* Starting salaries are based on various factors, including candidate experience, education, knowledge, skills, and the cost of labor where the job is based. Salaries listed only apply to jobs based in the US.
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.
What We Are Looking For:
At CARE, we value diversely talented people who can bring different experiences and perspectives to our organization. We know that not all applicants will have every skill and qualification. We encourage everyone who meets the minimum required qualifications to apply. Having one or more of the preferred qualifications will strengthen an application. But, even if you are earlier in your career or followed a non-traditional educational or professional path, we hope you will consider a career at CARE.
Job Title: SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY
Job Location(s): US - San Francisco, CA
JOB SUMMARY
The Senior Director of Philanthropy is a senior leader on CARE’s national Major Gifts team, responsible for securing significant support from high-net-worth individuals and families across the Western United States. This role manages one Director of Philanthropy, with the potential to expand the team, and works to generate critical funding through both unrestricted and program-specific gifts. Reporting to the Executive Director of Philanthropy, the Senior Director manages a portfolio of donors with the capacity to give between $10,000 and $1,000,000, leading strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts tailored to each donor.
This position plays a vital role in deepening donor engagement and advancing CARE’s mission by connecting supporters to our leadership, programs, and impact through personalized outreach, individual meetings, and curated events. A key priority is to mobilize resources for urgent humanitarian response and long-term development initiatives—while growing donor investment and loyalty over time.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Fundraising
Manage a portfolio of 100–120 high-capacity donors and prospects, developing and executing tailored engagement and solicitation strategies. Partner with the Executive Director to lead and implement best-in-class Major Gifts strategies across key markets, including the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Los Angeles. Secure gifts of $10,000 and above, with a strong focus on six-figure contributions; consistently meet or exceed quarterly and annual fundraising goals. Collaborate with the Major Gifts team and CARE leadership to connect donors to their impact and offer meaningful opportunities to invest in CARE’s priorities. Ensure donors feel valued and closely connected to CARE’s mission by regularly communicating the tangible impact of their support. Thoughtfully build relationships and foster a sense of community, serving as a key link between donors, Board members, program leaders, and strategic partners.
Prospect and Pipeline Development
Identify and cultivate new major gift prospects through CARE-hosted events, small gatherings, and the annual Impact Awards. Build and advance a pipeline of major donors surfaced through events, influencers, emergencies, donor-advised funds (DAFs), and Board and leadership networks. Collaborate with the Prospect Research team to identify emerging philanthropists and develop tailored engagement strategies for the next generation of major donors. Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records, activity tracking, and pipeline reports in CARE’s CRM system (Salesforce).
Team Management
Manage a Director of Development and provide strategic leadership for CARE’s Western U.S. fundraising market. Support the Director in securing gifts of $10,000 and above, with a focus on $25,000+ contributions, while meeting or exceeding quarterly and annual goals. Serve as a thought partner and resource to the Director, ensuring performance benchmarks are met and CARE’s standards of practice are consistently upheld.
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. Required Qualifications:- Minimum of 8 years professional experience in a fundraising role- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experiencePreferred Qualifications:- Basic proficiency in Salesforce or similar donor CRM systems.
- Proven track record of securing 6 and 7-figure gifts.
- 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
- Minimum 1 year experience working with a large nonprofit and/or international NGO.
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, sex, religion, ancestry, 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.
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