Vice President of Philanthropy

Description

Dumb Friends League is seeking a dynamic and innovative Vice President of Philanthropy to drive our mission forward through strategic leadership of our comprehensive development program. This key role involves setting and articulating fundraising strategies, overseeing donor prospect identification and cultivation, and fostering a culture of philanthropy throughout our organization. The Vice President will empower and lead the development team, ensuring excellence in all development activities.  

If you are passionate about making a difference and have the expertise and leadership skills to contribute to our mission, we invite you to apply for the Vice President of Philanthropy position at Dumb Friends League. Together, we can create a brighter future for animals in our community.

Purpose of Position:  The Vice President of Philanthropy is instrumental in driving the Dumb Friend’s League’s mission forward by providing innovative and strategic leadership for a comprehensive development program. The Vice President sets and articulates all fundraising strategies; oversees the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donor prospects; oversees all development activities; fosters a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization; and empowers the development team to excel.

The Vice President will actively collaborate with the President and CEO as well as members of the Board, executive leadership team, development team, and the League’s donor family. Successful candidates will have measurable experience in fundraising, demonstrated leadership in a strategic role, and expertise that complements the strengths of the President and CEO. The Vice President will be expected to build on the tremendous success of an already-robust development operation.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and direction to grow and manage a full-scale development program. 
• Oversee and guide the development staff in the planning, development, and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising plan to grow the organizational revenue budget in the areas of: annual giving, major gifts, special appeals, special events, government, corporate, and foundation relations, and planned giving
• Expand and diversify the League’s donor pipeline to secure funding for existing and new initiatives
• Ensure best utilization of human and financial resources available for optimal fundraising operations
• Formulate annual development budgets, track financial performance, prepare the necessary interim financial reports and fundraising projections, and monitor expenditures.
• Provide leadership support for the development team to include recruiting, training, developing, evaluating, and empowering development team members and volunteers. Maintains a professional culture that aligns with the League’s core values and motivates performance.
• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team and, as such, actively participate in making strategic decisions regarding the League’s revenue development and financial strategy, and establishing short- and long-term fundraising goals and priorities. 
• Work with the executive leadership team and Board of Directors to develop and maintain a strategic perspective in organizational direction, as well as program and service delivery. Ensures effective operations and alignment with the League’s mission and strategic plan. 
• Be a passionate, visible and informed advocate for League. Actively seek opportunities to engage with the broader community and participate in events that increase visibility. Represent the League at special events, community meetings, conferences, etc. to promote and further the League’s mission.
• Train, mentor, and support board members and executive staff in donor and prospect cultivation, engagement, and relationship management, seeking ways to establish and maintain key external alliances and maximize donor participation.
• Remain apprised of advancements and changes pertinent to philanthropic trends in the industry, funding sources, animal welfare industry, and fundraising and development profession. Direct and lead adaptations to the League’s fundraising plans in accordance with these changes and as necessary to maintain best practices. 
• In alignment with the League’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI), create and implement development strategies specifically aligned with engaging diverse communities.

People Care

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and el