Chief Philanthropy Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) will provide strategic leadership and execution for all philanthropic engagement and resource development efforts of The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (TGKVF). The CPO will design and lead a comprehensive fundraising program—including major gifts, planned giving, capital campaign strategy, corporate and foundation relations, and donor stewardship—to significantly grow TGKVF’s assets and community impact. This role will work closely with the CEO, board of trustees, and staff to cultivate relationships with donors, wealth managers, professional advisors, and partners who share TGKVF’s mission of strengthening communities across Central Appalachia.

• Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with TGKVF’s strategic plan and $100M growth goal.
• Serve as a thought partner to the CEO and board, providing regular updates on fundraising progress, opportunities, and risks.
• Build and oversee a high-performing philanthropy team (staff and consultants), fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

• Manage a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and prospects, personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and planned gifts.
• Partner with the Donor Relations Officer to strengthen relationships with current fund holders, ensuring meaningful stewardship and long‑term loyalty.
• Lead strategies to expand donor‑advised funds, endowed gifts, legacy giving, and new individually managed funds.

• Build and sustain strong relationships with wealth managers, estate attorneys, accountants, and other financial advisors to position TGKVF as the partner of choice for clients’ charitable giving.
• Provide resources, education, and tools to professional advisors that highlight the benefits of partnering with TGKVF on donor‑advised funds, legacy giving, and complex philanthropic vehicles.
• Convene and steward a professional advisor network to strengthen TGKVF’s reach and reputation in the philanthropic and financial communities.

• Design and manage a comprehensive capital campaign to grow TGKVF’s assets by $100M over five years.
• Coordinate campaign leadership, volunteer committees, and external consultants to ensure milestones are met.
• Oversee prospect research, campaign materials, and reporting systems.

• Represent TGKVF in the philanthropic, corporate, and civic communities, building partnerships that expand the Foundation’s donor base and visibility.
• Collaborate with program staff to align fundraising messages with community impact and grantmaking priorities.
• Develop strategies to engage diverse donors, including next‑generation philanthropists and underrepresented communities.

• Supervise and mentor the Donor Relations Officer and other development team members.
• Establish metrics, dashboards, and reporting systems to monitor fundraising performance.
• Oversee philanthropy communications in collaboration with marketing staff/consultants (e.g., annual report, donor newsletters, social media campaigns).

• Experience in campaign planning and execution, preferably within a community foundation, higher education, or complex nonprofit setting.
• Strong knowledge of donor engagement strategies, planned giving vehicles, and philanthropic trends.
• Established relationships with wealth managers and/or experience building partnerships with professional advisors strongly preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence donors, volunteers, and partners.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and project management skills.

• Mission-driven with a deep passion for improving the quality of life in West Virginia and Central Appalachia.
• Relationship‑oriented, able to connect authentically with diverse stakeholders.
• Innovative and entrepreneurial, with a growth mindset and ability to thrive in an evolving environment.
• Collaborative leader who inspires trust and motivates others to achieve ambitious goals.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The Chief Philanthropy Officer reports to the President and CEO.

The President and CEO will conduct semi‑annual and annual reviews.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with proven success securing major and planned gifts.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.

Salary begins at $125,000
, commensurate with experience, with a competitive benefits package.

Send resumes and cover letters to web