ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, MAJOR GIFTS

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Philanthropy is responsible for engaging high-net-worth individuals and family foundations to secure critical funding for CARE’s mission through both unrestricted and program-specific gifts. Reporting directly to an Executive Director of Philanthropy, this role will build and manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors with the capacity to give between $10,000 and $50,000. A significant focus of this role will be on new prospect qualification and cultivation. The Associate Director will bring donors closer to CARE’s mission and leadership through personalized outreach, individual meetings, and events. A key responsibility is to secure funding for urgent humanitarian needs and longer-term development projects while driving increased donor investment over time.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising

• Manage a portfolio of 150–200 donors and prospects, developing and implementing tailored engagement and solicitation strategies.
• Secure gifts of $10,000 and above, with a focus on $25,000+ gifts, meeting or exceeding annual and quarterly fundraising goals.
• Work with the Major Gifts team and CARE leadership to educate donors on their impact and provide opportunities to invest in organizational priorities.
• Consistently share the meaningful impact donors make, ensuring they feel valued and deeply connected to CARE’s mission, projects, and people.
• Creatively and thoughtfully build meaningful connections and community, serving as a liaison between funders, Board Members, CARE program leaders, and partners.

Prospect and Pipeline Development 

• Develop strategies to qualify new major gift prospects introduced to CARE through events and small gatherings.
• Build and activate a pipeline of major donors identified through events, influencers, emergencies, donor-advised funds (DAFs), and Board Member networks.
• Partner with the Prospect Research team to identify, qualify, and prioritize emerging donors, informing tailored engagement strategies to engage the next generation of philanthropists.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records and pipelines in CARE’s CRM system, Salesforce.

Internal Collaboration 

• Work closely with CARE’s internal teams to identify and capitalize on opportunities to strengthen donor and prospect relationships.
• Act as a collaborative and enthusiastic representative of the Major Gifts team, fostering strong internal relationships and embodying CARE’s values of inclusion, integrity, and partnership.

Required Qualifications:

- Minimum of 3 years professional experience in a fundraising role
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience working with a large nonprofit and/or international NGO.
- Project management experience, specifically on events.
- Proficiency in Salesforce or similar donor CRM systems.
- Proven track record of securing 5- and 6-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