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Principal Gifts information

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$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.

Senior Philanthropic Advisor (Major Gifts and Principal Gifts)

BridgePoint Associates

San Jose, CA • On-site, Remote

$140K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Senior Philanthropic Advisor (Major Gifts and Principal Gifts)
Highly Regarded National Nonprofit
Florida (state-wide), Boston, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, and Chicago Metro Areas (Remote)
Salary Range: $140,000 to $170,000 per year, with potential flexibility based on experience + bonus potential
Terrific Senior Philanthropic Advisor positions with a highly regarded national nonprofit. These frontline fundraisers will contribute significantly to major and principal gift initiatives, with annual fundraising exceeding $120 million, up from just $30 million in 2021. There are six remote positions available, with one based in each of the following markets:
  • Florida (state-wide)
  • Greater Boston Area
  • San Francisco Bay Area
  • Greater Dallas Area
  • Greater Houston Area
  • Greater Chicago Area
These Senior Philanthropic Advisor positions will provide strategic moves management for a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of giving major/principal gifts at the $100k to $1M+ level. The role will manage a portfolio of 100-125 donors and prospects.
Responsibilities:
  • Provide moves management to a portfolio of 100-125 major and principal gift donors, securing gifts of $100K to $1M+ (up to $5 million)
  • Achieve fundraising goals and ensure prospect pipeline growth
  • Manage the fundraising lifecycle and collaborate as needed with the AVP for higher level gifts
  • Develop and maintain deep, trusted relationships with donors and prospects, including high-net-worth individuals and families
  • Collaborate with volunteer Boards at the International, Corporate, and Chapter levels to further fundraising
  • Identify planned giving prospects through donor discussions and make introductions to the AVP of Planned Giving
  • Utilize portfolio data and analytics to inform fundraising strategy and decisions
Qualifications:
  • Approximately 8+ years of relevant major gifts fundraising experience
  • Bachelor's degree; experience in lieu of a degree will be considered
  • Demonstrated success of independently securing gifts at the $500,000 and above level
  • At least some experience securing 7-figure gifts
  • Entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to work remotely and collaborate virtually
  • Experience leveraging data to inform fundraising strategies
  • Ability to convey scientific terminology to various audiences
  • Proficient with Salesforce or similar CRM
  • Experience at a national, matrix, chapter-based organization is a plus
  • Travel as needed, up to 40% of the time
Equal opportunity employer.