Chief Philanthropy Officer

Scion Executive Search · Milwaukee, WI · 2 wk ago

HybridManagement$199k/yrFull-time

About the role

The Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) will lead the Foundation’s enterprise-wide philanthropic growth strategy, serving as a key member of the executive leadership team. This role will be responsible for building and executing a comprehensive multi-year asset development strategy focused on expanding philanthropic investment, strengthening donor engagement, and deepening relationships with professional advisors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive multi-year philanthropic growth and asset development strategy designed to increase annual revenue, expand organizational assets, and deepen donor engagement across individuals, families, corporations, private foundations, and institutional partners.
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, partnering closely with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership to advance the Foundation’s strategic priorities, organizational growth, and community impact.
Cultivate strategic relationships with professional advisors, including attorneys, accountants, trust officers, wealth managers, and financial planners, to expand referral pipelines and drive philanthropic investment opportunities.
Provide strategic leadership, coaching, and oversight to the Development and Philanthropic Services (DPS) team, fostering a high-performing culture of accountability, psychological safety, and excellence.
Cultivate and manage a personal portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, families, advisors, and philanthropic partners, securing major, planned, and legacy gifts while expanding long-term donor investment in the Foundation’s mission and strategic initiatives.
Partner with Board leadership, committee members, and key volunteers to strengthen fundraising engagement, activate networks, and support strategic donor cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation efforts.
Lead the transition and future implementation of the Foundation’s philanthropic technology infrastructure, including an active CRM evaluation, ensuring systems support data-driven donor engagement, relationship management, and long-term operational scalability.
Collaborate with Community Impact and cross-functional leadership teams to align philanthropic strategy with the Foundation’s priority initiatives, ensuring donor investments translate into measurable and equitable community outcomes.
Champion innovative donor engagement and stewardship strategies that elevate donor experience, strengthen affinity, and position the Foundation as a trusted philanthropic partner and community leader.
Partner with Marketing and Communications to enhance the Foundation’s visibility, philanthropic brand presence, and public profile across the greater Milwaukee region and among key target audiences.
Advance the Foundation’s commitment to building a Milwaukee for all by developing intentional strategies to engage diverse donors, advisors, volunteers, and community stakeholders in meaningful philanthropic partnerships.
Oversee departmental budgeting, performance metrics, operational planning, and philanthropic infrastructure to ensure strong fiscal stewardship, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
Cultivate strong relationships with supporting organization boards and affiliated stakeholders, providing strategic partnership, governance support, and leadership to advance shared philanthropic objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required. Graduate degree, financial planning designation, CFRE, CPA, or J.D. with estate/tax planning experience preferred.
10+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, advancement, donor development, stewardship, and/or strategic relationship-based sales.
10+ years of leadership experience managing a fundraising and development team.

Compensation and Benefits

Greater Milwaukee Foundation offers a competitive compensation package, including a salary of up to $198,850, commensurate with experience, alongside a robust benefits program featuring medical, dental, and vision coverage; Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA); short and long term disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match; a 457(b) deferred compensation plan; 30 days of paid time off; 11.5 paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement.

Application and Nominations