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. Reporting to the Senior Director of Principal Gifts, this role builds and manages a portfolio of current and prospective donors with the capacity to make high six- and seven-figure gifts.

The Director applies sophisticated principles of donor strategy to develop and execute customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans that foster meaningful, long-term relationships. Through strategic outreach, leadership engagement, and bespoke stewardship, the Director brings donors closer to CARE’s mission, impact, and leadership. This role requires deep, thoughtful, and tailored engagement with supporters—presenting compelling investment opportunities while serving as a trusted thought partner to help donors achieve impact aligned with their values and philanthropic goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Relationship Management & Fundraising

• 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.
• 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.