Senior Director, Principal Gifts

position description

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The Senior Director of Philanthropy, Principal Giving, serves as a vital architect for CARE’s future, securing the transformational capital needed to fight global poverty and respond to humanitarian emergencies. Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director of Philanthropy, this role manages a high-level portfolio of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family foundations with the capacity to invest at the seven-figure level. You will lead the design and execution of sophisticated cultivation and solicitation strategies that align donor values with CARE’s mission.

As a strategic thought partner, you will engage deeply with donors and CARE’s executive leadership to translate complex global challenges into meaningful opportunities for impact. By building authentic, long-term relationships, you will empower donors to support agile, locally led solutions. Your primary objective is to secure the critical unrestricted and program-specific funding that allows CARE to remain a leader in the humanitarian sector.

Location: Wherever CARE has a presence in the US.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Manage a portfolio of 30-50 donors and prospects, developing and implementing tailored engagement and solicitation strategies. Secure 6-7 figure gifts and meet or exceed annual fundraising goals.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Work with the Principal Gifts team and CARE leadership to educate donors on their impact and provide opportunities to invest in organizational priorities.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Share the meaningful impact donors make in creative ways and tailored to various communication styles. Ensure donors they feel inspired, engaged, and deeply connected to CARE’s mission, projects, and people.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Creatively and thoughtfully build meaningful connections and community, serving as a liaison between funders, Board Members, CARE program leaders, and partners.

Prospect Development

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Identify and cultivate new principal gift prospects through CARE events, small gatherings, and the annual Impact Awards.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Build and activate a pipeline of donors identified through events, influencers, emergencies, donor-advised funds (DAFs), and Board Member networks.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Partner with the Prospect Research team to maximize efforts to engage the next generation of philanthropists by identifying emerging donors and creating tailored engagement strategies.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records and pipelines in CARE’s CRM system, Salesforce.

Principal Gift Strategy

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Work closely with CARE’s internal teams to identify and capitalize on opportunities to strengthen donor and prospect relationships.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Act as a collaborative and enthusiastic representative of the Principal Gifts team, fostering strong internal relationships and embodying CARE’s values of inclusion, integrity, and partnership.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  – Minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience in a fundraising role, preferably in a Principal or Major Gifts role engaging with ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
  – experience working with a large nonprofit and/or international NGO.
  – Proficiency in Salesforce or similar donor CRM systems.
  – Proven track record of securing 6-7 figure gifts.
  – Passion for CARE’s mission and values.
  – Exceptional communication and writing skills, with sound judgment and discretion.
  – Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and maintain attention to detail.
  – Strong interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with donors, Board Members, guest speakers, and staff at all levels