Description

Trinity College Dublin, through its philanthropic arm Trinity Development & Alumni (TDA), is hiring a Deputy Director, Major Gifts. This pivotal leadership role is your opportunity to shape strategy, inspire talented fundraising professionals, and deliver philanthropic success that changes lives. At TDA, we turn generosity into impact. As one of Ireland’s most successful university fundraising offices, we raise funds to help advance Trinity’s mission in education, research, and innovation. Our work connects Trinity with over 150,000 alumni and supporters in more than 140 countries, strengthening the University’s global community and creating meaningful opportunities for engagement and giving.

As Deputy Director, Major Gifts, you will lead and empower a high-performing fundraising team to reach ambitious goals. You’ll partner with colleagues across Trinity and build relationships with external stakeholders to secure transformative philanthropic support that enables lasting impact. You’ll also personally manage a portfolio of major donors, dedicating up to half your time to securing six-figure gifts. If you are a results-driven fundraising professional with a proven record in major gift success, a passion for developing others, and the drive to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. Join us and help shape Trinity’s future.

For more information see,  Deputy Director, Major Gifts

Apply HERE
Closing Date is Friday, 05 December 2025

Requirements

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.

Trinity Foundation, operating as Trinity Development and Alumni (TDA), is an independent charity (RCN 20028626) established to support Trinity’s funding priorities.