[Hiring] Director of Philanthropic Engagement @Tergar International

Role Description

Tergar Schools needs to build a major-donor engine from close to scratch to cover $600,000+ in annual recurring operating funding, and then keep scaling in the years after. This is a critical position within the organization. We have vision, and we have a program taking shape; what we don't yet have is a major philanthropy function that can stand on its own. This role builds it, and owns it.

This is a builder's role. You will not inherit a mature pipeline, a full case for support, or a team to run. You will help create those things, then run them.

What you'll own

• Fundraising strategy:
  • Co-create, with Tergar Schools leadership, the organization's fundraising strategy — a realistic path to ≥$600k in annual recurring operating funding, with a credible ramp.
  • Ensure the plan for the Yolmo capital campaign continues running smoothly (currently $3.9M in Phase 2, with subsequent $10M to come in additional phases), in coordination with the Executive Director.
  • Design the revenue mix across donor tiers, major donors, foundation relationships, and campaigns; set tier targets, engagement plans, and stewardship sequences, with major-donor cultivation at the center.
• A major-donor portfolio:
  • Along with the Executive Director, carry and cultivate a portfolio of at minimum 50 major-donor relationships and prospects.
  • Own visit targets, solicitation, and closing for your portfolio, utilizing the ED for key prospects.
  • Own your pipeline and moves-management records in our CRM (Keela).
  • Cultivate foundation relationships that behave like major gifts.
• Enabling the Executive Director:
  • Translate the Visionary and Executive Director's vision into an executable fundraising strategy.
  • Structure and make the most of their donor-facing time.
• Leading the fundraising function:
  • Supervise the Community Giving & Events Manager and align all staff-run fundraising activity to the annual strategy.
  • Recommend workflow and staffing refinements where they strengthen execution.
• Board partnership:
  • Partner with the Board on fundraising, and support Board recruitment, retention, and engagement.
• Case for support and donor messaging:
  • Shape the case for support and the framing of donor communications.

Who you are

• A go-getting strategist, not an order-taker.
• A demonstrated record of building a major-donor pipeline from a cold or thin base.
• Someone who can translate a founder's vision into strategy and execution.
• Fluency, or fast credibility, in US and Asia major-gift philanthropy.
• Comfort in a very small, distributed, high-autonomy team.
• Genuine resonance with the mission.

Experience

• 8+ years of progressively responsible frontline development experience.
• Some experience supervising, coaching, or mentoring.
• Comfort owning your pipeline and moves-management records in a CRM.

Personal qualities

• An inspiring communicator who can translate vision into action.
• Grounded, collaborative, and highly relational.
• A genuine and embodied resonance with contemplative practice and our mission.

How we work together

• Weekly alignment with the Executive Director.
• Monthly strategy realignment.
• Quarterly retrospectives to evaluate progress and refine.

Compensation & logistics

• Full-time, remote (ideally US-based).
• Compensation: $85,000 to $120,000 DOE.
• Benefits: Flexible working schedule, Unlimited PTO, Health care reimbursement up to $1000 per month.