Director of Advancement & Foundation Operations

Position Overview

As the Director of Advancement & Foundation Operations at Sigma Nursing, you will partner with the CEO to advance the philanthropic growth and development strategy for the Sigma Foundation. This role combines strategic vision, frontline fundraising, and operational oversight in equal measure.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that expands and diversifies the donor pipeline.
• Cultivate major donors, steward existing relationships, and pitch philanthropic opportunities with confidence and conviction.
• Engage supporters across varying stages of philanthropic engagement and giving capacity.
• Articulate the Foundation’s mission, impact, and opportunities in compelling, clear, and motivating ways to donors, board members, and community partners.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Foundation, managing a small, high-performing team of approximately three to four staff members.
• Build and sustain the systems, processes, and infrastructure that support a well-run development operation, including gift processing, donor database management, reporting, and compliance.
• Lead the team and shape the culture of the Foundation.
• Work closely with organizational leadership to align the Foundation’s priorities with broader organizational goals.
• Represent the Foundation to the board, major donors, and communities the organization serves.

Requirements

• Experience as a development professional, viewed by peers and partners as a fundraising leader.
• Strategic, relationship-based approach to philanthropic engagement.
• Excellent storytelling skills and strong executive presence.
• Warm, personable leadership that builds authentic relationships and represents the organization professionally.
• Performance-driven with the ability to set measurable goals, track progress, and deliver results.
• Open to reimagining and evolving the Foundation’s operating model and leading a small, high-performing team through growth and change.
• Willingness to travel approximately every four to six weeks for donor engagements, organizational events, and in-person leadership gatherings.

Qualifications

• CFRE certification preferred; candidates not yet certified must be willing to obtain it within one year of hire.

Skills

• Strong fundraising and donor relations skills.
• Effective communication and storytelling abilities.
• Leadership and team management experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively within an organization.
• Proficiency in donor database management and compliance.

Benefits

The Foundation offers a competitive salary range of $100,000 - $125,000, with offers made within this range to ensure equity, consistency, and fiscal responsibility.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $125,000.

Schedule

This is a hybrid and remote-friendly role, open to U.S.-based professionals nationwide.

Who We Are

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (also known as Sigma Nursing or Sigma) is a global nursing organization with more than 100 years of impact. We are a community-oriented group of approximately 50 employees based in Indianapolis, Indiana, working in a remote-friendly environment. At Sigma, you'll find a culture that values accountability, growth, and purpose. We offer strong health and retirement benefits, support professional development, and encourage open communication and collaboration across teams. If you're looking for a place where your work matters and your growth is supported, you'll feel right at home here.