Jobs and Careers

Director, Principal Gifts

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 23 Apr 2025

💰 $250,000/yr($90,000/yr – $250,000/yr)

About the role

Location: Seattle, Bay Area or New York Position Status: Regular, Full Time, Exempt Salary Level: Starting salary for this role will be from $90,000 USD up to $120,000 USD annually, commensurate with experience. Risk Level: [X] Level 3 ☐Level 2 ☐Level 1  (Level 3: Frequent contact with participants, direct contact with children, access to sensitive data, and/or high level of accountability.   Level 2: Some contact with participants; unplanned non-direct contact with children.  Level 1: Likely to have no contact with participants or sensitive data)     About Mercy Corps Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future. Program / Department Summary
The mission of the Resource Development (RD) department is to advance the organization’s strategic goals and support our worldwide team by raising flexible funds, profile and influence. The RD team encompasses several dozen dynamic professionals who possess a wide range of skills. We are gift officers, direct response fundraisers, web developers, marketers and media relations strategists. We are database managers, digital specialists, creative designers, storytellers and teachers. Most of all, we are passionate about Mercy Corps’ mission and believe a better world is possible.  General Position Summary   The Director of Principal Gifts plays a critical role within Mercy Corps’ High Impact Philanthropy team, securing transformational investments to advance the organization’s global mission. Reporting to the Senior Director of High Impact Philanthropy, this role is responsible for strategy and execution across a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of giving $250,000 and above. The Director works cross-functionally with senior leadership, program teams, and development colleagues to craft exceptional donor experiences and secure both unrestricted and strategically aligned restricted gifts.    A dynamic frontline fundraiser, the Director manages a portfolio of 30-50 ultra-high-net-worth individuals. They serve as a trusted advisor to donors and prospects, designing bespoke cultivation and solicitation strategies, stewarding complex investments, and aligning donor’s philanthropic intent with Mercy Corps’ organizational priorities. This role requires fluency in the philanthropic landscape, experience engaging UHNWI, and the ability to navigate dynamic, high-stakes relationships with nuance and credibility.  The Principal Gifts portfolio plays a vital role in fueling Mercy Corps’ ability to respond to global crises and advance long-term development solutions. As such, the Director must excel at articulating Mercy Corps’ mission and crafting compelling cases for flexible funding, while also navigating restricted giving and collaborative initiatives.  Essential Job Responsibilities
  PRINCIPAL GIFTS STRATEGY & FUNDRAISING

Manage a portfolio of 30-50 ultra-high-net-worth donors and prospects with the capacity to make principal-level gifts ($250,000+).

Utilize network mapping, research, engagements and executive travel to grow the principal gift pipeline. New business will be approximately 25% of your portfolio.

Build strong, trust-based relationships with donors through exceptional relationship management, compelling communications, and demonstrated follow-through.

Navigate complex gift structures, including planned giving, multi-year asks, and blended gifts; and innovative giving vehicles such as DAFs, crypto, family foundations, and complex assets.

Develop and implement highly customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies, including CEO engagement, meetings, global site visits, and private briefings.