Senior Director, Philanthropy

The Senior Director, Philanthropy provides leadership for all fundraising, advancement, and donor engagement efforts of The J. As a member of the management team, the Senior Director assists in the design and development of a comprehensive development strategy to support the organization’s mission, programs, and long-term sustainability and is primarily responsible for the execution of that strategy. This role builds strong relationships with donors, volunteers, community partners, and board members while leading a high-performing development team.

Essential Functions

• Assist in the development of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes annual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation support, planned giving, special events, and campaigns.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the philanthropy team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and results.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects, including personally managing a portfolio of key relationships.
• Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to strengthen board engagement in fundraising, including training, coaching, and support.
• Oversee donor stewardship, recognition, and communications to ensure a positive and meaningful donor experience.
• Provide strategic oversight of grant development, including prospect research, proposal submission, and reporting.
• Develop and manage the philanthropy budget and track fundraising performance against goals.
• Use data and metrics to evaluate fundraising effectiveness and inform strategy.
• Ensure accurate donor records, gift processing, and compliance with ethical and legal fundraising standards.
• Collaborate with marketing, programs, and membership teams to align messaging and advance organizational priorities.
• Able to work in-office standard business hours and evenings/weekends as needed for events.

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, with senior leadership experience in a nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies and securing significant philanthropic support.
• Strong experience with major gifts, board engagement, and donor relationship management.
• Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising best practices, ethics, and regulations.
• Proven ability to lead and develop staff and work collaboratively across departments.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with donor databases/CRMs and fundraising technology.
• Alignment with the mission, values, and impact of a nonprofit community center.
• Able to work in-office during typical business hours and evenings/weekends as needed for events.