Mahpiya Luta (MOCK-pee-ya LOO tah, formerly Red Cloud Indian School, Inc.) traces its roots back over 135 years to Chief Red Cloud’s visionary efforts. Recognizing the irrevocable economic and cultural challenges facing the Oglala Lakota people, Chief Red Cloud advocated for the establishment of “a school house – a large one” that would not only “teach us how to write and read and instruct us how to do it” but also preserve and sustain Lakota identity amidst a rapidly changing environment. After a decade-long lobbying effort, Chief Red Cloud succeeded, and in 1888, German Jesuits, partnering with Franciscan sisters also from Germany, built a school on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Today, Mahpiya Luta is powered by Lakota people and the Jesuits and encompasses four schools serving roughly 450 students, The Heritage Center—a cultural arts hub engaging with over 300 Native artists annually, and a Catholic parish serving the spiritual needs of its families and offering outreach services to communities across the Reservation. Beyond its educational, cultural, and spiritual endeavors, Mahpiya Luta hosts transformative programs such as Truth and Healing, Lakota Language Center, Food Sovereignty, and Alumni and Graduate Support, all of which reflect a commitment to holistic community development rooted in the intersection of tradition and progress.
The Opportunity:
Mahpiya Luta is seeking a full-time Major Gifts Officer (MGO) to help drive its fundraising strategy by building and sustaining relationships with individual and institutional donors. The MGO will inspire individuals and institutions to support our mission through compelling storytelling, strategic partnerships, and deep relationship-building.
Reporting to the President, the MGO will manage a donor portfolio typically ranging from $10,000 to $1 million+ and collaborate closely with the Advancement team to secure major gifts. This role includes cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors with a high level of cultural sensitivity, especially in the Lakȟóta context.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Mahpiya Luta and ensure that Lakȟóta and Jesuit values continue to drive lasting impact across the community.
Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate deep alignment with Mahpiya Luta’s mission, history, and its role in the Lakota community.
- Serve as a passionate, informed ambassador for Mahpiya Luta in both individual and group settings.
- Ensure the organization’s impact is visible to current and prospective supporters.
- Collaborate with leadership to design and implement fundraising strategies that support the mission.
- Cultivate and steward relationships with donors and prospects through research.
- Actively solicit major gifts independently and with the President, Board, and colleagues.
- Oversee the full donor lifecycle, ensuring consistent and meaningful stewardship.
- Support and help execute events that inspire and cultivate major gifts.
- Contribute to the creation and refinement of donor-facing materials, including print and visual content.
- Travel up to 50% to engage donors, represent the organization at events, strengthen networks, and pursue professional development.
- Maintain accurate donor records and conduct prospect research using Raiser’s Edge, Donor Search, and related tools.
- Perform additional duties as needed to support the organization’s development efforts.
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is a dynamic relationship-builder who brings strategic vision, cultural humility, and a collaborative spirit to fundraising. Rooted in respect for Native American culture, Lakota values, and the Jesuit commitment to education and justice, they understand the power of story to inspire connection and support. They are a confident and compelling communicator—both written and spoken—able to engage authentically with diverse stakeholders and speak boldly and sensitively about financial support. Creative and driven, they know how to craft and execute a long-term major gifts strategy. Above all, they’re a team player—ready to roll up their sleeves, contribute wherever needed, and help advance Mahpiya Luta’s mission.
Skills and Experience
- Holds a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Appreciates Native American–especially Lakota–culture and history, Mahpiya Luta’s mission, and the Jesuit educational tradition.
- Has at least 3 years of experience in major gift fundraising for a nonprofit—or a strong track record in sales.
- Works well both independently and collaboratively; meets or exceeds goals with efficient time management.
- Brings a mindset that is open, entrepreneurial, organized, creative, engaging, discreet, and eager to learn.
- Demonstrates strong strategic thinking, analytical ability, and project management skills with minimal supervision.
- Communicates clearly and persuasively in writing and speaking, with the ability to convey the mission and craft compelling proposals.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
Location: Remote
Preferred candidates will be located near a major airport or in southwest South Dakota for accessible travel and deeper connection.
DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of Mahpiya Luta.
