Overview

Director, Major Gifts, Glaucoma Research Foundation – Remote (San Francisco preferred / national travel required) Jobs in San Francisco, CA at Association of Fundraising Professionals, Golden Gate Chapter (AFP Golden Gate)

Title: Director, Major Gifts, Glaucoma Research Foundation – Remote (San Francisco preferred / national travel required)

Company: Association of Fundraising Professionals, Golden Gate Chapter (AFP Golden Gate)

Location: San Francisco, CA

Glaucoma Research Foundation

Director, Major Gifts

Full Time | Remote

Job Summary

We’re seeking a Major Gifts Officer with a solid background in securing six-and seven-figure gifts who thrives on authentic connection, understands the nuance of national fundraising, and is energized by the opportunity to make a lasting difference. This is a frontline fundraising role with significant autonomy and organizational visibility.

This is not a community-based role — it’s a nationally scoped position that calls for someone comfortable navigating a diverse, geographically dispersed donor landscape with sophistication and heart.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development and COO, you’ll inherit an active portfolio and build it into a powerhouse of approximately 150 major gift prospects. You’ll work at the six- and seven-figure level, partnering closely with GRF’s CEO and EDOD to drive strategy and deepen relationships with donors who have the capacity — and the passion — to fuel a future without glaucoma.

This role sits at the heart of our campaign planning. GRF is in the early phases of a $50 million comprehensive campaign launching publicly in February 2028, in celebration of our 50th anniversary. You’ll help lay the groundwork: qualifying prospects, building relationships, and positioning GRF for its most ambitious fundraising effort yet.

Full Job Description

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Build and Manage a National Portfolio

You’ll personally qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 150 major gift prospects, drawn from a pipeline of 800+ high-priority donors and prospects. You’ll add new prospects continuously, prioritize by ability, affinity, and access, and maximize giving potential at every level.

Partner on Strategy

You’ll work hand-in-hand with GRF’s executive leadership to develop and execute donor strategies, craft personalized proposals, and create meaningful moments of connection between donors, researchers, and GRF’s mission.

Champion a Grateful Patient Program

Working alongside glaucoma specialists across the country, you’ll help build and systematize a Grateful Patient program that becomes a cornerstone of campaign activity.

Represent GRF on the National Stage

You’ll attend GRF’s signature convenings — including the annual Glaucoma 360 event in San Francisco and the Annual Glaucoma Patient Summit — as well as engage donors in markets across the country. Extensive travel (40–50%) is an essential and exciting part of this role.

Support the Broader Development Team

You’ll work closely with a collaborative, mission-driven team including program staff, leadership, and communications to build compelling cases for support

Who You Are

You are a skilled, seasoned major gift fundraiser who understands that transformational giving is built on trust. You know how to meet donors where they are — geographically, emotionally, and motivationally — and you have a track record of closing six-figure gifts to prove it. You are equally comfortable working independently across a national landscape as you are collaborating with colleagues, volunteers, and leadership.

You Bring

  • 4-5 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, including demonstrated success closing gifts of $100,000 or more
  • Proven portfolio management skills with high-capacity donors
  • Experience in a national organization — you understand that major donor work at this level requires a different approach than community-based fundraising
  • Strong moves management instincts and a disciplined, strategic approach to relationship-building
  • The ability to grasp and translate complex research into compelling, donor-centered conversations
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • A self-starter mindset, with the ability to work independently and travel extensively
  • Genuine warmth, curiosity, and authenticity — you’re someone donors want to hear from

Experience within a national organization or research fundraising is a plus. A graduate degree and/or CFRE are welcome but not required.

LOGISTICS

This is a hybrid role. Candidates based in or near San Francisco are preferred, with the option to work from the GRF office regularly. Candidates located elsewhere may work fully remotely from a home office, with regular visits to GRF’s San Francisco headquarters and regular national travel.

Compensation: $160,000–$175,000 annually, commensurate with experience and an annual bonus tied to portfolio growth, donor stewardship, and fundraising milestones — rewarding the full scope of relationship-based fundraising.

Benefits: 100% employer-sponsored retirement, health/dental/vision, paid vacation and holidays, 5% 401(k) match

Travel: 40–50%, including regular travel to San Francisco and national donor meetings

TO APPLY

Send a cover letter, resume, and writing samples (PDF) to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. This position is subject to a background check.

Details

  • Salary $160,000 – $175,000
  • Job Type Full Time
  • Job Category Development
  • General Location Remote

Contact

Organization Details

  • Company Address 131 Steuart Street Suite 200 San Francisco, CA 94105-1206 US
  • Company Website https://www.glaucoma.org
  • Contact Email [email protected]

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