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.
