Care for pets. Find them homes. Save lives. That’s the mission at Nevada Humane Society.

We’re a high-save organization helping nearly 34,000 animals in our community each year and caring for approximately 10,000 across both of our campuses. through sheltering, adoptions and community-centered programs and services that help find pets loving homes and keep them there. We are seeking a Philanthropy Director to join our team at our Reno Campus. In this role, you’ll provide daily care, support positive outcomes, and help match pets with the families who will love them for life.

At NHS, lifesaving work is powered by dedicated professionals. We support our team with competitive pay, meaningful benefits, and a workplace rooted in compassion, teamwork, and purpose.

Candidates wishing to be considered should provide work samples demonstrating your fundraising experience, such as donor solicitations, stewardship communications, cultivation materials, annual giving appeals, or donor event materials.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Director of Philanthropy

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As the Director of Philanthropy, you play a vital role in advancing Nevada Humane Society’s mission to care for pets, find them loving homes, and save lives. Your leadership helps drive our values forward by guiding your team with compassion and purpose. In this role, you also partner with authorized personnel to make thoughtful employment decisions that align with our organizational goals—ensuring we remain compliant with policies, procedures, and employment laws while fostering a positive, mission-aligned workplace.

Essential Responsibilities

Position-Specific Responsibilities

1. Oversee hiring processes including drafting job descriptions, interviewing, and candidate selection.
2. Manage employee performance through evaluations, coaching, and development planning.
3. Effectively resolve employee relations issues and ensure compliance with employment laws and organizational policies.
4. Strong leadership skills with a track record of fostering positive team environments and employee engagement.
5. Lead the development and implementation of the annual giving program and strategy with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, including plans for individual, recurring, major, and foundation donors.
6. Create solicitation and year-round engagement strategies to identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with existing and prospective donors.
7. Establish and manage fundraising processes regarding acknowledgment, recognition, ongoing communications, and continued cultivation of donors.
8. Assist with creating a comprehensive stewardship program that appropriately and consistently promotes interaction with and recognition of donors at all levels.
9. Work with the Chief Philanthropy Officer & other team members on the creation and execution of various donor events.
10. Develop and implement a strategy to engage donors in existing Nevada Humane Society events.
11. Prepares various lists to invite donors to special events, including stewardship events, site tours, and fundraising events.
12. Actively respond to donor inquiries, calls, and emails while keeping the Chief Philanthropy Officer appraised of any issues.
13. Develop donor materials for the annual giving program, events, and other needs as they arise.
14. Stay current and knowledgeable on gift regulations and donor fund management best practices.
15. Interacts with co-workers and volunteers efficiently and courteously to ensure a cooperative team environment amongst all departments.
16. Attend and participate in departmental and shelter meetings. Attend educational conferences/seminars as recommended/approved.
17. Address and/or report any safety hazards or unsafe use of NHS equipment.
18. Perform other duties as requested by direct management, and/or the CEO.

BENEFITS & PERKS

In Nevada

Nevada employers often provide competitive benefits, but NHS stands out with:

• Employer-paid medical & vision premium option (Full-Time Employees)
• Pet-centric benefits not typical in most benefit packages
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual starting on day one rather than waiting periods.
• This puts NHS at or above local and national trends for comprehensive total compensation and unique personal perks

Full-Time Employees Are Eligible For:

• Nine paid holidays • 90% employer-paid buy-up options and low-cost dental plans

• Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

All Employees are eligible for:

• Low-cost supplemental plans including Life Insurance, Accident, and Short-Term Disability

• Pet-focused perks such as free vaccines, spay/neuter, and end-of-life services for employee-owned pets

• Free and reduced-cost pet adoptions

• Up to 50% off major brand and prescription pet food delivered directly to the shelter

WHY NORTHERN NEVADA?

Northern Nevada offers an exceptional blend of career opportunity, quality of life, and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal place for professionals who value meaningful work and true work–life balance. Anchored by Reno and Carson City, the region continues to attract people who want to make an impact while enjoying everything life outside of work has to offer.

A Community That Works — and Plays

Northern Nevada is home to:

• Approximately 300 days of sunshine each year 

• Easy access to Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, and the Sierra Nevada mountains

• World-class skiing, hiking, biking, paddling, and year-round recreation just minutes away

Here, it’s possible to start your morning on a trail, spend your day doing meaningful work, and unwind by the river or in the mountains after hours.

With no state income tax, abundant sunshine, a diverse economy, and unmatched access to outdoor recreation, Northern Nevada is an ideal home for animal welfare professionals seeking both purpose and balance.

Experience and Qualification Requirements

Position-Specific Requirements

1. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement annual giving, donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention strategies.
2. Experience building and maintaining relationships with individual, recurring, major, and foundation donors.
3. Ability to create compelling donor appeals, acknowledgments, stewardship communications, and fundraising materials.
4. Experience coordinating donor cultivation, recognition, and fundraising events.
5. Ability to independently manage multiple fundraising initiatives, priorities, and deadlines.
6. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate professionally and compassionately with donors and community partners.
7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with careful attention to tone, accuracy, and detail.
8. Ability to maintain accurate donor records and handle confidential information appropriately.
9. Working knowledge of fundraising regulations, ethical practices, and donor Fill codes of privacy.

Position-Specific Desired Experience

1. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible fundraising or philanthropy experience.
2. Demonstrated success developing annual giving, donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and engagement strategies with measurable results.
3. Experience creating donor communications, fundraising appeals, stewardship materials, and donor-focused events.
4. Strong commitment to Nevada Humane Society’s mission, vision, and community presence.

Additional Beneficial Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, philanthropy, communications, marketing, business, or a related field.
2. Experience supervising staff, volunteers, or fundraising initiatives.
3. Experience with animal welfare organizations.
4. Working knowledge of Bloomerang, Classy, Constant Contact, Canva, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or Adobe Creative Suite.

Salary : $95,000