Director of Principal Gifts

Jun 18

Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2026

Description

High Country News is seeking a mission-driven, experienced, and collaborative leader to serve as our Director of Principal Gifts. The ideal candidate will bring a deep interest and understanding of HCN’s mission to inform and inspire people to act on behalf of the West’s diverse natural and human communities, as well as a high level of development expertise. This position holds primary responsibility for securing principal gifts through a discrete portfolio of major donors and foundations, and plays a lead role in achieving our annual fundraising goal, which is currently $3.4 million.

The Director of Principal Gifts is a key member of HCN's senior management team and works closely with the Executive Director & Publisher to set the scope and direction for philanthropic revenue generation. They supervise the members of the fundraising department, collaborate with the other senior managers, and keep the staff and board abreast of, and engaged in, fundraising efforts.

The ideal candidate is adept in cultivating and nurturing mutually beneficial relationships with donors and fostering a culture of respect and appreciation that leads to increased donor engagement and long-term support. They have a demonstrable background in building relationships with donors and grant-making bodies through personalized communications and a proven record of collaborative working at senior management level.

Responsibilities

The Director of Principal Gifts will work under the direct supervision of the Executive Director & Publisher. Duties will include:

Works closely with the Executive Director & Publisher (ED) to set philanthropic scope and direction, and to foster an atmosphere of collaboration, innovation and belonging
Manages a portfolio of major donors and foundations and cultivates relationships through personal correspondence and visits, both alone and with the ED, board members, major gifts officers and members of the editorial staff (60%)
Manages HCN’s outward-facing, philanthropic revenue-generating fundraising staff members, including hiring, training, setting individual performance goals and providing ongoing review and feedback that is fair and consistent, and in alignment with HCN's policies and practices
Manages relationships with key external contractors
Builds and manages the fundraising department budget, ensuring that expenditure is effectively controlled and revenue goals are met
Guides the fundraising activities of the Executive Director
Staffs the fundraising committee and the board in cultivating and stewarding HCN donor relationships
Attends senior manager and board meetings, and reports regularly to the senior management team and board on fundraising activities and progress
Develops and implements an annual fundraising plan that includes setting strategic and monetary goals for major gifts and grant income
Manages salon-type donor gatherings for high-net-worth individuals and foundation representatives
Collaborates with the Customer Service team on donor clubs, fund drives, monthly giving, and planned giving with the Customer Service and Marketing teams.
Provides input to the ED, Marketing, Customer Service and Production teams on fundraising-related mailings, seasonal donor communications, postal mail, email and social media appeals, website and magazine ads, online donation pages, and fact sheets
Represents HCN’s mission, vision, impact and commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion to members of the staff, HCN’s community of readers and funders, and other stakeholders
Sets Fundraising Department goals for advancing justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI), and develops strategies to build a funder community that reflects the diversity of the region HCN serves
Works with the Editorial team to ensure program information for donor and foundation pitches and reports is clear and in alignment with program requirements High Country News welcomes applicants from all life experiences, and we encourage members of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply, including Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, women, and people with disabilities.

Requirements

We’re most interested in hearing how your own skills, broader experience and qualifications would enhance the role and benefit HCN and the communities we serve and hope to serve across the West. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about the mission and values of HCN, and driven to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in journalism and in working practices and company cultures.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of fundraising experience with a proven track record of closing 6- and 7-figure gift commitments and legacy gifts. They will have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public relations, marketing or related subjects, or equivalent worked experience. Candidates with a CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive) certification, grant writing experience, and donor data research experience are strongly preferred.

Candidates should have a thorough knowledge of fundraising techniques, including major donor cultivation, moves management, grant writing, campaigns -including multi-tiered fundraising campaigns, appeals, monthly giving, and planned giving. Proven experience in supervising and leading a team to success is required. Candidates should have an in-depth understanding of performance management to achieve strategic, team and individual goals.

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position with employer funded medical benefits (employee only), and optional dental and vision benefits; paid vacation leave starting at 12 days a year plus 11 HCN paid holiday days each year; paid sick and family leave benefits; “TK Time” - one paid half-day off per month that does not accrue; a monthly remote work stipend and IT start-up stipend; 401k retirement plan with employer match contribution; and a salary in the range of $101,286 to $106,913 annual equivalent, dependent on skills and experience.

This is a remote working role, and the Director of Philanthropy will reside in, or be willing to relocate to the Front Range of Colorado - Ft. Collins to Colorado Springs. Candidates must be able to travel to meet with major donors in person and attend occasional events across the country. Relocation is available for this role.

How to Apply for this Job

Apply Now

You must include a resume and cover letter. This position is open and accepting applications until filled, with preference for applications submitted by July 10, 2026.

About the Organization

High Country News is the nation's leading source of thoughtful, in-depth reporting on the Western United States. Established in 1970, HCN produces an award-winning monthly magazine and a popular website. From Alaska and the Northern Rockies to the Desert Southwest, from the Great Plains to the West Coast, HCN is a beloved and essential resource for those who care about this region. High Country News is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to inform and inspire people to act on behalf of the West's diverse natural and human communities.

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