What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Philanthropy position at Hope Meadows Foundation?
HeaderHope Meadows Foundation is seeking an energetic, relationship-driven, and mission-focused professional to help grow and strengthen the organization’s philanthropic support and long-term sustainability.
This role will focus primarily on cultivating and stewarding high-capacity individual donors while helping implement sophisticated fundraising initiatives including major gifts, legacy giving, endowment development, and capital campaign support.
The Director of Philanthropy will work closely with the Executive Director and leadership team to deepen donor relationships, create meaningful engagement experiences, and help build a strong culture of philanthropy that supports the future growth of Hope Meadows.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about mental health, healing, horses, and relationship-building and who thrives in a fast-paced, growing nonprofit environment.
Primary Responsibilities
Major Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
- Build and maintain authentic relationships with major donors and prospective supporters
- Conduct donor outreach, follow-up, and relationship-building communication
- Coordinate donor tours, meetings, and stewardship experiences at the farm
- Assist with donor cultivation strategies and gift conversations
- Support donor retention and long-term engagement efforts
- Develop personalized stewardship opportunities and meaningful donor experiences
Legacy Giving & Endowment Development
- Assist in growing Hope Meadows’ legacy giving and planned giving initiatives
- Support conversations surrounding bequests, IRA/QCD giving, and long-term philanthropic investment
- Help establish and grow the Hope Meadows Legacy Society and Forever Fund initiatives
- Assist in developing endowed giving and naming opportunities tied to programs, scholarships, healing spaces, and campus expansion
Capital Campaign & Major Gifts
- Support major donor cultivation efforts related to the Pathways to Hope capital campaign
- Assist with donor hospitality, cultivation events, private tours, and relationship-centered fundraising opportunities
- Help implement long-term philanthropic strategies that support organizational sustainability
Donor Systems & Engagement
- Maintain accurate donor communication and follow-up within donor management systems
- Assist with donor tracking, stewardship workflows, and relationship management
- Support donor communications, impact storytelling, and engagement opportunities
- Collaborate with leadership and administrative staff to ensure strong donor experiences and follow-through
Community & Relationship Development
- Represent Hope Meadows professionally within the community
- Attend networking opportunities, donor events, and cultivation gatherings
- Build relationships with aligned community members, philanthropic professionals, and supporters
Qualifications
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Positive, energetic, and professional presence
- Comfortable initiating conversations and building authentic connections
- Not intimidated to talk about philanthropy or donor investment
- Passion for mental health, healing, wellness, and/or horses
- Highly organized with strong follow-through and communication skills
- Tech-savvy and comfortable learning new systems and platforms
- Self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to grow professionally
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
Experience in fundraising is helpful, but candidates with backgrounds in sales, hospitality, business development, communications, customer relations, or community engagement are also encouraged to apply.
Preferred Characteristics
The ideal candidate is:
- Warm, personable, and emotionally intelligent
- Confident yet approachable
- A fast learner who thrives in a growing environment
- Comfortable attending events and engaging with supporters
- Passionate about making a meaningful impact through relationship-driven work
- Able to balance professionalism with authenticity and heart
To Apply
Please submit a resume and brief statement of interest outlining why you are interested in the role and Hope Meadows’ mission.
Pay: From $35.00 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Wadsworth, OH 44281
Salary : $35