Application Guide
How to Apply for Director, Major Gifts
at Unitedwayla
🏢 About Unitedwayla
United Way of Los Angeles (Unitedwayla) is a leading nonprofit dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities across LA County. With a focus on education, income, and health, they leverage community partnerships and donor support to create lasting change. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that directly impacts the region's most pressing needs.
About This Role
As Director of Major Gifts, you will drive revenue growth by cultivating and soliciting major donors ($10k+) and leading the Tocqueville Society and Leadership Giving programs. This role is critical to sustaining United Way's community programs and requires strategic pipeline management and team mentorship to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
💡 A Day in the Life
Start the day reviewing donor portfolios and pipeline reports, then meet with your development team to coach on upcoming solicitations. Afternoon calls with major donors to cultivate relationships, followed by strategic planning for the Tocqueville Society events. End the day by analyzing gift trends and updating CRM records.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Unitedwayla Is Looking For
- A seasoned fundraiser with 7+ years of progressive experience, including securing major gifts of $10k+, ideally in a nonprofit or United Way setting.
- A proven leader with 3+ years supervising development professionals, coaching them to exceed revenue targets.
- Skilled in data-driven pipeline management, donor segmentation, and using CRM tools to track engagement and solicitations.
- Passionate about United Way's mission and able to articulate its impact to diverse high-net-worth donors.
📝 Tips for Applying to Unitedwayla
Highlight specific major gift solicitations you've closed, including gift amounts and cultivation strategies.
Quantify your team's performance under your leadership (e.g., percentage growth in major gifts portfolio).
Mention any experience with Tocqueville Society or similar leadership giving programs.
Customize your resume to emphasize remote work success, as this role is fully remote.
Include a brief statement in your cover letter about why United Way LA's mission resonates with you personally.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your track record in major gifts fundraising and team leadership with concrete examples.', "Show your understanding of United Way's three focus areas (education, income, health) and how you can connect donors to those outcomes.", 'Demonstrate your ability to work independently and manage a remote team effectively.', 'Express enthusiasm for stewarding high-level donors and growing the Tocqueville Society.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review United Way LA's latest annual report and campaign results to understand funding priorities.
- → Look into their Tocqueville Society and Leadership Giving programs to see current donor engagement strategies.
- → Read recent news about United Way LA's community impact, especially in education, income, and health initiatives.
- → Familiarize yourself with their organizational structure and key leadership team members.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter—tailor it to United Way LA's specific programs and values.
- Avoid focusing only on your own achievements without linking them to team success or mission impact.
- Don't underestimate the remote aspect—failing to address your remote work experience or setup can be a red flag.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!