Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

The Vice President of Philanthropy is a senior executive leader responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy that advances organizational growth, financial sustainability, and mission impact. Reporting to the President/CEO and partnering closely with executive leadership and the Board of Directors, this role provides strategic oversight of all philanthropic initiatives, including major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, donor engagement, and long-term revenue diversification.

The Vice President serves as a visible ambassador, cultivating high-level relationships and guiding the evolution of the organization’s philanthropy culture from event-centric fundraising to a strategically integrated, relationship-driven model with expanded regional and national reach.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive philanthropy strategy aligned with organizational goals, including a multi-year roadmap in partnership with the President/CEO and VP of Finance.
• Lead achievement of annual fundraising targets, including delivery on a $2.2M goal through diversified revenue streams prioritizing corporate, individual, and national donors.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors while strengthening the full donor lifecycle to elevate engagement and long-term giving.
• Expand the donor base beyond current geographic markets to regional and national opportunities.
• Guide and mentor the philanthropy team, including strengthening internal structure and hiring key roles to support operational excellence.
• Partner with executive leadership and the Board to enhance board engagement, strategic giving, advocacy, and diversity in board participation.
• Lead brand-aligned communication efforts that clarify and unify organizational identity across programs and stakeholders.
• Oversee engagement strategies for corporate donors, national foundations, and community stakeholders across diverse markets.
• Provide strategic oversight of restricted giving, program-specific fundraising, planned giving, capital campaigns, and endowment growth initiatives.
• Utilize CRM and donor database systems to drive data-informed decision-making, analytics, and meticulous follow-through.
• Serve as a compelling storyteller and brand ambassador, representing the organization with executive presence and persuasive communication.

• Minimum seven years of experience in donor development and fundraising, with demonstrated success cultivating major donors and managing a comprehensive donor lifecycle.
• Minimum three years of supervisory experience, including team leadership and cross-functional collaboration with executive leadership.
• Proven strategic planning expertise with the ability to create and execute multi-year philanthropy strategies aligned to organizational priorities.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to influence and engage donors, board members, and community stakeholders.
• High-level communication and public relations capabilities, with experience serving as an organizational spokesperson preferred.
• Experience with board cultivation and engagement strategies preferred.
• Demonstrated success working with corporate donors, national foundations, and diverse stakeholder groups across multiple markets preferred.
• Knowledge of CRM and donor database systems.
• Familiarity with restricted giving, planned giving, capital campaigns, and endowment growth strategies.
• Executive presence with a mission-driven, forward-thinking, and analytical leadership approach, including the ability to take calculated risks, navigate courageous conversations, and proactively solve complex challenges.