HEAD OF PRINCIPAL GIFTS

Operation HOPE is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to financial dignity and inclusion. We empower individuals and communities by providing financial education, tools, and coaching to help them achieve economic self-sufficiency and resilience. Through strategic partnerships, we expand our impact and drive sustainable change in the financial well-being of underserved populations.

Position Summary

The Head of Principal Gifts will play a critical role in securing transformational funding from high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals and family foundations to support Operation HOPE’s national programs. Reporting directly to the Chief Revenue Officer, this leader will manage a portfolio of principal gift prospects ($250K ) and work closely with the CEO, executive leadership, and Board of Trustees to cultivate relationships that drive general operating support. This role also support Board cultivate, activating and equipping members to be engaged fundraising ambassadors.

This is an ideal opportunity for an entrepreneurial leader who enjoys building effective systems and processes from the ground up, thrives in a dynamic environment, and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to get things done.

Key Responsibilities

Principal Gifts & Donor Relations

• Build and manage a portfolio of 25–75 HNW/UHNW donors and family foundations, with a focus on securing gifts of $250K .
• Leverage the networks of executive leadership and the Board to identify and engage new prospects.
• Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure general operating support.
• Partner closely with the CEO and executive leaders on donor engagement and solicitation.
• Prepare briefing materials and donor proposals; ensure all interactions and moves are recorded in the CRM system.
• Track and report on progress toward monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue goals.
  
  

Board Relations & Fundraising Engagement

• Serve as support for the Board of Trustees in collaboration with the Chief Revenue Officer for fundraising-related activities.
• Support Board members in engaging their networks on behalf of Operation HOPE.
• Help shape the Board’s composition and fundraising role in partnership with the executive leadership.
  
  

Strategic Development & Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Chief Revenue Officer, President & CFO to build and refine a high-performing development team structure, including Individual and Planned Giving, Foundations and Donor Communications.
• Contribute to the development and management of the departmental budget.
• Identify and present new growth opportunities to executive leadership.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, investor relations, or high-level consultative sales.
• Demonstrated success in securing principal gifts ($250K ), especially from individuals, family foundations, and/or family offices.
• Prior experience working closely with senior executives and nonprofit boards.
• Experience in financial empowerment or economic development organizations is a plus.
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking and ability to manage complex donor relationships using a moves management approach.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• High emotional intelligence and discretion when working with confidential and sensitive information.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics).
• Strong data analysis and presentation skills; able to align donor strategies with organizational priorities.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL

• Hybrid work environment with occasional travel (approximately 20%) required for donor meetings, conferences, and events.
• Light physical effort may be required, such as lifting or moving lightweight materials.
• Flexibility to work outside standard business hours as needed.
  
  

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Operation HOPE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reporting & Supervisory Responsibilities

• Reports to: Chief Revenue Officer
• Supervisory Responsibilities: None
• Location: Corporate Office – Atlanta, GA (Full-Time)
• Salary Range: $125,000 – $145,000
  
  

This role presents an exciting opportunity to drive meaningful social impact through strategic partnerships, shaping the future of financial empowerment for underserved communities. Please include a cover letter with your application.