DIRECTOR, PRINCIPAL GIFTS

Job Summary

The Director of Principal Gifts is responsible for engaging ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, and professional advisors in the philanthropy and private wealth management space to secure critical funding for CARE’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 50 donors and prospects by designing and executing tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure six- and seven-figure gifts, including complex, multi-year commitments.
• Partner with the Principal Gifts team and CARE leadership to educate donors on the impact of their giving and present compelling opportunities to invest in organizational priorities.
• Engage donors through customized experiences, briefings, field opportunities, and thought leadership that deepen their connection to CARE’s mission and leadership.
• Communicate donor impact in creative and personalized ways aligned with diverse communication styles, ensuring donors feel inspired, engaged, and deeply connected to CARE’s mission, programs, and people.
• Relationship Management & Fundraising
• Thoughtfully cultivate meaningful relationships and a sense of community, serving as a key liaison among donors, Board members, CARE program leaders, and external partners.
• Prospect and Pipeline Development
• Identify and cultivate new principal gift prospects through CARE events, small gatherings, and the annual Impact Awards.
• Build and activate a pipeline of principal donors identified through events, Board member networks, and philanthropic advisors.
• Partner with the Prospect Research team to engage the next generation of philanthropists by identifying emerging donors and developing tailored engagement strategies.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records and pipelines in CARE’s CRM system, Salesforce.
• Build strong relationships with key connectors and professional philanthropy advisors, positioning CARE as a thought partner, innovator, and leader in global humanitarian and development work.
• Internal Collaboration
• Partner cross-functionally with program, writing, marketing, and communications teams to develop compelling cases for support, donor proposals, and impactful reporting.
• Serve as a collaborative and enthusiastic representative of the Principal Gifts team, fostering strong internal partnerships and embodying CARE’s values of inclusion, excellence, integrity, and collaboration.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 8–10+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including direct solicitation of six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to translate complex humanitarian issues into compelling narratives and investment opportunities.
• Demonstrated success working with ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, and philanthropic advisors.
• Strong strategic thinking, judgment, and discretion, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and manage complex relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and maintain strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Salesforce or similar donor CRM systems.
• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Clear commitment to CARE’s mission and values.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working effectively within a large, federated nonprofit structure or complex international humanitarian organization.

Who We Are

As a global leader, CARE is shaping the future of the humanitarian and development sector. Each year, we deliver support and services to millions of people globally. We do this by focusing on our mission and vision, and the values of equality and excellence that guide our organization. We seek dedicated individuals who align with our mission and are passionate about making it a reality by collaborating with others, embracing learning and innovation, and delivering results.