Director of Philanthropy, Donor Groups

Job Description

Job Description

Description :

The Director of Philanthropy, Donor Groups will lead efforts to build and strengthen relationships with council members and major donors who support the Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) and its Woman to Woman Conference. This externally focused position will be responsible for cultivating, managing, and engaging high-net-worth individuals and corporate sponsors through the annual fundraising event. The Director will work collaboratively with internal teams to develop donor-specific materials, including proposals, event communications, and impact reports, to ensure continued donor engagement and retention.

The Director will drive the fundraising strategy to raise $1 million and attract 250-300 high-net-worth attendees for the annual fundraiser, working with the WLN Executive Council. They’ll manage a Coordinator for event logistics and donor communications. This position requires a decisive leader, strong relationship management, and effective communication skills.

• Relationship Building with Executive Council Members and Major Donors Cultivate and maintain personal relationships with council members and major donors, ensuring their engagement in event planning, fundraising, and ongoing tailored communication to inspire and expand continued support.
• Collaboration for Donor-Specific Material Development Collaborate with internal teams to create donor-specific materials that highlight WLN and JVS SoCal programs, ensuring alignment with donor interests and organizational goals.
• Fundraising Strategy and Execution Lead the planning and execution of a fundraising strategy for the Woman to Woman Conference, using targeted materials to guide committee fundraising efforts.
• Executive Council Management and Engagement Organize and facilitate council meetings, providing tools and materials to help members engage their networks and align efforts to achieve the event’s fundraising goals.
• Corporate Sponsorships, Partnerships and Donor Stewardship Lead corporate sponsorship efforts for the annual conference, developing tailored packages, managing long-term relationships, and ensuring proper recognition, stewardship, and timely acknowledgment of sponsors and committee leadership.
• Event Planning and Leadership Oversee all aspects of the Woman to Woman Conference and up to two engagement events annually, ensuring seamless planning, meeting attendance goals, adhering to budget, and collaborating with teams to align with leadership, donors, and sponsors' expectations.
• Financial Oversight and Reporting Collaborate with Finance to develop and track the fundraising budget, ensuring revenue goals are met, while providing regular progress reports to leadership and the WLN Executive Council for transparency and accountability.
• Data Management and Analytics Track donor engagement, attendance, and sponsorships to ensure accurate reporting, using data to refine strategies, improve communications, and optimize fundraising outcomes.
• Supervision of Coordinator, Donor Groups Manage and mentor a Coordinator, who will assist with event logistics, donor communications, and fundraising activities, providing guidance, support, and regular feedback to ensure their success and professional growth.

Critical Performance Metrics :

Requirements : Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a similar field of study, or equivalent work experience. Certifications preferred : Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE). Project Management Professional (PMP or PMI).

Proven success in securing major gifts, managing donor relationships, and leading successful fundraising campaigns. Experience working with major donors, particularly those making single gifts of over $10,000.

Proven ability to work with executives and high-net-worth individuals, providing personalized attention and cultivating long-term relationships.

Extensive experience planning, executing, and managing large-scale annual fundraising events with 250-300 or more attendees.

Strong experience managing and tracking event budgets of up to $250K, ensuring financial goals are met and expenses are properly monitored.

Proven experience managing direct reports, conducting performance reviews, overseeing workflow, timesheet management, and holding regular coaching meetings to monitor project status and performance.

Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Teams, and Excel. Expertise in utilizing event planning tools, event registration tools, and run-of-show management. Experience with Customer Relationship Management tools for data entry, reporting, and task management. Raiser’s Edge and Salesforce experience preferred.

Strong communication skills with particular attention to detail, grammar, spelling, and adherence to AP style guide for all communications. Ensure brand compliance across all materials.

A proactive problem solver, strategic thinker, self-starter, and strong at follow-up. Able to work independently and as part of a team to drive results.

Must have reliable transportation for local travel to meet with donors, sponsors, and visit event venues.

Physical Job Requirements :

Soft Skills :

Work Environment :

Salary : $250,000