Principal Gift Officer (PGO)

Position Overview

Scouting America is seeking a Principal Gift Officer (PGO) to help strengthen our East Coast principal-gift pipeline as we prepare to launch a major national campaign.

Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy, the PGO plays a critical role in securing transformational philanthropic support from ultra-high-net-worth individuals in support of Scouting America’s mission and national priorities. The PGO leads the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of principal-level gifts, typically $5 million and above with a focus on closing significant, multi-year commitments.

The PGO develops and executes highly individualized engagement and solicitation strategies in close partnership with senior leadership, board members, and key volunteers. This role requires deep expertise in relationship-based fundraising, complex and blended giving vehicles, and the ability to successfully close multi-million-dollar gifts. The PGO is responsible for delivering exceptional donor experiences, aligning donor interests with organizational priorities, and building long-term philanthropic partnerships through thoughtful stewardship and sustained engagement.

The position is based at Scouting America’s National Headquarters in Irving, Texas. The ideal candidate will bring a proven record of closing multi-million-dollar gifts, exceptional relationship management skills, and experience working with high-net-worth individuals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to secure gifts of $10 million and above from UHNWIs.
• Manage a portfolio of 20-30 high-capacity donors and prospects, ensuring sustained engagement and cultivation of long-term relationships.
• Lead all aspects of the gift cycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects, working in close coordination with senior leadership and volunteers.
• Work with leadership to match donor interests with organizational priorities and develop highly personalized solicitation strategies for each prospect.
• When the organization is in a comprehensive campaign, assist in securing regional leadership and principal gifts from UHNWIs for the campaign.
• Collaborate across departments to create compelling proposals and presentations for principal gift solicitations.
• Develop multi-year engagement plans for key donors, ensuring consistent and meaningful communication and interaction.
• Monitor and track donor progress, ensuring timely follow-up and reporting on relationship status.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership and board members on key donor relationships and philanthropic opportunities.
• Ensure donor recognition and stewardship plans are executed effectively to retain and grow donor commitment.
• Stay informed about trends in philanthropy, particularly within the ultra-high-net-worth segment, and adjust strategies as needed.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Knowledge of: Major and principal gifts fundraising, particularly with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). Charitable giving vehicles, including donor-advised funds, bequests, planned gifts, and other complex giving instruments. Nonprofit fundraising strategies and donor stewardship best practices. The philanthropic landscape and trends affecting high-net-worth giving.
• Skill in: Relationship-building, with the ability to engage, inspire, and motivate UHNWIs. Written and verbal communication including the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively. Developing and executing high-level solicitation strategies. Financial acumen to understand and communicate financial information to donors. Managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to: Build and maintain strong, personal relationships with donors, senior leaders, and volunteers. Work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Think strategically and develop long-term cultivation plans for donors. Present complex philanthropic ideas and opportunities to ultra-high-net-worth individuals in a compelling manner. Travel frequently to meet with donors and attend fundraising events.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in fundraising, with a focus on principal gifts and working with UHNWIs.
• Proven track record of securing gifts of $5 million or more.
• Experience managing a high-value donor portfolio and executing personalized donor engagement strategies.
• Must pass a criminal history background check.
• Ability to travel extensively and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Licenses

Certification in Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or equivalent preferred.

Preference

• Experience working within youth-serving organizations or nonprofits with missions aligned to Scouting.
• Experience leading and advising cross-functional teams on fundraising strategies.
• Experience working in a large, complex nonprofit organization preferred.