing networks and establish new connections with nationally recognized organizations to support major gifts and sponsorships.
- Engage in proactive outreach to secure six-figure gifts and large-scale contributions.
- Provide detailed fundraising financial reports and forecasts to senior leadership.
- Collaborate with the development, marketing, and communications teams to ensure consistent fundraising messaging and brand alignment across all initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned
Required Competencies and Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree required and advanced degree preferred or relevant professional certifications in fundraising or development is preferred.
- A minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with a track record in large-scale event planning and donor campaign management.
- Demonstrable success in securing major gifts and corporate sponsorships.
- In-depth understanding of fundraising principles, donor stewardship, and campaign strategy, especially within a high-profile, revenue-focused framework.
- Familiarity with operating in politically conservative or similarly aligned settings is an asset.
- Proficiency in fundraising software and CRM systems, with the ability to analyze donor data and create targeted strategies.
- Competency in standard business and financial software tools.
- Proven leadership capabilities with experience managing diverse teams and volunteers.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including development, marketing, communications, and executive leadership.
- Established network within high-profile donor circles and national organizations.
- Experience in serving as a spokesperson or representative for the organization at high-stakes meetings.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for negotiating sponsorships, securing six-figure gifts, and aligning messaging with organizational KPIs
- Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and develop creative solutions in high-pressure, dynamic environments.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build and sustain networks with nationally recognized organizations, industry leaders, and influential stakeholders.
- Expertise in recruiting, mentoring, and managing diverse teams and volunteers, including individuals with high egos, ensuring effective collaboration and performance.
- Demonstrated expertise in planning and executing large-scale galas, corporate fundraising functions, and multi-tiered fundraising campaigns.
Additional Information:
Type: Full workload
Manages Others: No
Location: Remote
Salary: $ 5,000 to $10,000 Monthly