Philanthropy Officer - Special Initiatives and Engagement - Foundation - Full Time Days (Non-Union, Exempt)

About the Role

This role focuses on operational excellence with high-touch and relationship management that bridges the gap between high-level event production and major gift development. The Philanthropy Officer (Special Initiatives & Engagement) is responsible for creating and executing high-impact environments to cultivate new prospects and deepen donor involvement.

Responsibilities

• Special Initiatives, Signature Events & "Salon" Strategy
  • Conceptualize and lead "salon-style" events (typically 20–50 guests) in unique private settings to spark curiosity and build relationships without immediate solicitation.
  • Manage the "critical path" for special initiatives such as the 125 Years celebration and larger signature events, overseeing high-level logistics to the donor-centric run-of-show.
  • Ensure every touchpoint—from valet to follow-up notes—reflects an "elite" standard of hospitality.
• Board Engagement & Leadership Support
  • Serve as the primary development liaison for managing and coordinating board meetings.
  • Collaborate with executive leadership to plan and execute impactful board meetings, ensuring philanthropic goals remain central to the agenda.
  • Lead volunteer committees focused on specific special initiatives or event sponsorship goals.
• Portfolio Management & Special Initiatives
  • Transition event attendees into long-term major gift pipelines through rapid, personalized follow-up and "discovery visits".
  • Work with marketing to create bespoke materials and "impact reports" that articulate the unique value of special initiatives to high-net-worth individuals.
• Budgetary Oversight & Financial Stewardship
  • Develop and manage comprehensive budgets for each signature event and salon using zero-based budgeting to maximize "Return on Event" (ROE).
  • Evaluate vendor bids (catering, venues, AV) to balance elite quality with fiscal responsibility.
  • Provide real-time financial updates to leadership, tracking sponsorship pledges vs. actuals and managing event-related tax receipting.
  • Meticulously track all event-related invoices and staff reimbursements, adhering strictly to organizational audit standards.
• Strategic Planning & Project Management
  • Create and maintain detailed project timelines (6–12 months out) with clear milestones for marketing, invitations, and program development using the "Critical Path" method.
  • Proactively identify risks—such as speaker cancellations or weather issues—and develop "Plan B" scenarios to ensure seamless execution.
  • Coordinate with Communications, Programs, and Finance teams to ensure event messaging is accurate and logistics are supported organization-wide.
• Precision Coordination & Attention to Detail
  • Prepare "Gold Standard" briefing memos for Board members and Executives, including guest bios, talking points, and specific "moves management" goals for each attendee.
  • Oversee the "look and feel" of meetings and gatherings, from invitation cardstock to lighting and acoustic quality, to ensure a premium donor experience.
  • Ensure every guest interaction, dietary preference, and follow-up promise is accurately recorded in the CRM within 48 hours of an initiative's conclusion.

Requirements

• Minimum Education: Associate’s Degree (college-level education).
• Minimum Experience: 5-7 years of fundraising experience.
• Minimum Skills:
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to speak, read, and write English proficiently.
• Preferred Education: Master’s degree.

Pay

The hourly rate range for this position is $99,507.00 to $164,559.00. When extending an offer of employment, factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, State, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations are taken into account.