SHSMD Career Center

Position Summary

The Senior Philanthropy Officer (SPO) for Midlevel Portfolio Management at Phoenix Children’s Foundation is responsible for ensuring the fundraising success of the Gift Planning Program by focusing on midlevel donors and prospects. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Gift Planning, the SPO will play a key role in developing and implementing strategies for successful solicitations and building strong relationships with midlevel donors. Implementing personalized and targeted communication strategies for midlevel donors, tailoring messages and updates to align with donors’ interests and preferences, fostering a sense of belonging and impact. This position will actively contribute to the growth and expansion of the program, collaborating with colleagues across the foundation to achieve annual metrics and financial goals.
The Senior Philanthropy Officer’s role involves overseeing and managing a large portfolio of midlevel donors, with a primary focus on cultivating and stewarding relationships with these valued supporters. Their responsibilities also include developing and implementing thoughtful, strategic cultivation and solicitation plans for midlevel planned giving donors to increase their philanthropic support over time.

Education and Experience Requirements:
The ideal candidate for the Senior Philanthropy Officer position should possess a minimum of 10 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field in a non-profit environment. Additionally, they should have at least 5 years of experience as a gift planning professional in a sophisticated development or fundraising operation, with a strong focus on midlevel donors. Experience in a medical or academic development setting is highly encouraged, and candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree or Master’s in business, philanthropy, or a related field. Possessing a CFRE certification would be advantageous. The successful candidate should have a proven track record in managing and growing a midlevel donor portfolio and achieving fundraising goals with midlevel donors. They should be well-versed in planned giving strategies and techniques, especially as they relate to midlevel donors. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills are essential, with a particular ability to engage midlevel donors and build rapport effectively. The Senior Philanthropy Officer should be a self-motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong commitment to philanthropy and the foundation’s mission. With their expertise in gift planning and their ability to cultivate relationships, they will play a crucial role in securing critical support and driving the foundation’s continued growth and impact.

Position Duties:
The Senior Philanthropy Officer’s role involves overseeing and managing a large portfolio of midlevel donors, with a primary focus on cultivating and stewarding relationships with these valued supporters. Their responsibilities also include developing and implementing thoughtful, strategic cultivation and solicitation plans for midlevel planned giving donors to increase their philanthropic support over time.

In collaboration with the AVP, other teams and marketing, the Senior Philanthropy Officer develops targeted communications strategies for midlevel donors to deliver personalized and impactful messages to keep midlevel donors informed and engaged with the organization’s initiatives. Continuous prospect identification is a crucial aspect of the Senior Philanthropy Officer’s work. They continuously identify and qualify new midlevel planned giving prospects, aiming to expand the pipeline of potential donors and strengthen the foundation’s midlevel donor base. Building and nurturing strong relationships with midlevel donors and prospects is a key focus for the Senior Philanthropy Officer. They ensure regular contact through various activities and communications, including face-to-face meetings when appropriate, to create a personalized and meaningful donor experience and foster loyalty and partnership with the organization. The Senior Philanthropy Officer also plays an active role in educating midlevel donors about the benefits of deferred and planned giving. They proactively share this information in both written and in-person formats, increasing awareness and understanding of planned giving opportunities among midlevel donors. In addition to midlevel donor management, the Senior Philanthropy Officer is engaged in Senior Adult Engagement efforts. They develop and implement tailored strategies to engage senior adults, building trust and rapport to identify and cultivate potential asset-based current gifts, such as appreciated securities, real estate, or retirement assets. Identifying and developing joint and blended giving opportunities with colleagues from various departments within the foundation is another important aspect of the Senior Philanthropy Officer’s role. They work towards successful solicitations to secure current and legacy gifts from midlevel donors. Understanding the importance of the organization’s Legacy Society, the Senior Philanthropy Officer focuses on cultivating and stewarding relationships with current and prospective legacy donors. Their efforts encourage and facilitate planned gifts in support of the organization’s mission. Drawing on their expertise in gift planning, the Senior Philanthropy Officer provides technical guidance and options to fundraising colleagues. They support their efforts in securing planned gifts from midlevel donors and participate in prospect meetings, offering coaching, proposal language, and relevant information. To stay at the forefront of the industry, the Senior Philanthropy Officer keeps up-to-date on gift planning trends, opportunities, and related legislation. They share this knowledge with colleagues, contributing to the foundation’s knowledge base. The Senior Philanthropy Officer demonstrates exceptional problem-solving and communication skills when navigating potential issues with discretion and tact. They maintain positive relationships with midlevel donors and colleagues alike, creating a harmonious and productive environment.

The Senior Philanthropy Officer plays a vital role in effective midlevel donor management, strategic gift planning, legacy cultivation, and providing expertise in planned giving. Their dedication and expertise contribute significantly to securing critical support for the organization’s mission and driving its continued growth and impact.

Reporting to the VP of Individual Giving, the Sr Philanthropy Officer is a seasoned major gifts fundraiser responsible for securing individual gifts with an emphasis on $100,000 and above. Success is achieved by building long term donor partnerships and demonstrating that all levels of philanthropic support are leveraged to realize maximum impact for Phoenix Children’s mission. The ideal candidate is energetic and enthusiastic, metrics-driven, and is comfortable working in a dynamic and fast paced environment.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field. (Required)
• Master's degree in business or related field. (Preferred)

Experience

• 10 or more years of combined experience in fundraising, sales, stewardship, and/or communications. (Required)
• Demonstrated success in prospect identification and relationship development and/or new business development. (Required)
• Proven major gift or equivalent large sales process experience. (Required)
• Experience with Raiser's Edge/Salesforce or similar industry- based customer relationship management tools. (Preferred)
• Hospital or healthcare experience. (Preferred)

Certifications

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Certification (Preferred)

Special Skills

• Proven networking and connector skills. Enthusiastic, good humored, and energetic with a positive attitude and passion for building relationships. (Required)
• Goal oriented with a high level of maturity and personal integrity. (Required)
• Ability to multi-task with keen attention to detail. (Required)
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office software and CRM database. (Required)
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule to accommodate occasional night and weekend activities. (Required)

About Phoenix Children's

For more information about the hospital, visit: http://www.phoenixchildrens.org.

Connections working at Phoenix Children's