Philanthropy Representative

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Philanthropy Representative is responsible for managing a portfolio of qualified donors with the capacity to make major gifts to The American Legion. This role combines donor relationship management, fundraising strategy, and solicitation to identify prospects, cultivate meaningful relationships, and secure transformational contributions. As the nation’s oldest and one of the most prominent and respected veterans service organizations, The American Legion seeks candidates who are not only skilled professionals but who are also passionate about advocating for veterans, dedicated to service, and deeply patriotic. The position requires strong communication to effectively share The American Legion’s mission and impact through campaigns, digital platforms, and personalized outreach.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Manage a portfolio of 100–150 major donors and prospects, cultivating relationships with the capacity to make gifts of at least $10,000.
2. Develop individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to advance donors through the giving cycle.
3. Identify new major donor prospects using research, wealth screening, and internal networks.
4. Participate in securing transformational gift opportunities and works to secure those gifts as part of the strategic development campaign.
5. Clearly communicate The American Legion’s mission, programs, and impact to donors and community audiences.
6. Prepares customized proposals, presentations, and stewardship reports for major individual donors.
7. Record donor interactions and strategies to support effective moves management.
8. Develops monthly solicitation strategies and financial targets as well as multi-year financial projections.
9. Collaborate with Marketing and Media & Communications, Programs, and Resource Development teams on donor engagement initiatives.
10. Support multi-channel fundraising campaigns across digital, print, and event platforms.
11. Represent The American Legion at donor meetings, events, and other engagement opportunities.
12. Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP (reports directly to): Director – Office of Fund Development

MINIMUM SKILLS REQUIRED FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Education/Technical Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree is required or equivalent.

Additional Skills Needed:

• General knowledge of fundraising strategies and principles.
• Hands-on major gift experience – cultivation through solicitation and stewardship with demonstrated success.
• Demonstrated understanding of The American Legion and its mission, values, programs, and services, and the impact of these programs and services on veterans and their families.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain professional relationships and build successful and effective relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, self starter, willing to take initiative
• Demonstrated computer proficiency using Microsoft Office, e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
• Established track record of cultivating relationships, soliciting gifts, and working with donors
• and volunteers.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Strong organizational and planning skills and the ability to communicate effectively and think strategically, prioritize, and develop/meet deadlines.
• Understanding of the record-keeping and stewardship systems that support a successful donor relations program.
• Comfortable with working in a collaborative environment, as part of a team.
• Eligibility for membership in The American Legion is preferred.

Experience:

Two to five years in fundraising or sales experience preferred, with demonstrated success in constituent engagement.