What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Philanthropy position at ReSurge International?
Role Overview
ReSurge International seeks a senior executive leader to drive transformational fundraising growth at a time of ambitious expansion for the organization. The Vice President of Philanthropy (VP) will cultivate major donor relationships, champion the individual fundraising team, and advance ReSurge’s mission through sophisticated, strategic, and inclusive donor stewardship. This leader will join our collaborative, passionate team at an exciting moment in ReSurge’s history, helping to unlock the full potential of individual giving as one of the two core sources of funding needed to realize our “10X” vision for exponential impact. The second core funding category–institutional giving–will be led by a peer executive leader in our efforts to uplevel ReSurge’s focus and energy on both crucial development functions.
About ReSurge International
ReSurge International is a global nonprofit working to increase access to reconstructive surgical care in low-income countries by training and supporting surgeons and medical teams across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Reconstructive surgery restores function after accidents, burns, congenital conditions including cleft lip/palate, and cancer, enabling individuals to return to school, employment, and thriving community life. With over 50 years of expertise and an innovative service model anchored in training and local capacity-building, ReSurge creates lasting, exponential impact across lives and communities worldwide. Inspired by a recently declared shared vision to “10X” our impact, ReSurge has launched a bold strategic plan and corresponding public awareness campaign (“Closing the Gap”) calling for rapid expansion of core programs and innovative growth across all supportive elements in the organization including development, marketing, and operations.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership of Individual Philanthropy
- Design, lead, and execute multi-year fundraising strategies targeting sustained growth in individual, annual, major, planned, and transformational gifts.
- Guide ReSurge’s philanthropic strategy in partnership with the President & CEO and other members of the senior leadership team, embedding donor-centered values and a culture of inclusion, integrity, and impact.
- Innovate and adapt fundraising programs using data, benchmarking, and best practices for optimal donor engagement and retention.
Major Gifts & Donor Relations
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward a robust major donor portfolio ($25,000 ), including principal gifts ($100,000 ), and champion a culture of gratitude and personalized engagement.
- Build deep, mission-aligned relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate supporters.
- Lead the planning and execution of cultivation and stewardship events, including the annual benefit/gala, salons, high-level volunteer honoring events, and other key initiatives, alongside broad-based donor recognition efforts.
Operations & Team Leadership
- Develop and manage annual fundraising plans and operational budgets.
- Drive the optimization of the donor database (currently Raiser's Edge) and related systems for timely and rigorous tracking, reporting, and analysis.
- Ensure timely and accurate processing of gifts and acknowledgements.
- Hire, coach, and support a collaborative, goal-driven development team, grounded in ReSurge’s values and commitment to professional growth.
Board, Stakeholder, and Cross-Functional Engagement
- Serve as one of the two staff leads for the Development Committee of the Board.
- Represent individual philanthropy as a member of the staff Executive Team, working in close partnership with Chief of Institutional Funding and Impact.
- Represent the organization externally to current and prospective donors, philanthropic advisors and sector leaders, and other key stakeholders —modeling ReSurge’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s preferred).
- Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in major gift fundraising or high-value relationship management, with an extensive track record of securing six-figure gifts and multiple successes with seven-figure gifts or higher.
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is an asset.
- Strategic thinker; highly relational, emotionally intelligent, and trusted.
- Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate transformative impact.
- Experience with international development and global health is a bonus.
- Tech-savvy; proficient with donor management, CRM, and analysis tools.
- Passionate about building diverse, mission-driven teams and donor communities.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid work model: required office presence in Sunnyvale, CA minimum 2 days per week.
- Frequent travel for donor engagement; occasional evenings or weekends.
- International travel to visit ReSurge’s program sites with donors is expected.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
ReSurge is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, reflecting and respecting the communities served. Applicants from all backgrounds are warmly encouraged to apply as we strive to advance global health equity.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The projected base salary range for this position is $165,000 to $195,000 plus incentive bonus opportunity. ReSurge’s comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, dental and vision insurance, 403(b) with company match, life insurance, and generous paid time off.
Pay: $165,000.00 - $195,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Salary : $165,000 - $195,000