Director of Principal Giving

Job Title: Director of Principal Giving

Department: Development

Reports to: Chief Development Officer 

Employment Type: Full Time

FLSA: Salary, Exempt

Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000

MISSION: 

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Indian River Habitat for Humanity develops housing solutions guided by the needs of its family partners and the community. 

OVERVIEW: 

The Director of Principal Giving serves as the lead fundraiser for the Blueprint Society, Indian River Habitat for Humanity’s premier philanthropic society recognizing visionary donors who invest $100,000 or more annually in the acquisition and development of land for future Habitat neighborhoods. 

This position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals, families, corporations, and foundations capable of making transformational investments that secure the future of affordable homeownership in Indian River County. 

The Director of Principal Giving will build and manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects while serving as the primary ambassador for the Blueprint Society. Through strategic relationship building, personalized engagement, and exceptional stewardship, this individual will inspire philanthropic leadership that creates the foundation for generations of Habitat homeowners. 

POSITION VISION:

The Director of Principal Giving will lead Indian River Habitat’s Blueprint Society, creating a community of visionary philanthropists committed to ensuring that land is available for future Habitat neighborhoods. Every investment made through the Blueprint Society will lay the foundation for generations of affordable homeownership, allowing Indian River Habitat to respond proactively to the growing housing crisis and build thriving communities for decades to come. 

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Blueprint Society Leadership

Serve as the primary staff leader for the Blueprint Society by:

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy for the growth of the Blueprint Society. 
• Recruiting new members capable of annual gifts of $100,000 or more.
• Building long-term relationships with philanthropists, business leaders, family foundations, and community leaders. 
• Designing exclusive stewardship experiences for Blueprint Society members. 
• Coordinating annual Blueprint Society gathers, project previews, land tours, and leadership briefings. 
• Developing personalized recognition opportunities for members. 
• Collaborating with the CEO and Chief Development Officer to strengthen member engagement. 

B. Principal Gift Fundraising

• Manager a portfolio of approximately 40-60 high-capacity donors and prospects. 
• Develop customized cultivation and solicitation strategies for each prospect. 
• Conduct strategic donor visits and meaningful engagement opportunities. 
• Secure gifts and multi-year commitments of $100,000 and above. 
• Prepare compelling funding proposals focused on land acquisition and future neighborhood development. 
• Partner with leadership and Board members on major gift solicitations. 
• Coordinate naming opportunities for land, neighborhoods, parks, streets, and community spaces. 

C. Land Development Campaign

Serve as the fundraising lead for future land acquisition by:

• Developing donor investment opportunities tied directly to future Habitat communities. 
• Communicating the long-term impact of securing land today for tomorrow’s families. 
• Creating campaign materials highlighting future development opportunities. 
• Working closely with construction and executive leadership to understand future land needs. 
• Providing donors with progress updates form land acquisition through completed communities. 

D. Stewardship

Provide exceptional stewardship through:

• Individualized communication plans.
• Personal visits and annual strategy meetings. 
• Construction site tours. 
• Exclusive previews of future communities. 
• Recognition ceremonies. 
• Personalized impact reports. 
• CEO and Board engagement opportunities. 
• Home dedications celebrating donor impact. 

E. Prospect Development

Identify and qualify prospective Blueprint Society members through:

• Wealth screening.
• Existing Habitat supporters. 
• Community leaders
• Business owners. 
• Family foundations. 
• Estate planning professionals. 
• Financial advisors. 
• Professional networking. 

F. Collaboration 

Work closely with:

• Chief Development Officer
• Chief Executive Officer
• Board of Directors
• Development Committee
• Marketing & Communications
• Construction & Land Development Teams
• Finance Department

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Five or more years of successful major or principal gift fundraising, wealth management, or executive sales. 
• Demonstrated success securing six-figure philanthropic gifts or comparable business development achievements. 
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills. 
• Experience working with affluent individuals, families, and business leaders. 
• Strong organizational and strategic planning abilities. 
• Proficiency with donor CRM systems, preferably Raiser’s Edge NXT.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Principal Gift Fundraising
• Strategic Relationship Development
• Executive Presence
• Philanthropic Advising
• Campaign Planning
• Stewardship Excellence
• Negotiation
• Public Speaking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Long-Term Donor Engagement
• Small-event planning execution

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS

Must have a valid driver’s license and be a legal resident of the United States.