The VP of Philanthropy is a full-time, hybrid flexibility, exempt position located in our Akron, PA office.

Position Description:

The Vice President of Philanthropy is a dynamic and creative fundraising professional responsible for creating a culture of philanthropy at Ten Thousand Villages. This professional will lead the effort, along with the leadership team, to make philanthropy a major force of growth for the organization over the next decade. They will lead our team in identifying and developing relationships, securing major and planned gifts, and designing highly productive fundraising programs. This is an entrepreneurial position that is accountable for the pursuit of major gifts/grants and employing relentless innovation and collaboration in multiple and varied partnerships. The VP of Philanthropy is a member of the Leadership Team. This position supports and contributes to the Ten Thousand Villages mission by pursuing impactful philanthropic strategies through a comprehensive philanthropy program consisting of major/principal gifts, planned gifts, and annual gifts. Pursuing creative and impactful fundraising strategies based on proven principles but applied in creative ways for the Ten Thousand Villages mission and constituency. These efforts generate funds to invest in and support our mission to create life changing impacts on artisans and their communities around the world that we touch through the practice of fair trade.

Position Duties/Responsibilities:

• Design and execute comprehensive, philanthropic programs.
• Design and implement a resource development plan, financial projections, and goals for donor outreach.
• Collaborate with the CEO and board members on major/principal gifts, planned gifts, and annual gifts.
• Identify, research, and collaborate with foundation and corporate grant opportunities.
• Innovate new and ongoing fundraising strategies that create synergy with our retail operations.
• Expand face-to-face efforts with local prospects (i.e. individuals, foundations, businesses, and churches).
• In collaboration with the Marketing team, strengthen the organization’s fundraising messaging.
• Research, prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals to foundations/corporate sources, as appropriate.
• Facilitate meetings and introductions of high-impact supporters with leadership and volunteers.
• Partner with existing store networks to implement fundraising strategies, as appropriate.
• Participate in networking opportunities to facilitate and generate new donor contacts, build awareness and advocate for the organization.
• Meet with all stakeholders including artisans, buyers, and Marketing colleagues to keep current on product and group stories for fundraising collateral development.
• May be necessary to supervise one direct report; train, coach, develop, motivate, and hold accountable.
• Attend and actively contribute to all Leadership Team meetings.
• With the Leadership Team, participate in strategic planning to establish and carry out organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in annual budget process and decision making related to the organization’s strategic goals and priorities.
• Adopt and exemplify Ten Thousand Villages values; encourage and recognize these values in colleagues throughout the organization.
• Perform additional duties/responsibilities as requested which contribute to the position’s success and the mission.

Preferred Experience/Knowledge/Education/Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Non-Profit Management or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Fundraising certification: CFRE, CGPA, or CAP.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in fundraising preferably with major donors and prospects
• Experience and demonstrated success in the following:

o Major/Principal gift fundraising

o Planned Gift Solicitation and a record of success in securing Planned Gifts

o Annual Fund management

o Innovative marketing and public relations

• Collaborative and creative spirit
• Results driven, with a proven track record of achieving goals
• Internally compelled self-starter who is willing and able to take initiative in establishing a long-term, vibrant and engaged constituency of Ten Thousand Villages supporters
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with donors, board members and colleagues
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Flexibility in a changing work environment; manage competing demands
• Strong organizational skills including effective time management
• International experience and cross-cultural skills
• Willingness to learn and travel
• Microsoft Office proficiency, specifically Excel

Types of Interaction (internal):

• Leadership Team
• Board of Directors
• Marketing, Merchandising and Accounting Departments
• Company Store leadership and managers

Type of Interaction (external):

• Board Store boards, managers, and volunteers
• Donors - corporations, foundations, and individuals
• Non-profit organizations

Position Specifications:

• Eligible for monthly cell phone stipend: N
• Eligible for monthly hybrid work stipend: Y