Vice President, Philanthropy; Northern California

Vice President, Philanthropy (Northern California)

Opportunity International is partnering with Red Sea Executive Search for the appointment of this position. Please apply through their website at the following link:

The Vice President, Philanthropy for Northern California role supports the growth and mission of Opportunity International in serving those living in poverty worldwide. We are seeking an experienced principal gifts officer, titled Vice President, Philanthropy, to join our Philanthropy team. This senior-level fundraiser will identify, develop, and steward relationships with high and ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals and families capable of making transformational gifts ($5M+).

This role will place strong emphasis on building new relationships and developing funding partnerships. Opportunity International is in an exciting growth mode, increasing revenues and broadening its major donor portfolio through unique, globally recognized solutions for people living in poverty worldwide.

Compensation Range: $165,000 - $185,000 Annually

• Identify, build, and steward a small portfolio of 25–50 principal gift donors.
• Develop your portfolio to secure a run‑rate revenue of $5M or more by year three.
• Culture, solicit, and steward transformational gifts in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Engage donors in meaningful dialogue to align their philanthropic goals with transformative gifts within Opportunity, which include cash gifts, planned gifts, endowment gifts, estate gifts, and non‑cash assets.
• Partner with senior leadership, the Board, and program teams to engage donors through tailored experiences, program visits, and personalized proposals.
• Ensure thoughtful stewardship and reporting that demonstrates impact and accountability.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, ensuring that donors experience transparency, accountability, and a deep connection to the mission.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of successful fundraising experience, including a record of securing 7- and 8‑figure gifts and growing revenues year over year.
• Excellent financial understanding, including key financial statements.
• Holds a deep passion for and commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Opportunity International.
• Can articulate compelling reasons for supporting Opportunity International’s unique mission.
• Positivity; strong relationship‑building, communication, and storytelling skills with comfort in speaking and social engagements. Excellent communication skills with persuasive ability, including strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Experience with and knowledge of all fundraising vehicles for both cash and non‑cash assets, such as endowments, DAFs, etc.
• Cross‑cultural awareness and ability to work in diverse communities with respect and sensitivity.
• Ability to promote and communicate the organization’s goals and objectives to external and internal stakeholders.

• Written and verbal fluency in English required. Additional language skills are desirable.

• Travel extensively (25–50%), including occasional international trips.

Opportunity International is a global non‑profit that has been equipping people to build sustainable livelihoods and educate their children for 54 years. Opportunity provides 21 million families with innovative financial resources, training, and support to grow their small businesses and send their children to school. In 2024, Opportunity International and its partners helped fund 19,000 schools that reached 3.4 million children.

We respond to Jesus Christ’s call to love and serve people living in poverty. We seek to emulate the Good Samaritan, whose compassion crossed ethnic groups and religions. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Opportunity believes that all children have a right to protection from any form of abuse regardless of gender, culture, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. Opportunity operates in line with international best practices for child protection and recognizes its…