Major Gifts Officer

About Primer

Fixing our K-12 education system is a civilizationally-important problem. We believe that all of our problems — including the ones that dominate the headlines — are downstream of education.

We have a simple thesis on how to solve it: empower 1,000's of educators to launch microschools in their communities.

We believe the historical tradeoff between price (tuition) and quality is a false dichotomy.

PrimerOS automates and eliminates much of the costs of traditional schools. Microschools have a structural advantage — asset-light real estate — which means much lower capex and opex. You put it together, and you get something that's never existed before: a world-class education that's accessible to normal American families and can rapidly scale.

We believe something quite simple: your zip code shouldn’t determine the quality of your education. The Primer Foundation exists to ensure this is the last generation for whom that's true. We help make Primer accessible to every family, regardless of income — and ensure we never turn a family away because of their ability to pay.

What You’ll Do

We’re bringing on a frontline fundraiser to work hand-in-hand with the Head of the Foundation to grow giving to the foundation.

We have a strong foundation (heh!) to build on. We’ve raised seven figures of donations in our first 18 months and have received gifts and recognition from leaders in the education philanthropy community. In 2024, Primer was named the Yass Prize Winner - often equated to winning 'Best Picture' at the Oscars.

You’ll be responsible for all aspects of growing a portfolio of major donors - sourcing, cultivating, soliciting, stewarding and renewal with both traditional and nontraditional donors.

We’re looking for someone who is entrepreneurial and has experience growing a major gifts portfolio. You’re a strategist who can think big picture and you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and do the work. You understand the foundational principles of philanthropy, are a creative thinker and a strong implementer. We won’t solve society’s most pressing issue by sitting back - it will take us boldly and unapologetically moving resources into the space to create the education system that the next generation deserves.

Responsibilities

• Create and own a portfolio of major gift donors including identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and renewal.

• Build out and run a mid-level giving program to create a stronger pipeline of donors.

• Serve as a face of Primer to donors and community members building strategic relationships and representing Primer at key events.

• Manage stakeholder communications toward increased awareness and engagement leading to gift renewals and increased gifts.

Preferred Qualifications

• History of closing five (and ideally six)-figure gifts and meeting or exceeding increasing fundraising goals

• Experience building relationships toward increased gifts; bonus points if you have experience growing a donor base at a new organization

• Past fundraising experience with education-related causes

• Work experience within a fast-growing organization is a plus

If this sounds like you, please apply!