Director of Philanthropy

About the Role

The Director of Philanthropy serves as a senior leader within the VNA Health Foundation, sharing responsibility for strategic leadership, operational excellence, and performance management for the Foundation. This position collaborates with the President & CEO, the Director of Foundation, and the Director of Communications & Marketing to develop and execute the Foundation's annual strategic development plan. The role provides leadership across corporate partnerships, institutional giving, grants, annual appeals, planned giving, legacy and bequest giving, and Foundation operations.

As an operational leader, the Director establishes measurable fundraising goals, departmental performance metrics, operational systems, and accountability to support sustainable philanthropic growth. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role strengthens philanthropy as a strategic organizational priority while advancing VNA Health's mission and long-term financial sustainability. The position embraces an "all hands-on deck" philosophy, actively supporting Foundation events, donor stewardship, volunteer engagement, and departmental initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Collaboratively develop and execute the Foundation's annual Strategic Development Plan, establishing measurable fundraising goals, departmental priorities, performance metrics, and long-term philanthropic strategies aligned with VNA Health's mission.
  • Establish annual fundraising dashboards, key performance indicators, and accountability measures; regularly evaluate results and implement strategies for continuous improvement.
  • Partner with the Director of Foundation and the President & CEO to identify emerging philanthropic opportunities and position the Foundation for sustainable long-term growth.
• Strategic Revenue Growth
  • Lead the strategic growth of VNA Health's Corporate Giving and Partnership Program by developing meaningful corporate relationships, expanding sponsorship opportunities, and cultivating business leaders.
  • Grow the Foundation’s giving societies through comprehensive planned giving and legacy giving strategies to increase membership, documented bequest intentions, and long-term philanthropic sustainability.
  • Provide strategic leadership for the Foundation's grant program, overseeing the Development Project Manager - Grants & Appeals, and securing new foundation, corporate, and government funding opportunities.
  • Oversee annual appeals, institutional giving, planned giving, legacy giving, and assigned fundraising initiatives while identifying opportunities to diversify and strengthen Foundation revenue.
• Foundation Operations
  • Serve as the operational leader of the Foundation, ensuring effective management of systems, processes, policies, and infrastructure.
  • Oversee DonorPerfect administration, donor data integrity, reporting, gift administration, prospect management, stewardship documentation, and campaign reporting.
  • Partner with Finance to manage Foundation financial operations, including donor recognition, gift reconciliation, restricted fund reporting, and planned giving documentation.
  • Develop operational procedures, reporting systems, and workflow improvements to increase efficiency, accountability, and donor relations.
• Leadership & Governance
  • Provide direct leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management for assigned Foundation staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
  • Support the Development Committee, Foundation Board committees, and other governance committees as assigned.
  • Prepare Board reports, fundraising dashboards, strategic presentations, and governance communications in partnership with leadership.
• Donor & Community Engagement
  • Build and strengthen relationships with donors, corporations, foundations, professional advisors, volunteers, and community leaders.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Foundation and President & CEO to cultivate transformational philanthropic relationships and ensure exceptional donor stewardship.
  • Partner with the Director of Communications & Marketing to develop integrated fundraising campaigns, stewardship initiatives, impact reporting, and donor communications.
  • Support Foundation events, stewardship activities, volunteer engagement, and department initiatives with an "all hands-on deck" approach.

Accountability

• Collaborative development and execution of the Foundation Strategic Development Plan.
• Achievement of annual fundraising goals for Corporate Giving, Grants, Annual Appeals, Planned Giving, Legacy Giving, and assigned initiatives.
• Growth of VNA Health's Corporate Giving and Partnership Program through increased corporate revenue and strategic partnerships.
• Growth of the Giving Societies through increased legacy society membership, planned gifts, and documented bequest intentions.
• Performance of the Foundation's grant program, including expanded funding opportunities and successful grant awards.
• Development of measurable departmental KPIs, fundraising dashboards, and quarterly performance reviews.
• Operational excellence through strategic management of DonorPerfect, Foundation financial processes, and donor records.
• Effective supervision, coaching, and development of assigned staff while fostering a high-performing team culture.
• Exceptional Foundation Board and Development Committee support, governance coordination, and executive reporting.
• Strong strategic partnership with the Director of Foundation and Director of Communications & Marketing for coordinated fundraising and donor engagement.
• Advancement of VNA Health's mission and vision through innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable philanthropic growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum of eight years of experience in fundraising, including events, grants, direct mail, and major gift solicitation.
• Minimum of five years of experience managing a fundraising department, including budget oversight, strategic fundraising goals, and staff direction.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise, direct, and mentor operational personnel.
• Excellent communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with donors, personnel, and the community.
• Demonstrated autonomy, organization, assertiveness, flexibility, and cooperation in performing job responsibilities.
• Advanced time management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment.
• Licensed driver with an insured automobile in accordance with state and/or organizational requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to push/pull 50 lbs.
• Ability to stoop, bend, and squat.
• Ability to walk up one flight of stairs.
• Ability to walk one mile.
• Ability to sit for a minimum of one hour.
• Visual and audio acuity.