The Director of Principal and Major Gifts serves as a key leader within U.S. Philanthropy, providing strategic leadership for Compassion's Principal and Major Gifts program. Reporting to the Senior Director of U.S. Philanthropy, this role leads managers and relationship managers responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity supporters to achieve annual and long-term revenue goals. The Director oversees fundraising strategy, portfolio management, revenue planning, donor engagement, and team development while partnering with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to advance Compassion's mission and philanthropic growth.
What will you do?
Maintains a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Is a consistent witness for Jesus Christ, maintains a courteous, Christ-like attitude in dealing with people within and outside of Compassion, and faithfully upholds Compassion’s ministry in prayer.
Acts as an advocate to raise the awareness of the needs of children. Understands Christ’s mandate to protect children. Commits to and prioritizes child protection considerations in all decision-making, tasks and activities across the ministry. Abides by all behavioral expectations in Compassion’s Statement of Commitment to Child Protection and Code of Conduct. Reports any concerns of abuse, neglect or exploitation of children through Compassion’s internal reporting process and appropriately supports responses to incidents if they occur.
Accountable for supporting, upholding, and engaging in Compassion's core "Cultural Behaviors" in all internal and external communication and relationships.
Through managers and relationship managers, leads Compassion's Principal and Major Gifts strategy, providing oversight of portfolio health, prospect qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-capacity supporter relationships. Directs fundraising efforts across assigned teams, ensuring effective pipeline management, donor engagement, and achievement of annual and long-term revenue goals.
Provides thought leadership and guidance on complex gift strategies, transformational philanthropic opportunities, blended giving conversations, and customized donor investments aligned with ministry priorities.
Develops leadership capability across managers and relationship managers by providing coaching, succession planning, talent assessment, and professional development opportunities that strengthen organizational capacity.
Uses fundraising analytics, portfolio performance metrics, forecasting tools, and donor insights to evaluate effectiveness, identify opportunities, allocate resources, and inform strategic decisions.
Leads managers and relationship managers in developing and executing personalized donor engagement strategies, cultivation plans, proposals, and stewardship experiences that deepen supporter relationships, expand philanthropic investment, drive revenue growth, and inspire meaningful commitments to Compassion's mission.
Leads cross-functional partnerships to develop integrated donor engagement strategies and funding opportunities.
Provides leadership and strategic oversight for donor experiences, vision trips, and high-impact engagement events that inspire philanthropic investment and deepen supporter commitment.
Represents Compassion to current and prospective principal and major gift supporters, serving as a trusted ambassador who communicates the ministry's vision, impact, and funding opportunities in ways that inspire deeper engagement and philanthropic investment.
Provides oversight of annual budget planning and departmental expenditures for assigned areas, ensuring effective resource allocation, operational excellence, achievement of strategic objectives, and compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
What do you bring?
Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
Fifteen years of experience with expertise in principal and major gift fundraising strategy
Experience managing through multiple layers of leadership
Strong financial acumen and revenue forecasting skills
Exceptional communication and executive presentation abilities
Demonstrated success leading organizational change
Ability to build collaborative partnerships across complex organizations
Proficiency with donor CRM systems and fundraising analytics
Certification from a nationally or internationally recognized organization in fundraising, philanthropy, leadership, or a related field.
This position requires that the applicant/employee drive a personally owned vehicle as an essential job function of the position. Any job offer and continued employment in a position where driving is an essential function is contingent upon both possession of a valid driver’s license and monitoring of the employee’s driving abilities and MVR.
*Equivalent education, training and/or certification may be substituted for experience and education shown above
Will you travel?
Yes, you may be required to travel up to 50% of normal schedule.
Why work here?
The mission: Join a team that is motivated to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
Our benefits: Receive generous paid time off, 10% contribution to a 403(b) retirement fund on top of your salary, excellent healthcare coverage, free short-term professional counseling, and more.
Spiritual growth: Participate in regular chapel services, prayer groups, and department devotionals.
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