Director of Philanthropy, Western Region

The Director of Philanthropy, Western Region will maintain a robust portfolio of individuals, family foundations, and DAFs who are giving at a major donor level (five and six-figure gifts). As part of the individual philanthropy team, and under the direction of the Senior Director of Individual Philanthropy, the Director of Philanthropy, Western Region will lead bold strategies and build strong relationships to acquire, retain, and upgrade major donors and major donor prospects to raise at least $4 million per year. This role requires frequent travel to meet donors across the western region of the US. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 major giving donors and prospects in the western region of the US, serving as the primary relationship manager to cultivate, solicit, and steward these individuals in meaningful ways to raise at least $4 million annually. 

• Leverage research and both quantitative and qualitative data to create customized annual and long-term strategies for portfolio donors with specific approaches, tactics, and goals. 

• Build strong, authentic relationships to retain and upgrade donors through a one-to-one relational approach, prioritizing strategic meetings, in-person gatherings, phone calls, personalized email and written communications, and unique solicitations that speak to the philanthropic passions of our donors.  

• Plan and execute strong and innovative cultivation and stewardship events and activities for the major donor portfolio with the goal of deepening relationships and increasing giving.  

• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Individual Philanthropy and VP of Development on critical donor strategies and meetings with key stakeholders with the goal of deepening donors’ connection to the organization and upgrading their giving to the principal level. 

• Participate in prospect discovery work and cultivate new major donor prospects through relationship building with community foundations, funding collectives, employee resource groups, and other spaces where mission and values-aligned prospects may exist. 

• Collaborate with the Philanthropy Manager (mid-level gifts) to support in the upgrading of donors to major donor status and collaborate with the Director of Experiential Philanthropy with the goal of upgrading major donors to the Champions for Equality principal giving program.  

• Collaborate with communications staff to build compelling materials, including cases for support, unique funding proposals, and engaging cultivation materials. 

• Prioritize unrestricted fundraising with major donors and collaborate as needed with cross-functional teams on restricted gifts for gift deliverables and reporting. 

• When appropriate, uplift other key major giving vehicles including DAF gifts and planned giving to our donors. 

• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Individual Philanthropy to regularly monitor and report on portfolio metrics and goals and analyze giving trends, modifying strategies as necessary to meet objectives.  

• Develop and track an annual and comprehensive work plan for the major donor portfolio in Salesforce against annual goals.  

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of donor information and interactions and gift opportunities in Salesforce. 

• Regularly monitor and report on program metrics and goals, modifying strategies as necessary to meet objectives and conduct a semi-annual review and assessment of the donor pipeline, making adjustments as necessary. 

• Consistently stay on top of major giving trends and ensure that GFW shows up to important spaces to build partnerships and cultivate new ones.   

• Ground fundraising and donor education in intersectionality, equity, and social justice to increase trust with new audiences.    

• Perform any other duties as assigned towards meeting team and organizational goals.    

KEY TALENTS/WAYS OF BEING     

• Strong interpersonal skills: attentive listening and observation, transparency, emotional intelligence, collaboration, and clear communication.     

• Passion for relationship building and joy in representing the organization in external settings. 

• Attention to detail and excellent problem-solving, project management, analytical and creative-thinking skills.   

• Strategic thinker with a proactive, ownership mindset.  

• Track record giving and receiving effective feedback.  

• Exhibit organization, flexibility and time management of daily tasks and long-term projects in a fast-paced environment.      

• Solicit input from stakeholders to facilitate decision-making and make decisions on behalf of team/organization as appropriate.     

KEY SKILLS/WAYS OF DOING     

• Minimum of 7 years professional experience in non-profit fundraising and at least 3 years of major gifts experience.    

• Expertise in building and growing relationships for increased giving.  

• Demonstrated ability to ask and successfully close five, six, and seven-figure gifts. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills: can articulate complex themes for multiple audiences/settings; able to present complex ideas and programs in a pragmatic, compelling manner.     

• Ability to handle multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines.  

• Understand and embrace feminist, community-centric funding/fundraising principles.     

• Strong organization, decision-making, and collaboration skills.    

• Comfortable working in multi-cultural climates.  

• Entrepreneurial spirit with the enthusiasm and energy to implement new strategies and meet ambitious goals.    

• Ability to travel nationally and internationally.  

 Salary Range of $120,218 - $186,337*

*This range is reflective of our high-market geo and will vary based on the candidate’s city and state of residence.

Global Fund for Women is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law. Qualified candidates including but not limited to women, people of color, disabled, and LGBTQI+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. The salary range reflects the San Francisco Bay Area salary scales and will be adjusted based on city, state, and/or country of the candidate so that we can ensure internal equity.