Director of Philanthropy (Immediate Opening)

In addition to the essential duties outlined above, the Director of Philanthropy contributes to portfolio planning, forecasting, and continuous improvement efforts related to major gifts fundraising. This role participates in special initiatives, pilots, or campaigns that support the effectiveness and scalability of IDEA’s major gifts program; supports leadership reporting and analysis as needed; and maintains flexibility to adapt strategies in response to donor feedback, regional priorities, and organizational needs. 

• Manage a multi-region portfolio of high-capacity individual, corporate, and foundation donors, leading strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts that secure major gifts of $10,000–$250,000+ annually. 

• Develop and execute individualized donor strategies informed by data, research, and relationship history to advance prospects through the major gifts pipeline toward long-term philanthropic investment. 

• Conduct thoughtful donor qualification and discovery to assess capacity, interest, and readiness, aligning donor priorities with IDEA’s funding needs and strategic initiatives. 

• Prepare and deliver compelling proposals and gift solicitations, including multi-year commitments, donor-advised fund gifts, endowed gifts, and planned giving opportunities. 

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of donor interactions, strategies, and progress within IDEA’s CRM to support effective portfolio management, forecasting, and collaboration. 

• Collaborate with internal partners to design and execute stewardship plans, engagement experiences, and donor communications that demonstrate impact, reinforce trust, and encourage continued investment. 

• Make Strategic Decisions: This team member makes informed decisions by gathering reliable information, asking clarifying questions, and evaluating multiple options. They thoughtfully align their choices with team objectives, current responsibilities, and the broader mission of the organization. 

• Manage Work and Teams: This team member sets clear, measurable goals and regularly reflects on progress, adjusting actions as needed. They prioritize work aligned with their goals using a task management system and consistently meet deadlines through effective time management. 

• Grow Self and Others: This team member demonstrates self-awareness by actively seeking and thoughtfully responding to feedback with curiosity and a growth mindset. They identify development areas, implement feedback when appropriate, and pursue opportunities to build their knowledge and skills. 

• Build a Culture of Trust: This team member proactively builds strong personal and professional relationships with individual stakeholders and regularly seeks feedback to improve their work experience. They create a supportive environment where others feel safe to take risks and learn from mistakes without fear of retribution. 

• Communicate Deliberately: This team member communicates thoughtfully by anticipating potential misunderstandings and providing necessary context to ensure clarity. They leverage structured communication channels to address challenges, ask meaningful questions, and guide conversations toward solutions, while actively listening to the concerns of others. 

• Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts of $10,000–$250,000+, including multi-year and planned gifts  

• Experience leading a sophisticated, multi-region portfolio with disciplined moves-management  

• Strong ability to build trust with high-capacity donors and serve as a strategic philanthropic advisor  

• Excellent storyteller who can translate impact data and organizational priorities into persuasive donor strategies  

• Effective partner to executives, regional leaders, and program teams to align donor engagement and organizational needs  

• Skilled in using CRM insights, forecasting, and analytics to drive portfolio decisions and measure progress (Salesforce preferred)  

• Deep commitment to IDEA’s values, with a donor-centered approach grounded in integrity and long-term partnership  

• Ability to engage confidently across diverse regions, communities, and stakeholders  

• Strong project management and organization across multiple priorities  

• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends during peak fundraising periods; must be comfortable working independently while traveling   

• Bachelor’s degree required  

• 5+ years of major gifts or high-level relationship management experience, with a strong track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts  

• Graduate from a recognized four-year college or university preferably with a major in business administration, Human Resources, Information Systems, or related field or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.  

• 3+ years of experience with HCM configuration and support.  

•  3+ years of experience utilizing project management frameworks to ensure project and team effectiveness.  

•  3+ years of experience in business process design. 
     

• Master’s degree   

• CFRE/CFRM   
   

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time while working at a computer, participating in meetings, and engaging in in-person and virtual donor interactions. 

• Ability to travel regularly and move between meeting locations or event venues, including walking, standing, and navigating indoor and outdoor spaces during donor meetings and fundraising events. 

• Ability to lift, carry, or move light materials (up to approximately 25 pounds), such as presentation materials, event supplies, or donor engagement resources. 

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. 

Learn more about IDEA  

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values