Chief Philanthropy Officer

Elk Hill Farm Inc• Goochland, VA, US, VA

12d•$110,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Elk Hill is seeking a Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) to lead and steward the organization's fundraising and philanthropic efforts. This role is crucial for advancing Elk Hill's mission of transforming challenges into successful futures for Virginia's youth and families. The CPO will drive relationship-driven philanthropy, strategic fundraising, and donor engagement, with a focus on an upcoming capital campaign and inaugural fundraising event. The position involves actively fundraising, cultivating major donors, and fostering a sustainable culture of philanthropy. The CPO will join an established philanthropy team with existing support and systems. Elk Hill has a 50-year history of commitment, compassion, and flexibility, serving children and families across Virginia. The administrative offices are located on a 300+ acre campus in Western Goochland County, with operations extending to Harrisonburg, the I-64 corridor, and New Kent County.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE preferred.
A minimum of seven years of fundraising experience in roles demonstrating increasing levels of responsibility.
Comprehensive management skills and experience are required including but not limited to short and long-term planning, evaluation, directing and motivating staff, oral and written communication skills, marketing and financial management, values clarification, organizational behavior and Philanthropy, and governance.
Highly effective interpersonal, conversational and presentational skills, demonstrating emotional intelligence and situational awareness.
Past demonstration as a problem-solver and strategic thinker.
Proven ability to solicit and secure 5-figure gifts.
Experience working closely with the CEO, Executive Team and Board Leadership in a complex agency, training and assisting leadership in managing major donor relationships.
Proven ability to build strong relationships across a wide variety of individuals, groups and foundations.
Demonstrated success leading strong and productive cross-functional work teams with a focus on mentoring and nurturing staff Philanthropy.
Strong analytic and strategic-thinking skills, with demonstrated ability to create, implement, and monitor complex plans and translate those plans into goals and concrete strategies.
The capacity to develop and nurture relationships culminating in overall success.
Membership in a professional fundraising association is expected.
Valid driver’s license and a good driving record required.

Nice To Haves

CFRE preferred.

Responsibilities

Steward a culture of Philanthropy at all levels of the agency, including amongst staff, senior leadership, and Board of Directors.
Influence decision making within the Leadership Team and Elk Hill programming to advance the finances and mission of the organization.
Act as the staff liaison to the Philanthropy Committee of the Board of Trustees, encouraging strong work and developing effective board engagement.
Provide vital input in short- and long-term strategic and operational planning and positioning within the organization.
Develop and manage a caseload of prospective major donors who give or have the capacity to invest at $5,000.00 or greater.
Work in close collaboration with leadership, program, finance and Philanthropy staff to present needs that correspond to organizational need, while always being responsive to each donor’s interests and attentive to fiduciary responsibilities.
Support the Board of Directors and the CEO to exemplify the highest level of strategic donor interaction.
Provide general oversight of all of the organization’s fund Philanthropy activities, manage the day-to-day operations of the Philanthropy function, and monitor adequacy of activities through coordination with staff, appropriate committees, and governing body.
Establish personnel accountabilities for Philanthropy staff and evaluates performance regularly.
Assure sound fiscal operation of Philanthropy function including timely, accurate and comprehensive Philanthropy of charitable contributions income and expense budgets, reporting, monitoring and implementation.
Assures Philanthropy and maintenance of appropriate systems to fund Philanthropy including but not limited to volunteer and donor management, research and cultivation, gift processing and recognition.
Ensures compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, maintains accountability standards to donors and ensures compliance with code of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for fundraising executives.
Serve as an articulate, passionate and visible spokesperson for the agency, and as a prominent face of fundraising throughout the community.
Provide a best practice approach to Elk Hill’s efforts to effectively communicate the mission, goals and accomplishments to donors, prospective donors and the broader community.
Define and collaborate cross departmental collaboration with managing the brand communication strategy using a variety of media.
Lead cross departmental collaboration with the Philanthropy and messaging of the brand narrative.
Lead, manage and coordinate cross departmental with the Philanthropy, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, social media and Elk Hill’s website.