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Principal Gifts Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anti-Defamation League

Principal Gifts Officer

New York, NY

$78K - $102K/yr

Principal Gifts Officer REPORTS TO: Sr. Director, Principal Gifts SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None LOCATION: NYC Preferred or any ADL East Coast Office Grade/Class: Grade I, Exempt, PSA-Eligible ABOUT THE ...

ADL

Principal Gifts Officer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$84K - $110K/yr

Principal Gifts Officer REPORTS TO: Sr. Director, Principal Gifts SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None LOCATION: NYC Preferred or any ADL East Coast Office Grade/Class: Grade I, Exempt, PSA-Eligible ABOUT THE ...

Osv_edf

Principal Gifts Coordinator

San Francisco, CA

$84K - $110K/yr

Principal Gifts Coordinator Reports To: AVP, Principal and Major Gifts Term: This is a two-year fixed-term position with full benefits and the possibility of extension Location: San Francisco, or ...

Azchiefsofpolice

Director of Principal Gifts

Flagstaff, AZ · On-site

$136.19 - $169.85/hr

Director of Principal Gifts About the Department/College NAU Advancement | Foundation engages students, alumni, parents, friends, and the broader NAU community to connect, invest, and inspire current ...

Adl

Principal Gifts Officer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$84K - $110K/yr

Principal Gifts Officer REPORTS TO: Sr. Director, Principal Gifts SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None LOCATION: NYC Preferred or any ADL East Coast Office Grade/Class: Grade I, Exempt, PSA-Eligible ABOUT THE ...

CSU Northridge

Principal Gifts Officer

Northridge, OH · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Principal Gifts Officer Apply now Job no: 555323 Work type: Management (MPP) Location: Northridge Categories: MPP, At-Will, Fundraising & Alumni Relations, Full Time, Telecommute eligible (work ...

Bentley University

Principal Gifts Officer

Waltham, MA · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

The Principal Gifts Officer (PGO) will be a highly strategic and results-oriented fundraising professional who secures transformational philanthropy to advance Bentley University's most important ...

EDF

Principal Gifts Coordinator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$84K - $110K/yr

Principal Gifts Coordinator Reports To: AVP, Principal and Major Gifts Term: This is a two-year fixed-term position with full benefits and the possibility of extension Location: San Francisco, or ...

Bentley University

Principal Gifts Officer

Waltham, MA · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

The Principal Gifts Officer (PGO) will be a highly strategic and results-oriented fundraising professional who secures transformational philanthropy to advance Bentley University's most important ...

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Principal Gifts information

See salary details

$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal gifts jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal gifts in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal Gifts vs Major Gifts?

AspectPrincipal GiftsMajor Gifts
Required CredentialsFundraising experience, development or nonprofit backgroundFundraising experience, development or nonprofit background
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, educational institutions, healthcareNonprofit organizations, educational institutions, healthcare
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large-scale fundraising campaigns for high-net-worth donorsUsed broadly for significant individual donations in nonprofits

Principal Gifts and Major Gifts roles both require fundraising experience and are used in similar nonprofit settings. Principal Gifts typically focus on securing very large donations from high-net-worth individuals, often in the context of major campaigns. Major Gifts encompass a broader range of significant donations, including those that are substantial but may be smaller than principal gifts. Both roles are essential for nonprofit fundraising success, with principal gifts often representing the highest-level donor engagement.

What are principal gifts?

Principal Gifts refer to the largest and most significant donations made to nonprofit organizations, often ranging from $1 million to tens of millions of dollars. These gifts are typically made by individuals, families, foundations, or corporations with a deep commitment to the organization's mission. Managing principal gifts involves strategic relationship-building, personalized stewardship, and long-term engagement with donors. Professionals working in Principal Gifts typically focus on cultivating and soliciting these transformative donations, which can have a lasting impact on the institution's goals and programs.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a principal gifts officer?

To thrive as a Principal Gifts Officer, you need extensive experience in fundraising, relationship management, and a deep understanding of philanthropy, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems (such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce), prospect research tools, and fundraising analytics is crucial. Outstanding interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and strategic communication set top performers apart in cultivating and sustaining major donor relationships. These skills ensure the successful identification, engagement, and stewardship of high-level donors, which are essential for securing transformational gifts for an organization.

How does a principal gifts officer typically collaborate with university leadership and faculty during the fundraising process?

Principal Gifts officers work closely with university leadership, such as presidents, deans, and senior faculty, to identify and cultivate relationships with high-net-worth donors. They often facilitate strategic meetings, prepare briefings, and align donor interests with institutional priorities. This role requires strong communication and coordination skills, as officers must ensure all stakeholders are informed and engaged throughout the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship stages. Collaboration is essential to tailor impactful proposals and maximize fundraising success.
More about Principal Gifts jobs
What job categories do people searching Principal Gifts jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Gifts jobs are:
Principal Gifts jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Gifts job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

DIRECTOR, PRINCIPAL GIFTS

International Executive Service Corps

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Principal Gifts is responsible for engaging ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, and professional advisors in the philanthropy and private wealth management space to secure critical funding for CARE’s mission. Reporting to the Senior Director of Principal Gifts, this role builds and manages a portfolio of current and prospective donors with the capacity to make high six- and seven-figure gifts.

The Director applies sophisticated principles of donor strategy to develop and execute customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans that foster meaningful, long-term relationships. Through strategic outreach, leadership engagement, and bespoke stewardship, the Director brings donors closer to CARE’s mission, impact, and leadership. This role requires deep, thoughtful, and tailored engagement with supporters—presenting compelling investment opportunities while serving as a trusted thought partner to help donors achieve impact aligned with their values and philanthropic goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES Relationship Management & Fundraising
  • Develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 50 donors and prospects by designing and executing tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure six- and seven-figure gifts, including complex, multi-year commitments.
  • Partner with the Principal Gifts team and CARE leadership to educate donors on the impact of their giving and present compelling opportunities to invest in organizational priorities.
  • Engage donors through customized experiences, briefings, field opportunities, and thought leadership that deepen their connection to CARE’s mission and leadership.
  • Communicate donor impact in creative and personalized ways aligned with diverse communication styles, ensuring donors feel inspired, engaged, and deeply connected to CARE’s mission, programs, and people.
  • Thoughtfully cultivate meaningful relationships and a sense of community, serving as a key liaison among donors, Board members, CARE program leaders, and external partners.
Prospect and Pipeline Development
  • Identify and cultivate new principal gift prospects through CARE events, small gatherings, and the annual Impact Awards.
  • Build and activate a pipeline of principal donors identified through events, Board member networks, and philanthropic advisors.
  • Partner with the Prospect Research team to engage the next generation of philanthropists by identifying emerging donors and developing tailored engagement strategies.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records and pipelines in CARE’s CRM system, Salesforce.
  • Build strong relationships with key connectors and professional philanthropy advisors, positioning CARE as a thought partner, innovator, and leader in global humanitarian and development work.
Internal Collaboration
  • Partner cross-functionally with program, writing, marketing, and communications teams to develop compelling cases for support, donor proposals, and impactful reporting.
  • Serve as a collaborative and enthusiastic representative of the Principal Gifts team, fostering strong internal partnerships and embodying CARE’s values of inclusion, excellence, integrity, and collaboration.
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