Director, Principal Gifts

USA for UNHCR • Washington, DC

13d • $154,484 - $185,380 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Principal Gifts plays a critical role in advancing USA for UNHCR’s mission to protect and support refugees worldwide. This position is responsible for developing and managing relationships with ultra-high-net-worth individuals to secure transformational gifts of $1 million and above. The Director will design and execute bespoke cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies that align donor interests with organizational priorities.
Working closely with the Senior Director, Private Philanthropy and senior leadership, this role will help shape strategic growth pathways to increase revenue and ensure long-term sustainability. The Director will serve as a trusted advisor to donors and prospects, navigating complex philanthropic relationships with nuance and credibility. This role requires strategic donor engagement, high-level fundraising expertise, and collaboration with senior and executive leadership to drive philanthropic impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or CFRE preferred
• At least 13-15 years of progressive major/principal gifts experience, preferably within international development, humanitarian aid.
• Proven success in securing seven, and eight-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals and family foundations.
• Experience developing and executing fundraising strategies for donor engagement at the highest levels.
• Experience in fundraising for international development, humanitarian aid or global nonprofit sector preferred.
• Deep understanding of major and principal gift fundraising strategies and best practices in frontline fundraising, including donor engagement, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and portfolio management.
• Philanthropic trends and best practices in principal and major gift fundraising.
• Nonprofit fundraising operations, including donor engagement strategies and moves management.
• Proficiency in donor management systems, CRM platforms and fundraising analytics tools. Experience with Salesforce preferred.
• Familiarity with giving vehicles (DAFs, family foundations, planned giving) and philanthropic trends.
• Insight into UHNW donor behavior, wealth indicators and relationship management best practices.
• Exceptional relationship-building, interpersonal and donor stewardship skills; ability to engage high-level donors with confidence and humility.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and storytelling ability, with the capacity to translate complex humanitarian issues into compelling narratives.
• Strategic thinker with strong negotiation and closing skills.
• Strategic planning and execution of donor engagement strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess and optimize fundraising efforts.
• High emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity.
• Results-driven with strong organizational and project management skills.
• Collaborative, adaptable and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Influence and inspire high-net-worth donors to make transformational philanthropic commitments to UNHCR.
• Work effectively across a complex matrix of UNHCR and USA for UNHCR departments and with senior leadership and the Board of Directors to drive fundraising success.
• Represent USA for UNHCR with confidence, professionalism, and authenticity in high-level settings.
• Think strategically and adapt to evolving donor needs and philanthropic trends.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion when handling donor information and sensitive discussions.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications and other programs and software utilized
• Understanding of refugee issues and global affairs

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Plus Delta donor engagement process principles preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of ultra-high-net-worth individual and family foundation donors and prospects capable of making $1M+ gifts.
• Develop individual engagement strategies to deepen relationships and secure multi-year commitments. Cultivate, solicit, and steward principal gift donors through personalized engagement strategies.
• Partner with the Executive Leadership Team, board members, and Senior Director of Private Philanthropy to enhance existing donor engagement and secure increased gifts.
• Partner with program teams to identify priority funding opportunities for ultra-high-net-worth donors and provide direction and guidance to craft compelling cases for support, reports and high-impact giving opportunities. Collaborate with team to translate complex humanitarian priorities into donor-centric proposals.
• Lead solicitations for principal gifts, including unrestricted and strategically aligned restricted funding. Secure and grow philanthropic investments through high-touch relationship management.
• Facilitate opportunities for UHNW donors to engage deeply with UNHCR’s mission, including – when appropriate - accompanying UHNW donors on mission trips to provide firsthand insight into programs, strengthen relationships and inspire transformational giving.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions in CRM systems. Track progress against goals and provide regular reports to leadership.
• Lead and execute principal gift fundraising strategies, contributing to the Private Philanthropy overall revenue goal and expanding the UHNW portfolio
• Partner with internal teams, including the Board of Directors, and with UNHCR global headquarters to identify, qualify and approach new prospects.
• Work closely with the Pipeline Development department to ensure portfolio remains healthy, robust, active and productive.
• Stay informed on UNHCR’s global programs and priorities to effectively communicate impact.
• Monitor philanthropic trends and best practices to align donor interests with organizational needs, ensuring strategies remain innovative and competitive.
• Work cross-functionally with Development, Communications and appropriate teams to align fundraising efforts and maximize transformational funding opportunities.
• Strategize with leadership on growth of the UHNWI program and bring new, thoughtful ideas to the organization.
• Represent USA for UNHCR with authority at donor meetings, events, and key philanthropic convenings to elevate the organization’s profile, recruit new prospects and deepen engagement with principal gifts donors.
• Provide strategic input into USA for UNHCR fundraising campaigns, initiatives, and donor engagement plans.
• Serve as a thought partner to leadership and program teams to align UHNW fundraising with organizational priorities.
• Mentor and support colleagues in donor engagement best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage, including employer-paid employee medical options (traditional and HSA plans)
• Flexible savings accounts, including FSA and HSA
• Industry-leading 401(k) match
• Lifestyle Spending Account to support your wellness
• Mental and financial wellness resources
• Paid time off, including a paid winter break and sabbatical leave at key milestones
• Volunteer Time-Off to support your community engagement
• Professional development support
• Access to tools like Headspace for mindfulness and mental health

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees