Senior Director, Philanthropy

Role Overview

• Own and evolve GiveDirectly’s senior philanthropy strategy (acquisition, close, and upsell) across high
• and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and foundations
• Translate organizational priorities and long-term ambitions, including the goal to deliver $5B by 2035, into clear fundraising strategies and high-leverage opportunities
• Partner closely with the VP of Partnerships & Philanthropy and the CEO on the highest-priority philanthropic relationships
• Deepen partnerships within the finance and technology sectors while expanding GiveDirectly’s philanthropic base to include next-generation wealth holders, trust-based donors, etc.
• Manage and grow a selective portfolio of major philanthropists
• Lead complex, high-stakes donor conversations resulting in significant, multi-year, and transformational commitments
• Serve as a trusted partner to philanthropists engaging with GiveDirectly’s most ambitious initiatives
• Lead and support a team of approximately 4–5 fundraisers, setting clear priorities and a high quality bar
• Coach team members on donor strategy, relationship management, and deal execution
• Run disciplined portfolio, pipeline, and forecasting using salesforce and other tools
• Strengthen end-to-end systems for acquisition, engagement, solicitation, and stewardship of major philanthropists
• Define and implement the right balance between bespoke relationship management and scalable, automated donor engagement, ensuring senior time is focused where it adds the most value
• Work closely with the Special Projects, Partnerships, and Individual Giving teams to drive cohesive fundraising strategies and donor experiences
• Ensure strong Salesforce discipline, forecasting accuracy, and portfolio hygiene

Requirements

• A proven track record initiating and securing significant philanthropic commitments from high
• and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and/or private or family foundations
• Experience engaging stakeholders or donors from finance and technology sectors, with strong credibility and networks
• Strategic judgment and the ability to both shape philanthropy strategy and personally close complex deals
• Experience leading and developing fundraising teams, or teams working with similar skills sets (analytics, sales, consulting, start-ups), with a strong quality bar
• Strong systems judgment, including experience determining when high-touch donor management is essential and when scalable, automated approaches are more effective
• Deep alignment with GiveDirectly’s values, including recipient choice, transparency, and evidence-driven decision-making

Benefits

• A positive and supportive team with opportunities for advancement
• A demonstrated commitment to helping all staff develop and grow
• A competitive salary, including bonus
• A robust health benefits plan (exact details will vary by country)
• Flexible paid time off
• Allowances for desk set-up and learning and development