Director, Philanthropy & Partnerships

Director, Philanthropy & Partnerships

Base Pay Range

$100,000 – $110,000 per year

Brief Description

The Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships is a senior-level fundraising and relationship management role designed to advance the mission of the 4

As Foundation. The role is responsible for driving new revenue and expanding the Foundation's base of philanthropic, corporate, and industry support. The Director will proactively identify, cultivate, and secure major gifts, sponsor ships, and grants from corporations, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals, leveraging existing networks and developing new relationships across the marketing, media, and advertising industries. Working in close partnership with the VP, Partnerships & Growth, the Director will also guide the Foundation's development strategy, marketing visibility, and partner engagement efforts to ensure alignment with the organization’s growth goals and brand positioning.

Limited tri‑state travel (and occasionally nationwide 1–3x/year) is required.

Core Responsibilities And Tasks Include

• Lead strategy and execution for major gifts, sponsor ships, and institutional fundraising, with annual revenue goals.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit new funding partners; maintain and expand an active portfolio of funders and sponsors.
• Partner with leadership to design creative giving opportunities; develop and deliver compelling presentations, proposals, and pitch decks.
• Represent the Foundation at key industry events and oversee stewardship efforts.

• Lead or support proposal development, letters of inquiry, reports, and renewals.
• Manage the grant process, grant writing, grant tracking, pipelines, and deadlines in CRM (Salesforce preferred).
• Work with program teams to articulate impact stories and data‑driven cases for support.

• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to position the Foundation as a premier partner in advancing diverse talent in the industry.
• Contribute to campaigns, events, and materials that elevate the Foundation's visibility among funders, sponsors, and influencers.
• Ensure consistent, high‑impact messaging that demonstrates mission, outcomes, and social ROI.

• Partner with EVP & VP and Foundation leadership on strategic planning and revenue forecasting.
• Use market insights and relationships to inform new initiatives, partnerships, and program opportunities.
• Support integration of development and marketing strategies across the Foundation and the Learning Institute.
• Prepare donor communications, board updates, and partnership reports demonstrating impact and progress.

• 8+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, corporate partnerships, or related development roles.
• Proven track record of closing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts, sponsor ships, or grants.
• Strong network of corporate, foundation, and/or industry contacts, especially within advertising, marketing, or creative sectors.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; confident in public speaking and donor engagement.
• Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset; able to turn ideas into executable fundraising plans.
• Experience managing pipelines, CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), and donor stewardship cycles.
• Marketing and communications experience is a plus, particularly related to donor storytelling and brand alignment.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.

• Annual revenue raised (from new and renewed sources).
• Number and quality of new partnerships developed.
• Retention and growth of donor relationships.
• Increased visibility and engagement of the Foundation among key industry stakeholders.

We focus on core values of Passion, Agility, Curiosity and Collaboration as we partner together to support and champion 4

As members to help their business thrive as we also strive to move the industry forward.

• Great team with strong mission and energy.
• Summer Fridays.
• Week off between Christmas & New Year holidays.
• Enviable…