Senior Director, Individual Giving

Common Cause

. Set and drive the strategic vision for Common Cause’s individual giving program .

Posted 10/5/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $132,613 - $148,526 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and implementing major gifts strategies, cultivating and stewarding high-value donors, and leading fundraising initiatives. Possesses strong communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders and drive organizational revenue goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Major Gifts Strategy DevelopmentDonor Cultivation and StewardshipFundraising Event ManagementTeam Leadership and DevelopmentCRM Software Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Major Gifts StrategyFundraising Through Direct Response ChannelsProspect Research Methodology501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) Fundraising PracticesPhilanthropy Best PracticesStrategic Direction SettingFundraising Event PlanningDonor Strategy DevelopmentRevenue Goal AdvancementOrganizational Change Leadership

Soft Skills

Written and Verbal CommunicationInnovative and Strategic ThinkingRelationship BuildingProblem SolvingAdaptability to Feedback

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeZoomROI SolutionsAction Network

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit FundraisingIndividual Giving ProgramDonor Community GrowthEquity in FundraisingPro-Democracy Agenda

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set and drive the strategic vision for Common Cause’s individual giving program
Develop and implement a comprehensive major gifts strategy
Align development and communications teams to increase revenue
Oversee major gifts and direct response programs, including monthly giving, direct mail, telemarketing, and emerging channels
Grow the donor community and advance organizational revenue goals
Lead and develop the Major Gifts team
Build a culture of fundraising across the organization
Equip senior leaders and staff to engage donors effectively
Personally cultivate and steward a portfolio of individual donors
Report to the Vice President, Development
Travel nationally for donor meetings and other business needs

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong commitment to Common Cause’s nonpartisan mission and pro-democracy agenda
Ability to compel action through written and verbal communication, distilling complex concepts for broad audiences
Ability to build rapport, trust, and credibility with diverse stakeholders
Innovative and strategic thinking; ability to navigate ambiguity and solve problems resourcefully
Ability to navigate organizational and power dynamics and influence others to adopt changes
Ability to manage multiple short- and long-term priorities, deadlines, and time independently
Commitment to equity in work goals and interactions
Openness to feedback and awareness of strengths and growth areas
Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Zoom
Working knowledge of CRM software; Common Cause uses ROI Solutions and Action Network
Experience cultivating and closing five-, six-, and seven-figure major gifts
Experience developing donor strategies and cultivating and stewarding major donors
Experience fundraising through multiple direct response channels
Experience conceiving and hosting successful fundraising events
Knowledge of differing 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) fundraising practices
Knowledge of philanthropic landscape, prospect research methodology, philanthropy best practices, and evolving trends
Experience managing and developing a team and setting strategic direction
Track record of leading organization-wide change initiatives
Ability to travel at least 10 times per year for donor meetings and retreats
Ability to work in person in the DC office at least two days per week
Willingness to maintain a social media presence on behalf of Common Cause
Must not currently hold elected office, run for office, serve on specified political candidate committees, or be affiliated with political party leadership
Must be authorized to work in the US; Common Cause cannot sponsor employment visas

Benefits

Comp & perks

3% geographic adjustment for Washington, DC
Robust healthcare plan covering 97% of employee medical care, 100% of employee vision and dental benefits, 75% of family medical care, and 100% of family vision and dental benefits
Long-term disability and life insurance
20 days of vacation per year
10 observed holidays per year
Additional days off for Thanksgiving and Winter break
16 weeks of paid parental leave
Flexible spending accounts
401k retirement savings plan with immediate employer match
Dependent Care and Pet Care Support when traveling for work
Professional development funds