Director of Major Gifts

Summary

Description

Company Summary

At USA Triathlon, we believe life is better when you swim, bike, and run. As the Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body (NGB) for triathlon and multisport, we are the largest multisport organization in the world. We’re committed to growing the sport, inspiring healthier communities, and representing the U.S. on the international stage, striving for excellence and medals with integrity.

Our guiding principles—service leadership, performance excellence, collaboration, and diversity and inclusion—define everything we do. We focus on innovation and comprehensive support to lead within the Olympic and Paralympic movement.

We’re proud to have been named one of Front Office Sports’ “Best Employers in Sports” (2020, 2021) and honored with diversity and inclusion awards from the USOPC. We achieve these successes by hiring passionate, talented individuals who seek to grow and improve every day. In return, we offer unlimited vacation, 100% paid medical benefits, and more.

Join us in Colorado Springs, ranked No. 3 in US News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best Places to Live, and be part of a thriving, impactful community of athletes and professionals.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Title: Director of Major Gifts
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $85,000 – 105,000 Annually 
Reports To: Chief Development Officer
Job Close Date: August 31, 2025
Please note: This role may be closed prior to the listed date if an offer is extended to a candidate.

Position Summary
USA Triathlon is seeking a passionate, results-driven Director of Major Gifts Officer to partner with the Foundation’s Chief Development Officer on driving philanthropic growth and securing sustainable major and lead gift support. This role centers on relationship-building and strategic donor engagement, connecting supporters to the transformative power of triathlon.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic, storytelling-driven fundraiser who thrives in the field and brings a donor-centric, data-informed approach to growing revenue. This is a high-impact opportunity to contribute to the success of the Elevate 2028 Strategic Plan by securing resources to:
 

• Identify, develop, and support U.S. athletes on their path to the Olympic and Paralympic Games
• Expand youth inclusion within multisport
• Support access and strengthen the broader triathlon ecosystem

 This role offers a chance to help shape the future of triathlon in the U.S., from elite performance to grassroots growth in communities across the country. While the position may be performed remotely from another state, candidates residing in Colorado and able to work in the office on occasion (hybrid) are preferred. 

Essential Job Functions

Major Gift Fundraising

• Partner with the Chief Development Officer and leadership team to help close transformative gifts.
• Understand and lead the full donor cycle with prospects from identification, cultivation, solicitation, to stewardship and continued engagement. 
• Build, manage, and maintain a pipeline of about 100 qualified donors capable of making five-, six-, and possibly seven-figure gifts.
• Help grow the annual fund through leadership-level giving ($1K–$25K+) alongside the Manager of Annual Fund and Operations and Chief Development Officer.
• Package and present funding opportunities tied to organizational priorities and initiatives – aligned with the Elevate 2028 Strategic Plan.

Portfolio Management & Donor Engagement

• Manage a mid-major gift portfolio with focus on first gifts, renewals, upgrades, and multi-year support through pledges. 
• Conduct prospect research, schedule and lead personalized donor visits, and oversee all stewardship and follow-up. 
• Implement moves management strategies to deepen donor engagement.
• Identify and engage new prospects, including those beyond the existing USAT Foundation community
• Create year-round engagement systems to foster connection and loyalty among donors – partner with the team on donor cultivation events and strategy. 

Collaboration & Internal Engagement

• Work hand-in-glove with the Foundation team.
• Work across departments to align fundraising strategies with programmatic goals.
• Partner with coaches, program leaders, and executives to steward and inspire donors.
• Support development of donor materials and storytelling assets that highlight the mission and impact.
• Work on reformatting the donor journey on the website with the Manager of Annual Fund and Operations.
• Serve as a mentor to teammates on donor engagement best practices – this position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
• Model a team-first, positive attitude in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. 

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, business, public administration, sport or related field a plus.

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of fundraising experience with a focus on major gift solicitation and stewardship.
• Demonstrated success closing five- and six-figure gifts (seven-figure preferred).
• Experience in a nonprofit, sports, Olympic/Paralympic, or mission-driven environment strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with annual fund and leadership giving programs, working with HNW individuals, foundations, or boards

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Fundraising Strategy: Ability to build and execute donor strategies that drive results.
• CRM & Data Fluency: Proficiency in Salesforce (preferred), Raiser’s Edge, or similar platforms
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal skills with strength in storytelling and personalized asks.
• Strategic Thinking: Goal-oriented with strong planning, prioritization, and adaptability. Strong time management skills necessary. 
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to cultivate lasting donor partnerships. 
• Team Collaboration: Works effectively across departments to meet shared goals. 

Performance Expectations (First 12 Months)

• Conduct 8–12 meaningful donor meetings per month.
• Secure 6–10 major gifts ($25K–$100K+).
• Add 30–40 qualified prospects to the portfolio.
• Submit 10+ tailored donor proposals.
• Increase donor retention and average gift size year-over-year.
• Collaborate with Manager of Annual Fund & Operations to double membership in $1,982 Society and Leadership Circle ($10K+).

Other Requirements

• Position can be based remote, but preference given to those in Colorado Springs, New York City, Miami, Dallas, or Chicago.
• Frequent domestic travel, including trips to Colorado Springs and other key regions for donor meetings and events.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends, holidays) as needed for donor events and race weekends.
• Must be able to manage local travel logistics and work independently in the field partnering with the Chief Development Officer.

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