Overview
Position title: Principal Gifts Officer
Organization: Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
Reports to: Sr. Director, Principal Gifts
Location: CSC; preference for NY/NJ or San Francisco/Los Angeles
Supervision exercised: None
Grade/Class: Grade I, Exempt, PSA-Eligible
Primary function
The Principal Gifts Officer serves as a frontline fundraiser who will maximize the donor engagement process to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual and institutional prospects/donors capable of $500,000 and above in support of ADL’s highest priorities. The role requires collaboration with senior executives, program teams, operations, and divisional growth staff to deliver meaningful giving opportunities across geographies. Significant travel of up to 50% is required.
Responsibilities
- Cultivate and steward a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate donors with the capacity to make principal-level gifts of $500,000 or more.
- Collaborate with principal gift team members, senior leadership, and program staff to develop strategies for soliciting principal-level gifts using philanthropic trends and best practices.
- Develop and maintain strong, personalized relationships with donors, understanding their philanthropic interests and motivations.
- Strategize and execute personalized cultivation and solicitation plans for each donor in the portfolio, collaborating with senior leadership and/or other ADL professionals.
- Lead the development of compelling solicitation proposals and presentations tailored to donors’ interests and priorities.
- Organize and participate in solicitation meetings and presentations, coordinating executive travel and briefings when required.
- Negotiate gift agreements and terms with donors, in collaboration with the Philanthropic Services team.
- Ensure timely and meaningful stewardship of principal-level donors, including personalized acknowledgments, progress updates, and recognition strategies.
- Maintain accurate donor records in the CRM, documenting all interactions and activities related to principal gifts.
- Support the development and implementation of bespoke events and activities targeted to members of the principal gift portfolio.
Qualifications
- Significant fundraising experience with demonstrated success in soliciting and closing six-figure and seven-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations, including multi-year commitments.
- Experience working with senior leaders, high-net-worth individuals, and philanthropy professionals.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop actionable donor insights.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written); ability to craft compelling fundraising proposals and presentations.
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders’ needs simultaneously and work independently or as part of a team; strong organizational skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
- Proficiency with fundraising databases (e.g., Salesforce), MS Office, and online collaboration tools.
- Commitment to advancing ADL’s mission and working effectively in a complex organization.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent professional experience.
Work Environment
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
- Ability and willingness to travel regularly (up to 50%).
- ADL is a hybrid environment; role may require 3 days in the office.
Compensation
- Salary range: $130,000 to $157,000 (reflective of a position based in New York, NY; actual salary is commensurate with experience and location-based compensation may vary).
- For an overview of our total rewards package, please visit
ADL aims to create a working environment where every employee can thrive professionally. Our mission-driven work is best accomplished in an environment that supports belonging. ADL values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
ADL is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, promotions and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment shall be maintained in a manner which does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or military status, or in violation of any applicable Federal, state, or local laws.
ADL will provide reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, and to perform essential job functions. For accommodation requests, contact the People & Culture department at
ADL will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and applicable state, local, and federal laws.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Management
Industries
- Non-profit Organizations