Director of Advancement

Position 

Job Title: Director of Advancement   

Full Time 

Reports To: President and CEO   

Organizational Profile 

The Forum of Executive Women is a membership organization of over 600 women who hold the senior-most positions in the corporations, not-for-profit organizations and public sector entities that drive our regional economy and community.  

Our Mission: We bring together, and leverage the influence of, professional women to expand the impact and power of women in the workplace and beyond. 

Our Vision: Women will achieve equitable representation in leadership, influence, and power in the workplace, their homes and their communities. 

Job Overview 

The Director of Advancement will lead and execute strategies to drive growth in corporate sponsorship, membership, and foundation fundraising for The Forum of Executive Women and The Forum Foundation. This role will involve cultivating, managing, and expanding relationships with key corporate partners, members, and foundation representatives to secure funding and support for the organization’s mission. The Director of Advancement will be a key member of The Forum’s leadership team, working collaboratively to increase the financial sustainability of the organization and deepen engagement with key stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities 

Corporate Sponsorship: 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual strategy for corporate sponsorships and partnerships. 
• Identify, prospect, and cultivate relationships with potential corporate sponsors aligned with The Forum’s mission and values. 
• Create compelling sponsorship packages and proposals to engage potential sponsors. 
• Steward existing corporate sponsors to ensure long-term partnerships and renewal opportunities. 
• Track and report on sponsorship revenue and engagement metrics, ensuring alignment with fundraising goals. 

Membership Development: 

• Lead the growth and development of The Forum’s membership program, ensuring clear benefits and value for members. 
• Design and execute a membership strategy to attract, retain, and engage members at all levels. 
• Analyze and report on membership trends, ensuring strategies align with membership retention and recruitment goals with The Forum’s strategic plan. 
• Manage membership administration, including annual renewal period and tracking membership applications. Provide administrative support to The Forum’s Membership Committee. 

Foundation Fundraising: 

• Research and identify potential foundation partners that align with The Forum Foundation’s mission and programs. 
• Develop and write grant proposals and reports to foundation partners and other supporters. 
• Develop an individual giving program from within The Forum membership and the Greater Philadelphia community. 

Strategic Event Planning and Leadership: 

• Support The Forum CEO in planning and implementing key Signature Events. 
• Serve as an ambassador for the organization, representing The Forum at events, meetings, and networking opportunities to raise awareness and secure support. 

Financial Management: 

• Develop and manage the annual advancement budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources across all fundraising efforts. 
• Monitor fundraising results, adjusting strategies as needed to meet or exceed goals. 

Qualifications 

• Passion for the advancement of women and building a more equitable landscape for professional women in Philadelphia. 
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, or related field. 
• 7-10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising with a focus on corporate sponsorship, membership development, and foundation relations. 
• Proven track record of securing corporate sponsorships, memberships, and foundation grants. 
• Strong financial management skills including budgeting and projecting project income and expenses.   
• Strong understanding of nonprofit fundraising trends, including knowledge of current best practices in corporate sponsorships, membership programs, and foundation fundraising. 
• Excellent relationship-building and networking skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, remote environment. 
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities. 
• Willingness to work occasional evenings, as required by event schedules. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Established network of corporate sponsors, foundations, and nonprofit professionals in the Greater Philadelphia. 
• Proficiency with donor management software 
• Experience planning large public-facing events 
• Experience running a successful membership program and effectively engaging members. 
• Nonprofit fundraising certificate or equivalent 

Salary and Benefits 

The salary for this role is $75,000- $85,000 annually, commensurate with experience. The Forum offers a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, a retirement savings plan, a paid time off policy, and a professional development stipend. 

Location 

This is a remote position, with attendance required at in-person events in the Philadelphia area weekly. Employees of The Forum must be residents of the Greater Philadelphia area.  

The Forum’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

The Forum is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. We welcome applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, the LGBTQIA community, and other candidates who will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at The Forum.  

Application Process 

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to hiring@foew.com with the email subject line “Director of Advancement Application.” The cover letter should specifically detail how the applicant’s experience aligns with the position description and the mission of The Forum. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority deadline for consideration is March 21, 2024. 

Note: This job description is intended to convey essential information about the general nature and level of work expected for this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required.