This is a remote position.
Location: National in scope. Candidates can reside anywhere within the continental 48 states.
Who We Are
GLSEN is a leading multi-racial, intergenerational LGBTQ+ organization transforming K-12 educational systems and strengthening democracy. We believe every student deserves a safe, affirming, and liberatory school environment, where they are free from harm, can reach their full potential, and are equipped to thrive in a multiracial democracy.
Our work is grounded in research and driven by community. We advocate for inclusive policies, empower youth leadership, equip educators, and support local organizing across the country. From national advocacy to grassroots organizing, we are building a future where all young people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or race, can learn and lead with pride.
What We’re Looking For
GLSEN is seeking a bold, relationship-driven Director of Philanthropy to lead our individual giving strategy and elevate our major donor and planned giving programs to new heights. This is a key leadership role at a pivotal moment of growth, perfect for a fundraiser who combines strategic vision with hands-on hustle.
Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director of Development, you’ll oversee the full spectrum of individual giving, major gifts, direct response, planned giving, and donor stewardship,while building the structure and systems to sustain long-term revenue growth. You’ll also manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and collaborate closely with executive leadership on campaign strategy and donor engagement.
If you thrive in a mission-driven, equity-centered environment, know how to build deep donor relationships, and are energized by growing a values-aligned philanthropic culture, this role is for you.
What Makes This Role Exciting
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to GLSEN’s mission of creating safe, inclusive, and liberatory K–12 schools for LGBTQ+ youth while shaping the future of our fundraising strategy. You will:
Advance Equity: Help fuel work that transforms schools into spaces where LGBTQ+ students of all races can thrive.
Build Power: Strengthen GLSEN’s donor base and philanthropic infrastructure to support local and national advocacy.
Shape Strategy: Lead foundational strategies to grow revenue and deepen donor engagement across individual giving.
Collaborate Across Teams: Work alongside passionate staff, students, and movement partners to sustain GLSEN’s impact.
Elevate Storytelling: Use donor engagement to amplify the voices and victories of young people, educators, and organizers.
Drive Growth: Define the systems, tools, and culture that will enable long-term revenue and movement-building.
What You’ll Do
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Lead and evolve GLSEN’s individual giving strategy, including major gifts, planned giving, digital/direct marketing, and donor engagement
Set and track annual revenue goals and campaign targets in partnership with the Deputy Executive Director of Development
Partner with leadership and program teams to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities
Major & Planned Giving
Manage a portfolio of 75–100 major donors and prospects, cultivating deep relationships that result in 5- to 7-figure gifts
Support the Executive Director and senior leadership in strategic solicitations and donor engagement
Expand GLSEN’s planned giving program through targeted stewardship and outreach
Donor Engagement & Stewardship
Develop tailored donor journeys and segmented communications that reflect GLSEN’s values and impact
Ensure a seamless, high-touch donor experience across all giving levels
Leverage events and programming to engage and inspire donors
Systems & Team Collaboration
Ensure accurate and timely donor data in Raiser’s Edge, supporting strong moves management and reporting
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Programs, Communications, Policy) to elevate donor storytelling and impact narratives
Strengthen fundraising literacy across the organization through tools, training, and knowledge-sharing
Immediate Priorities (First 6–12 Months)
Build a deep understanding of GLSEN’s mission, programs, and donor landscape
Refine and implement a strategy for portfolio management and major donor pipeline growth
Conduct 10–12 donor meetings per month and lead at least 15 strategic solicitations annually
Partner with Communications and Development teams to launch a successful year-end campaign
Evaluate and optimize systems for tracking, reporting, and stewarding individual giving revenue
What Success Looks Like
Execution of a clear, actionable strategy for growing major and planned gifts
Donor relationships are deepened, leading to increased renewal and upgrade rates
Individual giving revenue is on track to meet or exceed goals
GLSEN’s philanthropic culture reflects joy, equity, collaboration, and purpose
Why Join Us
This is a powerful time to be part of GLSEN. We’re growing in vision, reach, and impact, and we’re building a team that reflects the leadership, joy, and resilience of the communities we serve.
As Director of Philanthropy, you’ll help fuel this movement, strengthen our base of supporters, and shape the future of our fundraising strategy. You’ll join a passionate, talented team where your voice is heard, your values are shared, and your impact is real.
Requirements
Qualifications
The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:
8+ years of professional fundraising experience identifying, cultivating and soliciting a major gift portfolio with a clear record of achievement in a complex, mission-driven organization.
Demonstrated success in personally supporting senior leaders in cultivating, soliciting and closing philanthropic gifts in the range of 5- to 7-figures.
The intellectual depth, entrepreneurial drive, maturity, self-confidence, interpersonal skills, and warmth to build and maintain relationships with people at all levels of the organization, across a diverse range of educational and social backgrounds.
Strong contributor within team environments and a driver of organizational culture; leverages input of stakeholders in order to move work forward
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with an ability to inspire others to support GLSEN and become fundraising agents for its mission.
Proven analytical and strategic skills, with experience creating strategic fundraising plans and objectives, and the detail orientation and follow-through to implement those plans.
Knowledge of national LGBTQ+, education, civil rights and other relevant funding communities.
You care about LGBTQ+ youth. You care about changing lives. You want to come to work (physically and virtually) and feel inspired every day and you want to inspire others. You want to change the world for all youth in our K-12 education system.
You like to have fun. The work we do is grave and extremely impactful, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have fun. We know how to have a good time and you should too.
An appreciation for the mission and growth aspirations of GLSEN.
Benefits
Compensation: $120,000 to $130,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Benefits: Group medical/vision/dental benefits with 100% employer contribution for employees and 50% contribution for dependents; life insurance; 401k retirement savings plan; and generous holiday and paid time off policies.
