Director, Principal Gifts

Position: Director, Principal Gifts

Reports To: Chief Philanthropy Officer

Department: Philanthropy

Supervisory Role: Yes

Location: Remote, U.S.
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director, Principal Gifts grows philanthropic partnerships that expand Changent reach and advance our mission. This role builds relationships with major individual donors, foundations, corporations, and other philanthropic partners whose investments make it possible to bring evidence-based solutions to more children, families, and communities.

The Director leads major gift fundraising across Changent by setting the fundraising strategy, developing a high-performing team, and building lasting relationships with donors who invest in our mission. This role connects donor interests with Changent priorities, creates meaningful opportunities for philanthropic investment, and grows the support needed to expand our reach and deepen our impact.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

40% | Major Gift Leadership & Philanthropic Partnerships

• Lead major gift fundraising efforts by managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospective supporters.
• Develop donor engagement strategies that inspire philanthropic investment and long-term partnership.
• Secure principal  gifts that advance Changent priorities and long-term philanthropic goals.
• Build relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and philanthropic partners to expand support for the organization.
• Identify prospects for transformational gifts, multi-year commitments, as well as other philanthropic investments.
• Represent Changent with donors and external stakeholders, serving as an ambassador for the mission and organizational priorities.

30% | Fundraising Leadership & Strategy

• Shape and implement major gift fundraising strategies that support annual and long-term philanthropic goals.
• Evaluate fundraising performance, donor activity, and portfolio health to steer decision-making and improve results.
• Use donor insights, fundraising data, and active market trends to identify opportunities for growth.
• Guide portfolio strategy, prospect assignment, and fundraising planning.
• Contribute to revenue forecasting, goal setting, and departmental planning.

20% | Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a team of philanthropy professionals, providing direction, guidance, and support to achieve individual and team fundraising goals.
• Build team capability through regular feedback, portfolio reviews, and opportunities to strengthen fundraising knowledge and practice.
• Remove barriers, provide support on complex donor strategies, and support successful fundraising outcomes.

10% | Organizational Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner with executive leadership and colleagues across the organization to identify philanthropic opportunities that support strategic priorities.
• Work with Marketing and Communications to strengthen donor communications and stewardship.
• Support executive leaders in donor engagement and fundraising activities.
• Represent Philanthropy in organizational initiatives and contribute to enterprise-wide planning and decision-making.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in philanthropy, fundraising, advancement, or nonprofit development.
• Minimum of 5 years leading fundraising professionals or development teams.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts from individual donors.
• Experience managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects.
• Proven ability to develop fundraising strategies that increase philanthropic investment and strengthen donor engagement.
• Experience with donor relationship management systems (CRM) to manage portfolios, analyze performance, and support fundraising strategy.
• Experience forecasting fundraising revenue and monitoring portfolio performance.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with executives, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of AFP Code of Ethical Standards and ethical fundraising best practices.
• Experience securing foundation support and institutional philanthropy preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 15% annually.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position reports to the Chief Philanthropy Officer and has direct reports.