Vice President of Philanthropy

The VP of Philanthropy leads efforts focused on expanding our community of donors, partners, foundations, corporations, and other supporters who invest in the agency's mission. Working in close partnership with the CEO, Foundation Board, Board of Trustees, and development team, the VP of Philanthropy develops and advances philanthropic/fundraising strategies that increase revenue, deepen donor engagement, strengthen fundraising capacity, and align philanthropic investment with the organization’s strategic priorities. The role combines strategic vision with hands on fundraising leadership, including personally cultivating and managing key donor relationships and leading fundraising initiatives and campaigns. A central responsibility of the position is serving as the senior staff partner to the Foundation Board, along with the CEO. The VP of Philanthropy works closely with Foundation Board leadership to strengthen its role in advancing philanthropy, support effective committees and Board engagement, and build the Board’s capacity as ambassadors. The position oversees the full philanthropy function, including fundraising, donor engagement and stewardship, institutional giving, advancement services, volunteer engagement, and team leadership. The VP reports to the CEO and supervises the Philanthropy team.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates accountability for setting and achieving fundraising goals, with a focus on sustainable revenue growth, donor retention, and long-term philanthropic capacity.
• Works in partnership with the CEO, Foundation Board, Board of Trustees, and leadership team to align fundraising strategies and priorities with the organization’s mission, strategic direction, and financial needs.
• Provides leadership for fundraising strategies encompassing major gifts, annual giving, foundation and corporate relations, sponsorships, planned giving, special events, and other philanthropic opportunities.
• Manages portfolio of key donors while providing strategic guidance, coaching, and oversight to staff and volunteers responsible for fundraising and donor relationships.
• Supports effective donor engagement and stewardship practices, including moves and portfolio management, to advance donor and prospect relationships.
• Provides leadership and oversight of grant development opportunities, including foundation and corporate relations and supervision of contracted grant support.
• Oversees advancement services, strengthening data management, fundraising systems, reporting, and operational processes to support donor engagement, fundraising performance, and informed decision making.
• Manages departmental budget, resource allocation, financial projections.
• Leads development team through effective supervision, professional development, performance management, collaboration, and clear accountability for results.
• Represents philanthropic priorities externally in partnership with the CEO, Board members, and development staff, building productive relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
• Provides regular fundraising, campaign, and other reports to CEO, Foundation Board, and Board of Trustees; maintains the highest standards of ethics, confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion and completes all required training.

Qualifications;

Proven track record of leading fundraising and development efforts, building donor relationships, securing significant charitable gifts, and developing the people, strategies, systems, and practices necessary for sustainable philanthropic growth. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.

Strong leadership, relationship management, communication, strategic planning, fundraising, and organizational skills. Proficiency with donor database and fundraising technology, preferably Raiser’s Edge, and the ability to develop and use data, reporting, and other systems to support effective philanthropic decision making