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USA for UNHCR

Director, Principal Gifts

USA for UNHCR, New York, New York, us, 10261

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Overview

At USA for UNHCR, our people are the driving force behind our mission of delivering hope and opportunity to refugees worldwide. We\'re a vibrant community of forward-thinking professionals committed to making a real difference. If you thrive in a dynamic, data-driven environment, and want your career to directly impact lives across the globe, we invite you to join us! Responsibilities

Develop and manage a portfolio of ultra-high-net-worth individual and family foundation donors capable of making $1M+ gifts. Develop individual engagement strategies to deepen relationships and secure multi-year commitments. Cultivate, solicit, and steward principal gift donors through personalized engagement strategies. Partner with the Executive Leadership Team, board members, and Senior Director of Private Philanthropy to enhance donor engagement and secure increased gifts. Collaborate with program teams to identify priority funding opportunities for UHNW donors and craft donor-centric proposals, reports, and high-impact giving opportunities; translate complex humanitarian priorities into donor-centric proposals. Lead solicitations for principal gifts, including unrestricted and strategically aligned restricted funding. Secure and grow philanthropic investments through high-touch relationship management. Facilitate opportunities for UHNW donors to engage with UNHCR’s mission, including accompanying donors on mission trips when appropriate to provide firsthand insight and inspire transformational giving. Maintain accurate donor interaction records in CRM systems. Track progress against goals and provide regular reports to leadership. Lead and execute principal gift fundraising strategies, contributing to Private Philanthropy revenue goals and expanding the UHNW portfolio. Partner with internal teams, including the Board of Directors, and with UNHCR global headquarters to identify, qualify and approach new prospects. Work with the Pipeline Development department to ensure the portfolio remains healthy, robust, active and productive. Stay informed on UNHCR\'s global programs and priorities to effectively communicate impact. Monitor philanthropic trends and best practices to align donor interests with organizational needs, ensuring strategies remain innovative and competitive. Collaborate with Development, Communications and appropriate teams to align fundraising efforts and maximize transformational funding opportunities. Leadership & External Representation

Strategize with leadership on growth of the UHNW donors program and bring new ideas to the organization. Represent USA for UNHCR with authority at donor meetings, events, and philanthropic convenings to elevate the organization\'s profile, recruit new prospects and deepen engagement with principal gifts donors. Provide strategic input into fundraising campaigns, initiatives, and donor engagement plans. Serve as a thought partner to leadership and program teams to align UHNW fundraising with organizational priorities. Mentor and support colleagues in donor engagement best practices. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience

Bachelor\'s degree or CFRE preferred At least 13-15 years of progressive major/principal gifts experience, preferably within international development or humanitarian aid. Proven success in securing seven- and eight-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals and family foundations. Experience developing and executing fundraising strategies for donor engagement at the highest levels. Experience in fundraising for international development, humanitarian aid or the global nonprofit sector preferred. Knowledge

Deep understanding of major and principal gift fundraising strategies and best practices in frontline fundraising, including donor engagement, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and portfolio management. Familiarity with Plus Delta donor engagement process principles preferred. Philanthropic trends and best practices in principal and major gift fundraising. Nonprofit fundraising operations, including donor engagement strategies and moves management. Proficiency in donor management systems, CRM platforms and fundraising analytics tools; Salesforce experience preferred. Familiarity with giving vehicles (DAFs, family foundations, planned giving) and philanthropic trends. Insight into UHNW donor behavior, wealth indicators and relationship management best practices. Skills

Exceptional relationship-building and donor stewardship skills; ability to engage high-level donors with confidence and humility. Excellent written and verbal communication with storytelling ability to translate complex humanitarian issues into compelling narratives. Strategic thinker with strong negotiation and closing skills. Strategic planning and execution of donor engagement strategies. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to assess and optimize fundraising efforts. High emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity. Results-driven with strong organizational and project management skills. Collaborative, adaptable and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Ability to

Influence and inspire high-net-worth donors to make transformational commitments to UNHCR. Work effectively across a complex matrix of UNHCR and USA for UNHCR departments with senior leadership and the Board of Directors to drive fundraising success. Represent USA for UNHCR with confidence and professionalism in high-level settings. Think strategically and adapt to evolving donor needs and philanthropic trends. Maintain confidentiality and discretion when handling donor information and sensitive discussions. Proficient in Microsoft applications and other programs and software used Understanding of refugee issues and global affairs Work Location

Hybrid + New York, NY. May also involve up to 50% travel to locations within the company\'s region of operations and select donor locations. Application Deadline

Please apply immediately or by February 13, 2026. Compensation

$163,583 - $196,300 Why You\'ll Love Working Here

We\'re proudly recognized as a Great Place to Work, reflecting our commitment to employee well-being, growth, and purpose. Highlights include: Comprehensive health coverage, including employer-paid options Flexible savings accounts Lifestyle Spending Account to support wellness Mental and financial wellness resources Paid time off, including a paid winter break and sabbatical leave at milestones Volunteer Time-Off for community engagement Access to tools like Headspace for mindfulness and mental health Note: Benefits are reviewed regularly and subject to change. Disability Specifications

USA for UNHCR will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. USA for UNHCR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Refugees and all other protected classes are encouraged to apply. Why Join USA for UNHCR?

Joining USA for UNHCR means becoming part of a people-first organization that lives its values daily. You\'ll grow alongside a supportive team, develop your skills, and see the transformative power of your work on the lives of refugees and on your own journey. Ready to make a difference?

Apply today, and let\'s create a brighter future together.

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