Director of Philanthropy

Scion Executive Search is excited to partner with an established, community-focused philanthropic organization in the search for an accomplished Director of Philanthropy. This opportunity offers the chance to help individuals, families, and community partners translate their charitable aspirations into meaningful, lasting impact. The ideal candidate is a relationship-centered philanthropy professional with a strong understanding of charitable giving, a consultative approach to donor engagement, and a passion for strengthening communities through strategic philanthropy.

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Appleton, WI offering a flexible schedule and a collaborative, mission-driven working environment.

• Cultivate, manage, and strengthen relationships with current and prospective donors, fund holders, families, and philanthropic partners to support meaningful and sustained charitable engagement.
• Guide donors in identifying philanthropic goals and developing giving strategies aligned with their values, interests, and long-term charitable objectives.
• Identify and advance opportunities for new charitable funds, contributions, planned gifts, and other philanthropic investments.
• Build and maintain relationships with attorneys, financial advisors, estate planning professionals, and other trusted advisors to increase awareness of charitable giving opportunities.
• Partner with the Vice President of Donor Services to implement donor engagement, cultivation, stewardship, and philanthropic growth strategies.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource on donor-advised funds, endowed funds, legacy giving, and other charitable giving vehicles, collaborating with appropriate specialists on complex arrangements.
• Develop thoughtful, personalized stewardship strategies that strengthen donor satisfaction, trust, and long-term relationships.
• Represent the organization at community gatherings, professional networking events, and donor meetings to build visibility and cultivate new relationships.
• Collaborate with internal teams to connect donor interests with emerging community needs, nonprofit initiatives, and opportunities for meaningful impact.
• Maintain accurate donor relationship records, track engagement activities, and contribute to reporting and strategic planning efforts.
• Monitor trends in philanthropy, charitable giving, and donor engagement to identify opportunities for innovation and continued growth.

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Significant professional experience in philanthropy, development, major gifts, donor relations, planned giving, wealth management, or a closely related relationship-driven field.
• Demonstrated success cultivating and stewarding meaningful relationships with donors, high-net-worth individuals, families, professional advisors, or other key stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of philanthropic giving strategies, charitable funds, donor stewardship, and the broader nonprofit sector.
• Experience with community foundations or planned giving is highly desirable.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication, active listening, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage individuals in thoughtful, confidential conversations about charitable and financial priorities.
• Strategic, consultative mindset with the ability to identify opportunities, navigate complex relationships, and translate donor interests into actionable philanthropic solutions.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to independently manage multiple relationships and priorities.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, integrity, and commitment to donor-centered service.
• Genuine enthusiasm for community engagement, regional philanthropy, and the role of charitable giving in creating lasting social impact.
• Ability to participate in occasional community events and meetings outside traditional business hours as needed.

• Annual salary of $110,000
• Full-time, hybrid work arrangement with scheduling flexibility
• Opportunity to work closely with philanthropic leaders, donors, and community partners
• Comprehensive employee benefits package (details to be provided during the interview process)

Scion Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender…