Director of Individual Philanthropy

Director of Individual Philanthropy 

Who We Are 

Gather’s mission is to offer innovative programs that build food security in welcoming and dignified ways. Founded in 1816, Gather is one of the oldest social service agencies in the country. For more than two centuries, Gather has been a regional leader in addressing food insecurity. In addition to the Pantry Market in Portsmouth, NH, Gather meets the immediate need for food through Mobile Markets, the Meals 4 Kids program, and the Fresh Food Bus. Food that would otherwise be wasted is turned into fresh, to-go meals through the Cooking 4 Community program at Gather’s headquarters and at UNH. Gather Café serves food-insecure students and the broader community at Great Bay Community College.

To address the root causes of food insecurity, Gather offers cooking, gardening, and nutrition education for those who want to learn how to prepare healthy food on a budget. Social service partners also join us in our space to provide wraparound support, helping members address needs beyond food. Finally, Gather’s Fresh Start Culinary Workforce Training Program provides a pathway to employment for people facing barriers to work. ​​​

What We Seek 

Gather is seeking an inspiring, results-driven, and deeply connected leader to take the helm in advancing our mission and driving transformative growth. This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role at one of the region’s most dynamic and impactful organizations – where your vision, relationships, and leadership will directly shape the future of food security, community engagement, and social impact.

As Director of Individual Philanthropy, you will partner closely with Gather’s Executive Director, Board of Directors, Development Committee, and senior leadership to elevate the organization’s fundraising and engagement strategies to new heights. You will champion Gather’s mission in the community and beyond—building authentic connections with donors who share our belief in a stronger, more equitable food system.

As Gather’s individual donor base and philanthropic opportunities continue to grow, you will lead the expansion of the Individual Philanthropy department to ensure our staffing, systems, and strategies grow alongside this momentum. You will oversee a small but growing staff to drive major gifts, execute annual fundraising campaigns, donor cultivation and fundraising events, database management, and a newly established planned giving program. You’ll lead and develop a talented team, which currently includes a Development Manager and Database Manager in concert with the Institutional Fundraising and Communications teams.

If you’re a strategic thinker, relationship builder, and storyteller who’s ready to build the capacity of a growing philanthropy program and make a lasting difference, this is your moment to lead with purpose—and be part of something extraordinary.

The Director of Individual Philanthropy will be a member of Gather’s Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy, cross-functional alignment, and long-term planning.

Key Responsibilities

Individual Revenue Leadership

· Directly oversee the Individual Philanthropy Team (Development Manager, Database Manager, subcontractors) and lead the strategy to raise $2.1 million annually from a growing annual donor base of 2,500 households.

· Manage a 150-donor major/leadership gift portfolio and oversee a 600-donor pipeline, ensuring consistent qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Drive donor engagement across the annual fund and appeals using a tiered benefits system.

· Set individual giving goals and metrics, using data-driven segmentation, retention, and upgrade strategies to guide performance and maximize revenue. Report regularly to the Board and leadership on revenue, pipeline, retention, and progress toward goals.

· Oversee moves management plans to grow the major gift pipeline and expand planned giving and long-term donor engagement. Maintain regular donor communication (meetings, site visits, impact reports, outreach) and clear portfolio/tier assignments. Keep Salesforce donor records current, including engagement, preferences, giving history, and next steps.

· Lead a comprehensive individual fundraising calendar spanning annual giving, major and planned gifts, and campaigns.

· Represent Gather externally to build community relationships and grow the donor base.

Events

· Support the Development Manager in raising approximately $1.2 million in events revenue through Gather's Annual Gala, Fill the Hall, Thanksgiving Distribution, and other events, including third-party fundraisers.

· Assist with oversight of 8-10 donor recognition and thank-you events per year.

Planned Giving

· Finalize and manage a comprehensive planned giving program to ensure the organization’s long-term financial sustainability. Oversee creation and dissemination of marketing and educational materials to promote planned giving opportunities across donor segments. 

· Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors for legacy and deferred gifts, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, and other planned giving vehicles. 

· Maintain accurate records of planned giving commitments and ensuring compliance with legal, ethical, and accounting standards. Coordinate with finance and legal advisors to ensure appropriate gift documentation, recognition, and reporting. 

Institutional Giving

· Work with the Director of Institutional Giving to cultivate and solicit corporate donors for event sponsorships.

​​​Qualifications

· Proven track record building and scaling a major gifts and annual giving program, with 10 years of nonprofit fundraising experience preferred, including event leadership.

· Strategic, innovative leader able to grow a tiered individual giving/major gifts structure and make confident, high-level solicitations.

· Highly organized, collaborative, solutions-oriented professional with strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

· 3 years’ experience managing staff and outside contractors.

· Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.

· Certifications: CFRE preferred.

· Deep commitment to Gather's mission and community impact. Prior knowledge and understanding of the hunger relief (or food security) landscape preferred.

Additional Information

This is a full-time (40 hours per week), exempt position, based in Portsmouth, NH. ​I​t is an in-person role. Salary is commensurate with experience and skills with a range of $90,000-$115,000. This position is eligible for health insurance benefits, 401K retirement plan with match, paid vacation, and paid holidays.  

Application Process 

Please send your resume and cover letter to Anne Hayes at ahayes@gathernh.org. In the subject line, write your name and the position for which you are applying. We will review all submissions, identify viable candidates, and contact ONLY those individuals selected to continue in the search process.  

Gather is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Gather’s employees are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds, who share a passion for improving people's lives.