Director of Philanthropy

Reports to CEO

Exempt/Salary

The Director of Philanthropy (DP) is a key leadership role responsible for developing, executing, and managing all philanthropy and development strategies to ensure the financial sustainability and growth of UACDC. This role will oversee fundraising efforts, special events, grant writing, corporate and foundation relations, major gifts, donor cultivation, and volunteer engagement. The Director will work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team to create and implement a comprehensive development plan that aligns with UACDC’s strategic goals. 

The DP position fosters a culture of philanthropy within the organization through grant writing and fundraising efforts and assures that the organization’s corporate culture, systems and procedures support fund development and vice versa. This position leads staff and volunteers in fund development within the organization while planning, coordinating and assuring that implementation of strategies to develop donors and contributions are in support of the organization’s mission and vision. 

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Development Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and special campaigns.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, corporate partners, and philanthropic organizations to increase funding opportunities.
• Lead the planning and execution of annual fundraising campaigns, capital campaigns, and donor recognition events.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to develop fundraising materials, impact reports, and donor engagement strategies.
• Grant Writing & Management
• Identify, research, and apply for local, state, federal, and private foundation grants to support UACDC’s programs and initiatives.
• Develop compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and sponsorship packages to secure new funding sources.
• Maintain a grant tracking system, ensuring timely reporting, compliance, and renewal opportunities.
• Work with program directors, chiefs and contracted grant writer(s) to align grant funding with organizational needs and priorities.

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Cultivate and manage relationships with major donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations.
• Develop and implement donor recognition programs, including stewardship events, impact reports, and personal outreach.
• Oversee the gift processing system and donor database, ensuring accurate and timely acknowledgment of contributions.
• Engage the Board of Directors in fundraising efforts, providing guidance on donor outreach and relationship building.

Volunteer Engagement & Community Partnerships

• Oversee volunteer recruitment, engagement, and retention strategies to support UACDC programs and events.
• Develop corporate volunteer opportunities and employee engagement programs with business partners.
• Coordinate large-scale volunteer initiatives, community service days, and events.

Special Events Management

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee all fundraising, donor appreciation, and community engagement events to drive financial support and increase visibility.
• Develop and manage event budgets, sponsorships, and logistics to ensure successful execution.
• Work with corporate partners and major donors to host exclusive fundraising events, networking receptions, and community impact celebrations.
• Ensure events align with UACDC’s mission and serve as opportunities for donor cultivation and engagement.

Leadership & Organizational Growth

• Work closely with the CEO and leadership team to align fundraising goals with the organization’s strategic plan.
• Provide fundraising training and support to staff, board members, and volunteers to expand fundraising capacity.
• Monitor fundraising metrics, analyze donor trends, and prepare regular reports on philanthropic impact and revenue projections.
• Stay informed on nonprofit fundraising best practices and industry trends, ensuring innovative and effective strategies.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages, coordinates and monitors the implementation and evaluation of all strategic initiatives.
• Evaluates the feasibility of opportunities and develops business plans and projected budgets.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the organization's mission and strategic plan. 
• Oversees development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services in accordance with the organization's strategic plan, contract guidelines, requirements and interests of the community. 
• Provides quality assurance, develops quantitative and qualitative reports and findings to guarantee department met goals. 
• Professionally represents the UACDC to a variety of audiences and interacts effectively with internal and external constituencies. 
• All other duties as assigned by the CEO.

OCCASIONAL DUTIES

• Attends Executive, Senior and general staff meetings.
• Reviews grants matrix for upcoming deadlines and ensures grant reporting is timely.  
• Attends nights and weekend events.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Controls of Cost, Budgets, Quality Control, Customer Service, Records, Safety and Other Employees. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages a small staff of direct reports to assist with the various development implementation and administration. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. 

COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

• Conflict Resolution Sub competencies: Collaboration & Problem solving: Works toward win/win solutions Deals with conflict collaboratively. Discusses real reasons underlying the problem. 
• Interpersonal style Sub competencies: Interpersonal Skills, Communication, Teamwork - Relates to people in an open, honest, sincere manner, Treats people with respect, Develops effective working relationships, Is friendly and approachable, Listens attentively to others, Communicates ideas clearly. Communicates appropriately with supervisor, co-workers and direct reports. 
• Self Management Sub competencies: Adaptability, Reliable, Dependable, Self Sufficient, Composure: Adapts readily to changes, Works effectively under stress, Needs minimal supervision, is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. Is reliable, dependable & results oriented, Maintains productivity & composure under pressure, Views problems as opportunities to create new solutions. 
• Judgment & Decision-Making Sub competencies: Analytical, Quality management, Innovation: Gathers sufficient input before making decisions, Sees interrelationships between issues, Considers alternative solutions, Makes appropriate and timely decisions. 
• Motivation & Initiative Sub competencies: Ethical, Professional, And Persuasive: Shows commitment to the company and employees. Assertive, takes a lead role. Creates new ideas. Exhibits self-confidence, is achievement oriented has the Ability to be persuasive & is an effective negotiator.
• Planning & Organization Sub competencies: Detail Oriented, ability to Multi-task, prioritizes & is goal oriented: Possesses ability to organize, plan and follow-through on multiple tasks. Recognizes and attends to important details with accuracy and efficiency. Effectively prioritizes work, establishes clear goals and plans, anticipates potential problems & analyzes alternative solutions. 
• Leadership Sub competencies: Develop, Empower, Team Orientation: Committed to develop skills & potential of others; Continues to pursue personal growth; Seeks improvement; Exhibits ability to actively empower others to think, behave, take action, control work and make decisions. Displays ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others at all levels within the organization. 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. 

• Experience in capital campaigns and endowment fundraising.
• Knowledge of social determinants of health and community development.
• Familiarity with the University Area community and its unique needs.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is a plus.
• Ability to provide strong and innovative leadership in developing and implementing donor programs. 
• Strong public relations and communications skills with both internal and external constituencies. 
• Ability to persuade and motivate others, command the respect and attention of the leadership and influential supporters. 
• Demonstrated successful experience in working with boards comprised of prominent corporate and community leaders. 
• Demonstrated organizational skills and experience in budget management, supervision of staff and staff development. 
• Team player who works cooperatively with all staff. 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s degree preferred) in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive fundraising experience, including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grant writing, and donor cultivation.
• Proven success in securing major gifts and managing fundraising campaigns.
• Experience in volunteer management and special events planning.
• Strong knowledge of grant research, proposal writing, and compliance reporting.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to develop relationships with stakeholders, including donors, corporate partners, and government agencies.
• Experience using fundraising and donor management software (e.g., Salesforce, DonorPerfect, or Bloomerang).
• Highly organized with strong project management skills and attention to detail.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. Bilingual language skills are an added plus. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Ability to apply mathematical concepts. 

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to apply principles of logical or thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. 

COMPUTER SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of all Social Media Platforms; Contact Management systems; Database software; Design software; Development software; Human Resource systems; Internet software; Project Management software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software. Must be proficient in MS Excel, MS Word, Outlook, and Windows. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Disclaimer: Job descriptions are not meant to be all-inclusive and the job itself is subject to change. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. 

University Area CDC does not discriminate applicants or employees for terms of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. University Area CDC is a drug-free workplace.