Director of Philanthropy - Westchester and Fairfield Counties

About the position The Director of Philanthropy is a front-line fundraiser responsible for securing major gifts within a designated market. This role focuses on managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects to secure funding for our mission. The Director will implement strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities to meet and exceed revenue goals, relentlessly pursuing cancer cures. Ideal candidate will live in Westchester County, and will also cover Fairfield County.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of qualified major gift prospects, with a focus on donors capable of giving $10,000 or more.
• Execute a comprehensive fundraising plan for the assigned portfolio, including specific strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Accountable for achieving an annual revenue target by creating and implementing personalized fundraising strategies.
• Conduct a significant number of meaningful donor interactions, including face-to-face visits, to advance relationships and secure gifts.
• Prepare and present compelling proposals and materials for major gift solicitations.
• In partnership with the Sr. Director, actively build and grow the major gift pipeline by identifying new prospects from various channels (e.g., events, direct mail, volunteer networks).
• Utilize internal analytics and research tools to qualify prospects and develop strategic engagement plans.
• Collaborate with national partners to identify opportunities for Principal Gifts, Planned Giving, and Foundation support within the portfolio.
• Ensure timely and accurate tracking of all donor interactions and pipeline movement in Salesforce.
• Partner with Executive Directors, regional staff, and volunteer leaders to identify donor prospects and create a seamless donor experience.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and passionate representative of the mission, effectively communicating our impact and funding priorities to donors.
• Participate in mission-centered cultivation events and activities to engage prospects and donors.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the Blood Cancer United mission and programs to promote organizational initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 5-7+ years of fundraising experience, with a demonstrated track record of success in individual major gift fundraising.
• Experience managing a portfolio of donors, including personally identifying, cultivating, and soliciting five- and six-figure gifts.
• Proficiency in Salesforce or similar CRM database.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• life insurance
• flexible spending accounts
• a 403b retirement plan
• generous paid time off
• federal paid holidays
• a wellness program
• an employee assistance program

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