Director of Philanthropy, Education

This is a development position that requires a fundraising veteran capable of managing a major gifts portfolio and implementing a program of prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. In addition to expertise in philanthropy, the ideal candidate should possess skills and experience related to education or youth and family programming, including the ability to effectively communicate the value and impact of Youth Power
365’s initiatives. Demonstrated knowledge and genuine passion for working with children and families is essential, as it enables the Director to articulate the significance of educational programs and their transformative effect on the community. Some planned giving, annual fund, endowment, and capital campaign responsibilities will also be required of this position. Reporting to the Vice President of Philanthropy, this individual is responsible for donor acquisition, budget management, gift and data management, benefits management, and donor relations.

The Director of Philanthropy position is designed for a proven fundraiser, or professional with substantial transferrable experience, with excellent communication skills, planned giving experience (or aptitude), and a track record for establishing long-term relationships between donors and institutions that result in five and six figure gifts. This dynamic fundraiser is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding individuals and organizations to secure significant gifts.

The Director of Philanthropy works collaboratively and strategically with the Vice President of Philanthropy, the VVF President, VVF Development Committee and other staff to cultivate and solicit donors for the VVF. Of critical importance is the ability to work cooperatively and in support of the VVF mission.

• Develop and manage a portfolio of existing and prospective mid-level to major gift donors at discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship donor stages.
• Serve as primary development point person for Youth Power
  365 and Youth Power
  365 donors
• Responsible for overseeing annual giving specific YP365 and Community Initiatives, including individual giving, community sponsorship, and major gift initiatives.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge regarding all areas of the VVF mission and be able to effectively communicate the impact of the VVF to prospective and current donors in a way that inspires philanthropy.
• Responsible for the execution and revenue goals for the Star Dancing Gala.
• Consistently meet or exceed annual and campaign related fundraising goals.
• Attend events at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Mountain Games, Birds of Prey, and serve as a spokesperson for the organization as needed to steward existing donors, cultivate new donors, volunteers, etc.
• Work closely with the VP of Philanthropy to strategically identify and transition annual support donors to major gift donor portfolios for major gift donor discovery, cultivation, and solicitation.
• Report and document all contacts in Raisers Edge and adjust plans as needed.
• Update functional budgets for revenue and expense items on a monthly basis.
• Together with the Vice President of Philanthropy, promote the Planned Giving and Endowment Programs.

• Proven success in identifying and soliciting funds from individuals, corporations, and foundations from a variety of sources and in developing relationships with donors.
• Proven track record of working with high net-worth individuals and C-Suite executives as part of special events and annual support activities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required. Demonstrated ability to write clear and persuasive proposals.
• Excellent time management skills and a high degree of organization, careful attention to detail, ability to multitask and to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• High energy and passion for Vail Valley Foundation’s mission is essential.
• Ability to work on selected holidays, weekdays, nights and weekend evenings as required.
• Computer literacy and…