EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PHILANTHROPY OPERATIONS AND DONOR ENGAGEMENT, Atlanta, United States

Work Location : US - New York, NY

Type of Post : Not Applicable

Other Possible Location : US - San Francisco, CA

Funding : APPROVED

Expected Travel : up to 20%

Type of Contract :

Language Requirement : English

Application Deadline :

Employee Duration : Full-Time

Pay Range Details

$127,462.74 - $177,810.53 Annually USA Grade C

* 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: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PHILANTHROPY OPERATIONS AND DONOR ENGAGEMENT

Job Location(s): US - New York, NY

JOB SUMMARY:

CARE seeks a strategic and collaborative leader to join the team as Executive Director, Philanthropy Operations & Donor Engagement. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Philanthropy, they will be responsible for achieving operational excellence for CARE's Major Gifts and Principal Giving programs. As a key member of the philanthropy leadership team, they will help drive organizational effectiveness, strengthen fundraising infrastructure, and support ambitious revenue growth.

The Executive Director supervises the Senior Director of Donor Experience and the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and provides leadership to a team responsible for donor engagement, stewardship, operations, and strategic planning. This role requires a leader who can balance big-picture thinking with strong execution, helping to build a best-in-class philanthropy program that delivers exceptional donor experiences and ambitious financial goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Philanthropy Operations & Strategy

• Partner with the Associate Vice President and Major and Principal Gifts leadership team on priorities, goals, and operational plans that support ambitious revenue objectives
• Evaluate fundraising performance, identify trends and opportunities, and provide strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Provide direction to the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, overseeing philanthropy operations, prospect research, portfolio management, and CRM data functions.
• Direct initiatives, campaigns, and strategic projects that advance revenue goals.
• Drive continuous operational improvement, efficiency, collaboration, and accountability.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to the Senior Director of Donor Experience, ensuring donor engagement and stewardship strategies align with fundraising priorities and organizational goals.
• Ensure an engagement strategy that strengthens major and principal donor relationships and encourages long-term philanthropic investment.
• Leverage donor insights, philanthropic trends, and emerging best practices to ensure a best-in-class donor experience.
• Champion innovative donor engagement opportunities that deepen connection to CARE's mission, leadership, and impact.

Strategic Initiatives & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Advise the Associate Vice President on operational planning, team effectiveness, and strategic priorities.
• Serve as a key liaison with internal stakeholders, including Programs, Marketing, Finance, Operations, and the Office of the President.
• Represent Major and Principal Giving in organizational planning efforts and cross-functional initiatives.
• Identify and advance strategic opportunities that strengthen fundraising effectiveness, deepen collaboration across teams, and support CARE's long-term philanthropic growth.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of 12+ staff through the supervision of the Senior Director of Donor Experience and the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Set clear expectations and performance standards, ensuring alignment with team goals, organizational priorities, and fundraising objectives.
• Lead professional development efforts, including succession planning and team effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. -15+ years of progressive leadership experience in private philanthropy, fundraising operations, nonprofit management, or a related field. - Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams, developing senior leaders, and managing complex organizational functions. - Significant experience leading cross-functional initiatives, organizational change efforts, and strategic planning processes. - Strong understanding of major and principal gifts fundraising, donor engagement, stewardship, relationship management, and philanthropy operations. - Experience overseeing operational functions, systems, and processes that support fundraising effectiveness and organizational performance. - Strong strategic planning, analytical, organizational leadership, and decision-making skills. - Familiarity with fundraising technology, CRM systems, donor analytics, and portfolio management best practices. - Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

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.