Deputy Director, Major Gifts

As the Deputy Director, Major Gifts, you will play a central and senior role in advancing Trinity College Dublin’s philanthropic ambitions. As deputy director engaging with high-level donors, you will work at the intersection of strategy and engagement, partnering with colleagues across Trinity and cultivating relationships with external stakeholders to shape and drive transformative initiatives. Representing the university with credibility and confidence, you will help secure major philanthropic support that enables lasting impact.

Working closely with the Director of Development, you will lead, coach, and empower a talented team of fundraisers, building on our culture of ambition, collaboration, and high performance. Alongside your team leadership responsibilities, you will personally manage a portfolio of major donors, dedicating up to half of your time to securing significant national and international gifts.

In this hands-on leadership role, you will identify new opportunities, help shape compelling cases for support, and ensure that every relationship is developed and managed to the highest professional standard. Through your example and vision, you will help build a culture defined by professionalism, teamwork, and a shared commitment to excellence in philanthropic achievement. More information is available here.

Key Responsibilities

Team Management

• Work with the Director of Development in leading and motivating a high-performing development team.
• Lead and manage Associate Directors and Senior Fundraisers, as assigned, ensuring delivery of annual fundraising targets.
• Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and ambitious team culture.

Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• Dedicate up to 50% of working time to managing a personal portfolio of major gift donors.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of making significant gifts (six-figure gifts and above).
• Strengthen relationships with donors, alumni, and external stakeholders to encourage repeat giving.
• Travel nationally and internationally, representing the university to senior stakeholders and engaging with Trinity’s global alumni and supporter community.
• Work with academic leaders and colleagues to identify and develop new fundraising opportunities aligned with Trinity’s priorities.
• Represent the university to internal and external stakeholders, reflecting the outward-facing nature of the development role by building and sustaining strategic relationships that advance the university’s mission and external engagement goals.

Coordination and Collaboration

• Work closely with the Deputy Director, Development Services, on operational aspects of the fundraising function, including prospect research, prospect management, the development of propositions, and donor care.
• Partner with colleagues to refine fundraising processes that streamline operations, strengthen team coordination, and support high-quality donor engagement.
• Collaborate with other teams across TDA, including Regular Giving and Alumni Relations.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the philanthropic strategy, ensuring alignment with Trinity’s strategic goals.

Role Requirements

• This is a hybrid role that requires regular on-campus presence. The number of on-campus days will vary from week to week, depending on activity and agreed priorities.
• The role requires national and international travel to engage with prospects and donors.
• Flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends is essential.

Person Specification 

Qualifications and Experience

• Educated to degree level, with at least 10 years’ professional experience, including at least five years in major gift fundraising.
• A proven track record of personally securing major philanthropic gifts (six-figure or above).
• Experience in successfully managing, mentoring, and motivating teams to deliver ambitious goals.

Skills and Knowledge

• Deep understanding of fundraising principles and major gift philanthropy.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders and diverse audiences.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Entrepreneurial and solutions-focused, with a record of innovation in achieving targets.
• Goal-oriented and able to thrive in an environment of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Commitment to Trinity’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to the transformative role of philanthropy in education and research.