Chief Philanthropy Officer

Elk Hill offers the opportunity for Virginia's youth and families to transform overwhelming challenges into successful futures. We are seeking a Chief Philanthropy Officer to steward and lead the fundraising and philanthropic efforts of Elk Hill, integral to creating a lasting impact in the lives of Virginia's youth and families.

About the role

The CPO will play a critical role in advancing the organization's mission through relationship-driven philanthropy, strategic fundraising initiatives, and hands-on donor engagement. With an upcoming capital campaign and inaugural fundraising event, the CPO will be responsible for actively fundraising, cultivating major donors, and building a strong, sustainable culture of philanthropy across the organization. The Chief Philanthropy Officer will join an established philanthropy team with a strong foundation, support, and key systems already in place.

Responsibilities

• Steward a culture of philanthropy at all levels of the agency, including amongst staff, senior leadership, and Board of Directors.
• Influence decision making within the Leadership Team and Elk Hill programming to advance the finances and mission of the organization.
• Act as the staff liaison to the Philanthropy Committee of the Board of Trustees, encouraging strong work and developing effective board engagement.
• Provide vital input in short- and long-term strategic and operational planning and positioning within the organization.
• Develop and manage a caseload of prospective major donors who give or have the capacity to invest at $5,000.00 or greater.
• Work in close collaboration with leadership, program, finance, and philanthropy staff to present needs that correspond to organizational need, while being responsive to each donor's interests and attentive to fiduciary responsibilities.
• Support the Board of Directors and the CEO to exemplify the highest level of strategic donor interaction.
• Provide general oversight of all philanthropy activities, manage day-to-day operations of the philanthropy function, and monitor adequacy of activities through coordination with staff, committees, and governing body.
• Establish personnel accountabilities for philanthropy staff and evaluate performance regularly. Current staff includes Marketing Communications Manager, Donor Relations Manager, and Grant Writer.
• Assure sound fiscal operation of the philanthropy function, including timely, accurate, and comprehensive budgeting, reporting, monitoring, and implementation of charitable contributions income and expense.
• Assure philanthropy and maintenance of appropriate systems, including volunteer and donor management, research and cultivation, gift processing, and recognition.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, maintain accountability standards to donors, and ensure compliance with the code of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for fundraising executives.
• Serve as an articulate, passionate, and visible spokesperson for the agency and as a prominent face of fundraising throughout the community.
• Provide a best-practice approach to Elk Hill’s efforts to effectively communicate the mission, goals, and accomplishments to donors, prospective donors, and the broader community.
• Define and collaborate on cross-departmental brand communication strategy using a variety of media.
• Lead cross-departmental collaboration on philanthropy and messaging of the brand narrative.
• Lead, manage, and coordinate cross-departmental efforts for the distribution and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral, including newsletters, brochures, social media, and Elk Hill’s website.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE preferred.
• A minimum of seven years of fundraising experience in roles demonstrating increasing levels of responsibility.
• Comprehensive management skills and experience, including short- and long-term planning, evaluation, directing and motivating staff, oral and written communication, marketing, financial management, organizational behavior, and governance.
• Highly effective interpersonal, conversational, and presentational skills, demonstrating emotional intelligence and situational awareness.
• Past demonstration as a problem-solver and strategic thinker.
• Proven ability to solicit and secure 5-figure gifts.
• Experience working closely with the CEO, Executive Team, and Board Leadership in a complex agency, training and assisting leadership in managing major donor relationships.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships across a wide variety of individuals, groups, and foundations.
• Demonstrated success leading strong and productive cross-functional work teams with a focus on mentoring and nurturing staff.
• Strong analytic and strategic-thinking skills, with demonstrated ability to create, implement, and monitor complex plans and translate those plans into goals and concrete strategies.
• The capacity to develop and nurture relationships culminating in overall success.
• Membership in a professional fundraising association is expected.
• Valid driver’s license and a good driving record required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to traverse inside and outside of the worksite, including stairs and uneven terrain.
• Periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer.
• Occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.

Travel Requirements

• Travel to all Elk Hill locations required.
• Travel to off-site locations required.

Pay

Starting salary depending on experience: $110,000-$120,000.

Schedule

Hybrid, flexible schedule.

Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous PTO package, with 12 paid holidays per year for full-time staff.
• 401(k) plan with 5% employer match for full-time staff.
• Hybrid flexible schedule and working environment.
• Pet-friendly workplace.
• Free hot and delicious lunch daily at the Elk Hill Goochland Campus.