SENIOR DIRECTOR, PRINCIPAL GIFTS

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

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

• 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.
• Work with the Principal Gifts team and CARE leadership to educate donors on their impact and provide opportunities to invest in organizational priorities.
• 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.
• Creatively and thoughtfully build meaningful connections and community, serving as a liaison between funders, Board Members, CARE program leaders, and partners. 

Prospect Development

• Identify and cultivate new principal gift prospects through CARE events, small gatherings, and the annual Impact Awards.
• Build and activate a pipeline of 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. 

Principal Gift Strategy

• 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 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

About the Organization

There are individuals who may use CARE’s name and trademark in emails and on websites in an attempt to solicit fees from interested job-seekers. Some examples of these fees are placement fees or immigration processing fees. CARE does not use recruiting or placement agencies that charge candidates an up-front fee of any kind. Occasionally, CARE does employ recruiting or placement agencies to help us identify candidates for specific employment within CARE. If you’re contacted by a legitimate recruiting or placement agency, there should be no charge to you. If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud from someone purporting to be CARE, please contact us at legal@care.org. Please do not email legal@care.org to apply for this position. Instead, click "apply now" below in order to submit your interest

CARE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

Starting salaries are based on internal equity, candidate experience, and the cost of labor where the job is based. Salaries listed only apply to jobs based in the US.