Director of Philanthropy

VNA Health • Santa Barbara, CA

3d • $124,700 - $149,600

About The Position

The Director of Philanthropy serves as a senior leader within the VNA Health Foundation, sharing responsibility for strategic leadership, operational excellence, and performance management. This role collaborates in developing and executing the Foundation's annual strategic development plan, providing leadership across corporate partnerships, institutional giving, grants, annual appeals, planned giving, legacy and bequest giving, and Foundation operations. The position acts as an operational leader, establishing measurable fundraising goals, departmental performance metrics, and operational systems to support sustainable philanthropic growth. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director collaborates across the organization to strengthen philanthropy as a strategic priority and advance VNA Health's mission and long-term financial sustainability. Embracing an "all hands-on deck" philosophy, this role actively supports Foundation events, donor stewardship, and volunteer engagement within a collaborative team environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• A minimum of eight years of experience in fundraising, including: events, grants, direct mail & major gift solicitation.
• A minimum of five years of experience managing a fundraising department, including: responsibility for budget oversight, development of strategic fundraising goals and directing staff to implement an annual campaign, planned giving and special campaigns, as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise, direct, and mentor operational personnel.
• Excellent communications skills and public relations skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with donors, organization personnel, and the community.
• Demonstrated autonomy, organization, assertiveness, flexibility and cooperation in performing job responsibilities.
• Advanced time management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment.
• Licensed driver with insured automobile - in accordance with state and/or organization requirements.

Responsibilities

• Collaboratively develop and execute the Foundation's annual Strategic Development Plan, establishing measurable fundraising goals, departmental priorities, performance metrics, and long-term philanthropic strategies.
• Establish annual fundraising dashboards, key performance indicators, and accountability measures, regularly evaluating results and implementing strategies for continuous improvement.
• Identify emerging philanthropic opportunities and position the Foundation for sustainable long-term growth.
• Lead the strategic growth and performance of VNA Health's Corporate Giving and Partnership Program by developing meaningful corporate relationships, expanding sponsorship opportunities, cultivating business leaders, and creating long-term strategic partnerships.
• Lead the continued growth of the Foundation’s giving societies through comprehensive planned giving and legacy giving strategies.
• Provide strategic leadership for the Foundation's grant program by overseeing the Development Project Manager - Grants & Appeals, and collaboratively identifying, cultivating, and securing new funding opportunities.
• Oversee annual appeals, institutional giving, planned giving, legacy giving, and assigned fundraising initiatives while continuously identifying opportunities to diversify and strengthen Foundation revenue.
• Serve as the operational leader of the Foundation, ensuring effective management of Foundation systems, processes, policies, and operational infrastructure.
• Oversee DonorPerfect administration, donor data integrity, reporting, gift administration, prospect management, stewardship documentation, and campaign reporting.
• Partner with Finance to oversee Foundation financial operations, including donor recognition, gift reconciliation, restricted fund reporting, month-end processes, estate administration, and planned giving documentation.
• Develop operational procedures, reporting systems, and workflow improvements that increase efficiency, accountability, and donor relations.
• Provide direct leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management for assigned Foundation staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Provide team support to the Development Committee, Foundation Board committees, and other governance committees.
• Prepare Board reports, fundraising dashboards, strategic presentations, committee materials, and governance communications.
• Build and strengthen relationships with donors, corporations, foundations, professional advisors, volunteers, and community leaders.
• Cultivate transformational philanthropic relationships and ensure exceptional donor stewardship across every giving channel.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the Director of Communications & Marketing to develop integrated fundraising campaigns, stewardship initiatives, impact reporting, storytelling, digital fundraising, and donor communications.
• Support Foundation events, stewardship activities, volunteer engagement, and department initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior