Director of Philanthropy

Job Title: Director of Philanthropy

Location: Tiverton, RI (Hybrid/Remote options available)

Reports To: Executive Director (ED)

Organization Overview

West Place Animal Sanctuary is a leading non-profit committed to rescuing farm animals from cruelty, neglect and abuse cases, while offering a competitive educational internship program for high school and college students seeking hands-on learning. We are dedicated to making a lasting impact in our community by seeking to expand our mission with the acquisition of a nearby parcel of farm land, which is an urgent undertaking. To this extent, and as we continue to grow, we seek a strategic, visionary, and results-driven Director of Philanthropy to lead our fundraising and development efforts.

Position Summary

The Director of Philanthropy will play a critical role in expanding and strengthening the organization’s fundraising capacity. This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive philanthropic strategies that increase financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations. The Director will lead a dynamic fundraising team that includes our Director of Development and our Media Director, build relationships with high-net-worth donors, and ensure sustainable revenue growth to support the mission and strategic priorities of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Strategy:
• Develop and execute a comprehensive philanthropic strategy aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Partner with the ED and senior leadership team to define fundraising priorities and ensure alignment with organizational needs.
• Lead and manage a team of development professionals to achieve fundraising targets and operational excellence.
• Provide oversight and guidance on all major donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Major Gift Fundraising:
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects, including individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and oversee the preparation of tailored engagement strategies.
• Lead the preparation of compelling proposals, presentations, and stewardship reports to secure and retain major gifts
• Fundraising Campaigns and Events:
• Plan and execute annual fundraising campaigns, including capital campaigns, endowment drives, and special events.
• Oversee fundraising events, from concept development to execution, ensuring they meet or exceed financial goals and further the organization’s mission.
• Collaborate with communications and marketing teams to develop donor communications and event materials that inspire engagement.
• Legacy Giving:
• Define a legacy giving program including clarifying objectives, developing giving options and creating a cause for support.
• Develop relationships, educate donors and simplify the giving process.
• Steward legacy donors, including monitoring and managing legacy gifts.
• Donor Stewardship and Engagement:
• Ensure a culture of philanthropy by fostering strong, lasting relationships with donors, volunteers, and community leaders.
• Implement a robust donor stewardship program to ensure donors feel valued and informed about the impact of their gifts.
• Develop recognition programs that celebrate donor contributions at all levels.
• Data-Driven Fundraising:
• Utilize our donor database (currently DonorDock) and other fundraising tools to track prospects, donations, and campaign results.
• Analyze and report on fundraising progress, donor trends, and campaign effectiveness, and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all donor regulations and best practices related to gift acceptance, reporting, and recognition.
• Board and Volunteer Engagement:
• Collaborate with the board of directors, development committee, and other volunteers to identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts.
• Provide guidance and support to board members and volunteers to maximize their fundraising potential and engagement.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts and managing high-net-worth donor relationships.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to lead through influence and collaborate across functions.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to articulate the organization’s mission and vision compellingly.
• Experience with donor databases and fundraising software.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for our mission, with a deep commitment to advancing social good.
  
  

Compensation: Based on prior experience and results. Benefits TBD.

How To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, compensation range desired, and a list of professional references.

Please also list dates and times when you can meet or discuss.