Philanthropic Advisor I

Position Overview

The Philanthropic Advisor I plays a vital role in advancing Scouting America’s mission by developing and managing relationships with major donors and prospects capable of making significant philanthropic gifts. This position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of major gift prospects through strategic planning and personal engagement, with a strong focus on successfully closing gifts.

Working in close collaboration with council leadership and national staff, the Philanthropic Advisor provides strategic counsel, executes plans to strengthen philanthropic capacity, and aligns donor passions with Scouting America’s highest priorities and initiatives. Must be able to travel and hold a valid driver’s license.

This position reports to the Manager of Philanthropy.

Responsibilities

• Personally cultivates and solicits a minimum of 15-30 prospective donors from a portfolio of 50-80 prospects annually.
• Develops personal relationships with High Net Worth Individual (HNWI) and Ultra High Net Worth Individual (UHNWI) philanthropic donors and prospects with the capacity to make leadership gifts at a minimum of $500,000 to Scouting and secure legacy gifts. Identifies (either independently, as part of strategic planning, or working with Council key leaders), qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards individual prospects using an organized donor tracking system.
• Provides advice and counsel to leaders both at the National Office and to Council partners within assigned territory. Executes strategic plans and programs that increase philanthropy to Scouting America either through outright gifts, pledges or planned gifts. Actively participates in the recognition and stewardship strategy of major donors.
• Prepares reports and plans for follow-up for the relationship cultivation strategy of major donors. Regularly interfaces with management, senior management and leaders. Provides advice and counsel to the organization in areas of expertise.
• Tracks interactions with prospects through effective use of the Development CRM database.
• Provides weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and metrics to be shared with management as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Knowledge of: Strong knowledge of the philanthropic sector, as well as the various laws and regulations affecting them. Business acumen and strategic planning. Working knowledge and experience in securing Major Gifts, Annual Giving, and Planned Giving.
• Skill in: Proficient writing, editing and proofreading skills with the ability to gather and organize information appropriately. Excellent customer service and communication skills (listening, interpersonal, oral, and written). A high degree of professionalism, confidence and flexibility that allows the incumbent to work collaboratively and effectively with clients and colleagues of diverse backgrounds. Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and the ability to effectively utilize proprietary software. Compelling communication; building partnerships; and building customer loyalty. Strong planning and implementation skills; research and synthesizing abilities. High level of personal and professional integrity and ethics.
• Ability to: Energize the organization. Excellent ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple competing assignments and responsibilities. Excellent ability to work well in a team environment. Ability to develop and maintain a good working relationship with staff, members of the community, elected officials, the media, colleagues in other foundations, and members of the nonprofit sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in major/principal gift fundraising and prospect management.
• Business development or related field
• Must be able to travel as needed.
• Must pass a criminal history background check.

Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above-specified education and experience requirements.

Preference

Interest in philanthropy and the non-profit community.