Director of Philanthropy – Savanna Institute

Director of Philanthropy – Savanna Institute

The Savanna Institute invites applications for a Director of Philanthropy. This position leads the organization’s relationship-based fundraising efforts, cultivating and securing philanthropic support from major individual donors, private foundations, and corporate partners to advance the growth of agroforestry across the Midwest. Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement, the Director of Philanthropy serves as Savanna Institute’s primary frontline fundraiser. The position develops and manages a portfolio of prospects, high-capacity donors, and institutional funders, builds trust-based philanthropic partnerships, and works collaboratively across the organization to align funding opportunities with strategic priorities.

They seek applicants who share a passion for ecological and equitable agriculture as a climate solution and who are motivated to widen the circle of people who have the opportunity to inform, support, and benefit from its development. To that end, they are seeking a diversity of voices at the table and strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

The Savanna Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Madison, WI and Urbana, IL. Established in 2013, they work in collaboration with farmers, businesses, and scientists to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry in the Midwest US. Inspired by the native savanna ecosystems that once covered much of this region, they envision a transformed agricultural system, centered on trees and other perennial crops, that fosters ecological resilience, climate stability, economic prosperity, and vibrant, equitable communities.

Learn more about the Savanna Institute on their website .