Director of Philanthropy

About the role

We’re currently seeking a passionate and experienced Full-Time Director of Philanthropy to lead fundraising efforts at Carroll Lutheran Village, our award-winning continuing care retirement community, located in Westminster, Maryland. As part of our caring and purpose-driven organization, you’ll play a vital role in advancing our mission and making a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents.

Schedule

This position follows a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with occasional evening hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of the annual philanthropy strategic plan and budget.
• Implement and oversee execution of the plan, aligning activities with organizational goals and resources.
• Introduce innovative fundraising ideas, trends, best practices, and technologies to enhance philanthropy efforts.
• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects: identify, research, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships.
• Maintain up-to-date prospect and donor information in the database.
• Provide personalized stewardship to increase donor engagement and giving through calls, correspondence, visits, and events.
• Lead donor-centric fundraising efforts, ensuring thoughtful communication and meaningful connections.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate fundraising campaigns and donor events (e.g., seminars, receptions, cultivation/appreciation events).
• Determine event strategy, theme, goals, and success metrics.
• Coordinate all event logistics, including invitations, mailing lists, RSVPs, vendors, and materials in collaboration with internal departments.
• Support resident-led fundraising initiatives and ensure accurate handling and processing of funds.
• Partner with marketing to promote events and campaigns, ensuring consistent branding and messaging.
• Oversee creation and distribution of promotional materials and collateral for fundraising initiatives.
• Support timely and accurate gift entry and acknowledgment in Raiser’s Edge.
• Ensure donor recognition and stewardship communications are consistent and professional.
• Provide data analysis, reporting, and database management to support gift tracking, campaign performance, and strategic planning.
• Generate reports to measure fundraising outcomes and donor activity; recommend strategies based on findings.
• Ensure accurate documentation of all donor interactions and compliance with department protocols.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for donor inquiries and manage sensitive concerns with discretion and care.
• Lead planning meetings, team briefings, and committee evaluations.

Benefits

• A strong total compensation package including competitive wages
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid short- and long-term disability and life insurance
• Generous contributions to a 403(b)-retirement plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid professional development
• Scholarship opportunities

Qualifications

• Education | Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent philanthropy experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in fundraising.
  • Seeking a fundraising professional with experience in annual gifts, major gifts, planned gifts, and capital campaigns.
• Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
  • Demonstrated discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential matters.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively and tactfully with individuals at all levels, including residents, staff, families, external vendors/authorities, and the public.
  • Strong attention to detail in writing, proofreading, managing priorities, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment, demonstrating a cooperative, respectful, and compassionate approach to colleagues and resident care.
  • Skilled in the use of standard office equipment and technology.
  • Maintains professionalism, composure, and a positive attitude when managing challenging situations.
  • Physically able to move throughout the workday, including travel between campus locations and lifting items up to 10 pounds using safe handling practices.
  • May be necessary to assist with resident evacuation during emergency situations.
  • Complies with organizational health and safety requirements, including vaccination policies or valid exemptions.