Director of Principal Gifts

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a global non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries, employing more than 5,000 staff members worldwide. The organization focuses on providing humanitarian aid and development assistance, with a mission to empower individuals and communities to overcome challenges and create lasting change. Mercy Corps is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring that all team members are respected and valued for their contributions.

Job Overview:
The Director of Principal Gifts is a pivotal role within Mercy Corps’ High Impact Philanthropy team, responsible for securing significant financial contributions from ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) to support the organization’s mission. This position involves managing a portfolio of 30-50 donors capable of making gifts of $250,000 and above. The Director will work closely with senior leadership and program teams to create exceptional donor experiences, ensuring that contributions align with Mercy Corps’ strategic priorities. The role requires a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape and the ability to engage with high-stakes relationships effectively. The Director will be instrumental in articulating the organization’s mission and crafting compelling cases for support, while also navigating complex giving structures and fostering long-term donor relationships.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of 30-50 ultra-high-net-worth donors and prospects, focusing on securing principal-level gifts of $250,000 and above.
• Utilize network mapping, research, and executive travel to expand the principal gift pipeline, with approximately 25% of the portfolio being new business.
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with donors through exceptional relationship management and effective communication.
• Navigate complex gift structures, including planned giving, multi-year asks, and innovative giving vehicles such as donor-advised funds (DAFs), crypto, family foundations, and complex assets.
• Develop and implement customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies, including CEO engagement, meetings, global site visits, and private briefings.
• Collaborate with a Senior Account Manager to track and measure progress toward financial goals and other key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Contribute to broader High Impact Philanthropy strategies to enhance Mercy Corps’ private sector funding base and elevate donor experiences.
• Partner with colleagues across programs, finance, and compliance to identify and steward restricted opportunities, ensuring timely allocation and reporting of gifts.
• Stay informed about Mercy Corps’ mission, funding priorities, and key trends in international aid and global development to inspire donor engagement. 1
• Dedicate 5% of time to learning activities that benefit both Mercy Corps and personal development.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in principal or major gift fundraising, with a proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
• Demonstrated success in managing a high-value, high-risk portfolio.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage high-level donors, board members, and senior leaders effectively.
• Familiarity with various giving vehicles, including DAFs, giving circles, family foundations, and bequests.
• Understanding of and interest in Mercy Corps’ mission and international development; experience in a global nonprofit is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of translating complex issues into compelling cases for support.
• Strong interpersonal skills—empathetic, humble, confident, and persuasive.
• Highly organized, results-driven, and detail-oriented, with experience using customer relationship management (CRM) systems to manage portfolios.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel as required.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, with a preference for candidates holding advanced degrees in nonprofit management, business administration, or related disciplines. Educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in fundraising principles, donor relations, and organizational management.

Experience:
Candidates should possess at least 5 years of relevant experience in fundraising, particularly in principal or major gift roles. Experience should include a demonstrated ability to engage and secure significant contributions from ultra-high-net-worth individuals, as well as managing complex donor relationships and portfolios effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with additional languages being a plus. Proficiency in languages commonly spoken in regions where Mercy Corps operates may enhance a candidate's profile, particularly for engaging diverse donor bases and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Washington DC, with potential travel to other locations as necessary. The role is full-time and may involve occasional evening and weekend work to accommodate donor engagement activities. Mercy Corps is committed to creating an inclusive environment and is an equal opportunity employer, actively seeking diverse candidates. The organization emphasizes ongoing learning and professional development, encouraging team members to dedicate time to activities that enhance their skills and knowledge.