Job Description
JOB SUMMARY:
The Director of Philanthropy, Western Region 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.
- Support fundraising in emerging markets by cultivating high-potential donors outside the U.S. and collaborating with CARE International partners to align and strengthen global fundraising efforts.
Prospect and Pipeline Development
- Identify and cultivate new major gift prospects through CARE events, small gatherings, and the annual Impact Awards.
- 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.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a fundraising role, preferably in a Major Gifts role engaging with high-net-worth individual donors.
- Experience working with a large nonprofit and/or international NGO.
- 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
