Director, Leadership Gifts

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian nonprofit that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child, but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.  

Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of challenges children face. We’re there from birth until adulthood, and we support children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity, while particularly focusing on the experiences of girls. We drive changes in practice and policy at the local, national and global levels using our reach, expertise and knowledge. 

With more than 85 years of experience, we work to transform lives in over 80 countries. 

We won’t stop until we are all equal.

The Director of Leadership Gifts will manage a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and strategically engage new prospects. The Director will move people from interested to engaged to invested in annual, campaign, endowment, and legacy giving. 

Reporting to Sr./Director, Principal Gifts, the Director of Leadership Gifts works closely with the major gifts team to grow revenue for Plan International USA by identifying, soliciting, and stewarding leadership ($100,000+) and major gift ($10,000-$99,000) donors. 

Essential Functions:

• Directly manage an established giving portfolio of high-net-worth donors
• Secure leadership, and major gifts through written requests and face-to-face solicitations independently, with Board members, volunteers, Plan program staff, and/or with members of Plan International USA’s Executive Team 
• Maintain a portfolio of 100-150 donors in varying stages of the cultivation/solicitation/stewardship cycle; establish a top 25 and bench of 50 next level donors for more personal attention 
• Serve as main point of communication to all donors in portfolio, ensuring timely communication, appropriate asks and regular follow-up 
• Utilize Salesforce for donor tracking (prospect management/moves management) by maintaining accurate, up-to-date, detailed donor records and contact information 
• Work with the Prospect Research Team to identify leadership and major gift prospects
• Manage mid-level giving officer
• Create an individual donor development plan for donors/prospects in portfolio, develop and implement long-term donor cultivation and solicitation strategies 
• Work with the Prospect Research Team to determine best ask based on prospect’s interest, philanthropic goals, and ability to give 
• Prepare proposals for Campaign, major or planned gift asks and regular program updates to donors. 
• Prepare briefing memos for CEO, Board or others engaged in donor meetings/calls/events 
• Establish and build volunteer leadership capacity for Plan International USA, to assist in raising Plan’s profile and expand the number of supporters to Plan 
• Participate in professional associations/events to increase awareness of Plan in private donor community 

 Skills and Competencies: 

• Success in developing, organizing and executing a variety of cultivation activities 
• Experience leading and motivating volunteer committees to identify and cultivate pacesetter, leadership and major gift prospects 
• Outstanding people skills and excellent communication skills – both written and oral 
• Outgoing, confident and graciously persistent personality 
• Excellent problem-solving, time management and organizational skills 
• Ability to work as a team player, as well as function independently in a remote office setting 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality 
• Ability to travel domestically on a frequent basis and internationally as needed 
• In-depth knowledge of current trends in philanthropy 
• Working knowledge of various planned gift vehicles (annuities, trusts, etc.) 
• Proficiency in MS Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint 
• Proficiency in Salesforce preferred
• Ability to develop personal relationships with a variety of people in a variety of contexts 
• A high degree of comfort in dealing with individuals of influence and affluence 
• Ability to secure and increase contributions from current donors and prospects 
• Ability to represent both the programs and heart of Plan to external audiences 
• Superb organizational and multi-tasking skills 
• Demonstrated passion for fundraising and genuine interest in girls’ rights and the international relief and development world 
• Comfortable making “cold calls” and regularly following-up with prospects and professional advisors 

Education and Experience: 

• College degree and at least 4 years of experience in major gifts fundraising 
• Experience leading and motivating volunteer committees to identify and cultivate pacesetter, leadership and major gift prospects 
• Proven track record of securing 5, 6, and 7 figure gifts 
• Proven ability to set and meet/exceed revenue targets 

Other Duties:

 This job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time.

Plan International USA offers a comprehensive total compensation package inclusive of health benefits, paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and retirement plan contributions. We take several factors into account when determining salary offers, including candidate qualifications and experience, and internal equity. The target range for this position is between $80,000 - $120,000 annually. 

We hire in the following states: Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.  

 Plan is an equal opportunity employer and follows all laws associated with the EEOC.