The Major Gifts and Planned Giving program for CARE is responsible for securing over $70 million annually from generous philanthropists to combat poverty and respond to humanitarian crises worldwide. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership to advance all aspects of CARE’s major gifts program and supervise and mentor a team charged with engaging, soliciting, and stewarding high-value existing and new individual donor relationships ranging from the $10K to the $10M+ level across the Western region of the United States. We’re seeking a dynamic, visionary leader and fundraiser who has demonstrated the ability to think boldly, take risks, and use entrepreneurial approaches to aggressively increase revenue. A primary focus of this role is to engage with the philanthropic community in the San Francisco Bay Area, but we also hope to expand our network aggressively across key Western region markets, including Southern.

Responsibilities:

1. Fundraising and External Relations
   • Design and execute a comprehensive major gifts strategy to raise/grow significant philanthropic revenue from high- and ultra-high-net-worth donors and prospects across the Western region.
   • Personally champion, steward, and secure substantial gifts from a portfolio of 80+ major donors, and co-lead solicitations with key CARE colleagues and Board members. Inspire donors to engage with and support CARE’s mission and vision.
   • In partnership with CARE’s media, advocacy, and other fundraising.
2. Management and Leadership
   • Manage a team of 4-6 diverse fundraising professionals to a high standard of individual and collective performance. Provide coaching and feedback, and invest in the team’s professional development, fostering an environment of commitment, passion, and professionalism.
   • Develop, implement, and monitor plans and budgets to achieve the goals and objectives of the Western region team fully.
   • Ensure that all major donors receive appropriate, consistent engagement and acknowledgment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree a plus.
• Comfort and fluency with Salesforce or other fundraising CRM.
• Willingness and ability to travel to meet with donors, visit CARE field offices and projects, and attend events, staff meetings, and retreats as needed.
• At least 10 years of fundraising experience working with individual philanthropists with increasing levels of responsibility and supervisory experience required. Proven personal stewardship and solicitation experience at the $1M+ level.
• Commitment to the mission of CARE and passion for mentoring fundraising professionals.
• Ability to inspire and serve as a resource to a team of 4-6 major gift officers on philanthropic trends and opportunities.
• Ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple responsibilities and priorities and achieve impact and results under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Evidence of strong analytic skills and strategy development.