The Carter Center: Senior Associate Director, Major Gifts, Development

The Carter Center is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization founded in 1982 in Atlanta, GA, by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University. The Center has helped to improve millions of lives in more than 80 countries by waging peace, fighting disease, and building hope. The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. It seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. 

The Carter Center collaborates with other organizations, public and private, in carrying out its mission around the world. Current information about the Center’s many programs and activities are available at The Carter Center.

The Direct Marketing Group of the Development department is responsible for broad outreach to a national audience for the purposes of acquiring, cultivating, renewing and stewarding support for The Carter Center from individuals through postal mail and online channels.

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, Lead for Major Gifts, the Senior Associate Director, Major Gifts is charged with the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of potential donors to The Carter Center. The Senior Associate Director serves as a member of the Center's major gifts team, comprised of annual, major, and planned gift officers, and contributes to the development of plans and strategies to achieve gift income goals in support of the Center's health programs, peace programs, and overall operations.

Due to the travel locations, Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) will be required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• • Builds and manages a portfolio of donors and prospects across U.S. regions, using tools like Raiser's Edge to identify and cultivate new constituents.
  • Conducts approximately 20 substantive prospect contacts monthly.
  • Develops and implements cultivation strategies to advance prospects toward solicitation, independently or in collaboration with senior leaders.
  • Leads solicitation planning and maintains ongoing visibility of The Carter Center with key prospects.
  • Manages donor stewardship, including proposals, acknowledgments, pledge reminders, progress reports, and personalized correspondence.
  • Collaborates with colleagues on donor communications and contributes to publications and website content.
  • Supports broader Development team goals through alignment and collaboration.
  • Participates in the planning and execution of donor events and prepares high-quality briefing materials, especially for leadership trips.
  • Ensures timely and appropriate follow-up to donor interactions.
  • Helps define short- and long-term fundraising goals and works to meet monthly contact targets.
  • Delivers exceptional customer service to donors and prospects.
  • Contributes to budget preparation and ensures efficient administrative procedures.
  • Maintains compliance with organizational policies and supports program operations.
  • Pursues ongoing professional development and stays informed on fundraising trends.
  • May supervise or train interns, temporary contractors, or staff.
  • Travel required up to 30%, or as needed.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• • Bachelor's degree and four years of experience in fundraising or related field OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• • Four years of experience or more in fund raising for a non-profit organization, including direct gift solicitation experience.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills are essential.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in written and oral forms.
  • Ability to articulate the mission and goals of The Carter Center in a compelling manner.
  • Ability and willingness to travel.
  • Familiarity with planned giving vehicles.
  • Experience with Raiser's Edge database management system a plus.

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to The Carter Center on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs.  Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines.  All non-exempt employees must reside within the state of Georgia. The Carter Center reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.