What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Philanthropy position at Empowering Epilepsy?
Job Summary:
The Director of Philanthropy plays a critical role in Empowering Epilepsy’s fundraising strategy, with a primary focus on managing and expanding the organization’s fundraising efforts. This position is integral to developing and executing fundraising events, both large and small, as well as driving engagement from our community, including reaching out to high-net-worth individuals and families. In addition to overseeing the organization of these events, the Development Coordinator will work to cultivate grassroots fundraising initiatives, empowering members, families, and supporters to actively participate in raising funds that support the mission of Empowering Epilepsy.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and Manage Fundraising Events: Plan, organize, and execute a variety of fundraising events, from large-scale galas to smaller community-driven initiatives, ensuring all events align with Empowering Epilepsy’s mission, vision, and financial goals.
Community Outreach & Engagement: Establish and cultivate relationships with key community members, including individuals and families within wealthy communities, to encourage meaningful donations and philanthropic participation.
Grassroots Fundraising: Develop and manage grassroots fundraising campaigns, ensuring active participation from members, families, and the wider community. Motivate and inspire individuals to take ownership of fundraising activities, creating a culture of giving and advocacy.
Collaboration with Leadership and Team: Work with the Executive Team and board members to identify new fundraising opportunities, build relationships, and ensure fundraising targets are met. Act as a liaison between donors, community members, and the organization.
Event Budgeting & Resource Management: Oversee the budget and logistics for fundraising events, ensuring they are cost-effective and organized to maximize the return on investment. Ensure the efficient use of resources and manage volunteers to execute events seamlessly.
Reporting & Analysis: Maintain accurate records of event outcomes, donor contributions, and participant engagement. Provide regular updates and reports to leadership, outlining the effectiveness and financial success of fundraising initiatives.
Develop Marketing & Communication Strategies: Create and implement targeted strategies for promoting fundraising events and activities. Use email, social media, and direct outreach to communicate the impact of donations and encourage continued support.
Compliance and Legal Oversight: Ensure all fundraising events comply with legal and regulatory requirements, including obtaining necessary permits and maintaining proper documentation.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree preferred
A minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, event management, or a related field
Strong experience in community outreach and donor engagement, particularly in wealthier communities
Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously while adhering to tight deadlines and budgets
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail
Self-motivated and able to work independently in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment
Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate event schedules
A passion for epilepsy awareness and the mission of Empowering Epilepsy
Personal connection to epilepsy is a plus
Required:
Full-time, 40 hours per week, based at the Beachwood office
Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation, as the role requires travel between event locations
Willingness to engage with diverse communities and create opportunities for others to contribute to the organization’s mission
Desire to learn about epilepsy and support the development of programs that improve the lives of those affected by the condition
The Director of Philanthropy plays a critical role in Empowering Epilepsy’s fundraising strategy, with a primary focus on managing and expanding the organization’s fundraising efforts. This position is integral to developing and executing fundraising events, both large and small, as well as driving engagement from our community, including reaching out to high-net-worth individuals and families. In addition to overseeing the organization of these events, the Development Coordinator will work to cultivate grassroots fundraising initiatives, empowering members, families, and supporters to actively participate in raising funds that support the mission of Empowering Epilepsy.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and Manage Fundraising Events: Plan, organize, and execute a variety of fundraising events, from large-scale galas to smaller community-driven initiatives, ensuring all events align with Empowering Epilepsy’s mission, vision, and financial goals.
Community Outreach & Engagement: Establish and cultivate relationships with key community members, including individuals and families within wealthy communities, to encourage meaningful donations and philanthropic participation.
Grassroots Fundraising: Develop and manage grassroots fundraising campaigns, ensuring active participation from members, families, and the wider community. Motivate and inspire individuals to take ownership of fundraising activities, creating a culture of giving and advocacy.
Collaboration with Leadership and Team: Work with the Executive Team and board members to identify new fundraising opportunities, build relationships, and ensure fundraising targets are met. Act as a liaison between donors, community members, and the organization.
Event Budgeting & Resource Management: Oversee the budget and logistics for fundraising events, ensuring they are cost-effective and organized to maximize the return on investment. Ensure the efficient use of resources and manage volunteers to execute events seamlessly.
Reporting & Analysis: Maintain accurate records of event outcomes, donor contributions, and participant engagement. Provide regular updates and reports to leadership, outlining the effectiveness and financial success of fundraising initiatives.
Develop Marketing & Communication Strategies: Create and implement targeted strategies for promoting fundraising events and activities. Use email, social media, and direct outreach to communicate the impact of donations and encourage continued support.
Compliance and Legal Oversight: Ensure all fundraising events comply with legal and regulatory requirements, including obtaining necessary permits and maintaining proper documentation.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree preferred
A minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, event management, or a related field
Strong experience in community outreach and donor engagement, particularly in wealthier communities
Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously while adhering to tight deadlines and budgets
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail
Self-motivated and able to work independently in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment
Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate event schedules
A passion for epilepsy awareness and the mission of Empowering Epilepsy
Personal connection to epilepsy is a plus
Required:
Full-time, 40 hours per week, based at the Beachwood office
Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation, as the role requires travel between event locations
Willingness to engage with diverse communities and create opportunities for others to contribute to the organization’s mission
Desire to learn about epilepsy and support the development of programs that improve the lives of those affected by the condition