What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Philanthropy position at Relay Resources?
Relay Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to create a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture and believes each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to adjust the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.
Disabled people / people with disabilities and neurodivergent people are strongly encouraged to apply.
Relay Core Competencies
Focus on Strengths
Prioritize Informed Action
Communicate Clearly
Champion Disability Inclusion
Build Supportive Relationships
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Philanthropy is a senior leader responsible for developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies to achieve the organization’s annual and long-term contributed revenue goals. This role oversees all aspects of philanthropic giving, including major gifts, annual campaigns, planned giving, and program and event sponsorships and ensures alignment with the mission and strategic objectives of the organization. The Director builds and maintains strong relationships with donors, board members, staff, and community partners, and fosters a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Generation – 35%
- Develop and implement multi-year fundraising strategies to meet or exceed annual revenue goals across fund development channels.
- Lead the planning and execution of special campaigns (e.g., capital or program campaigns).
- Personally manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects capable of six- and seven-figure gifts.
- Support execution of prospect research, donor acquisition, retention, and stewardship activities.
- Analyze fundraising performance using data-driven approaches; report on progress to senior leadership and the board.
- Supervise, coach, and support a team of philanthropy/development professionals.
- Foster a collaborative, impact-focused culture within the team and across the organization.
- Provide training and mentorship on best practices in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
3. Board & Executive Collaboration – 15%
- Partner with the CRO, executive leadership, and board of directors to align goals and strategies.
- Support board members in fundraising through training, materials, and joint donor engagement.
- Cultivate and sustain meaningful relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
- Guide execution of personalized donor engagement and recognition plans.
- Represent the organization at events, donor meetings, and in the community.
- Develop and manage the philanthropy department budget.
- Ensure compliance with donor intent, fundraising regulations, and ethical standards.
6. Other duties as assigned – 5%
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive fundraising leadership experience, preferably in a complex nonprofit organization.
- Demonstrated success in securing and stewarding six- and seven-figure gifts.
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire high-performing teams.
- Strong strategic planning, analytical, and financial management skills.
- Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public speaking abilities.
- Deep commitment to the organization’s mission and values.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred.
- CFRE certification.
- Experience with disability-inclusive organizations or social enterprise nonprofits.
- Experience engaging board members in fundraising.
- Multilingual or bilingual preferred.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strategic mindset and implementation capability.
- Leadership courage.
- Ability to manage complexity.
- Organizational effectiveness.
- Relationship building and influence.
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- Team leadership and talent development
- Data-driven decision-making
- Integrity and discretion
- Adaptability and innovation
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
- Fundraising best practices, donor life cycle management, and compliance.
- Major gift strategy, capital campaigns, and donor engagement trends.
- Nonprofit management and budgeting.
- CRM and fundraising platforms.
Skills and Abilities:
- High-level communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work strategically while managing multiple initiatives.
- Talent for mentoring and developing fundraising professionals.
- Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
SCOPE & ACCOUNTABILITY
Performs duties independently with strategic oversight. Accountable for achieving revenue targets and ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and strategic goals.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Supervises philanthropy team members. Works with moderate supervision and makes independent decisions in day-to-day operations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Office atmosphere
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Sitting for extended periods of time
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Using a variety of office equipment
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Moderate noise level
