DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY

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 a Senior 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 $100,000. They are tasked with developing and executing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to build meaningful, long-term relationships with donors. The 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 100–150 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 

• Identify and cultivate new major gift prospects through CARE 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 maximize efforts to engage the next generation of philanthropists by identifying emerging donors and creating tailored engagement strategies.
• 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 5 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