Director of Philanthropy

Self-Help • Durham, NC

4d • $94,800 - $153,738 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), a nonprofit, non-partisan organization and affiliate of Self-Help, works to promote a fair and inclusive financial marketplace and advance economic equity for underserved communities. CRL uses research, legal analysis, policy development, and state and national advocacy to promote sustainable homeownership, affordable higher education, and small-business support, while working to prevent predatory lending and other unfair financial practices. Its Julian Bond Institute produces research to illuminate financial barriers and inform policy change.

CRL is seeking a Director of Philanthropy to lead fundraising strategy and serve as its lead fundraiser. Reporting to the President, the Director will own annual and multi-year revenue goals across grants and individual giving and help raise more than $3 million each year for CRL’s research and advocacy. The role develops and implements fundraising plans involving foundations, major individual donors, corporate giving, and endowment growth, aligning philanthropy with organizational priorities.

The Director will cultivate funder relationships, develop and oversee proposals and stewardship communications, monitor revenue and fundraising activity, and provide regular progress updates to executive leadership and the Board. The role also coordinates grant tracking and reporting with CRL, Self-Help, and accounting colleagues, and leads and coaches the Philanthropy Manager while advising CRL leaders, Board members, and staff on fundraising.

This is a hybrid role based in CRL’s Durham, North Carolina, or Washington, DC office. Staff are expected to work in the office three days per week: Monday and Wednesday are communal days, and the third day is determined individually. The role includes regular travel, including some overnight trips, to meet funders and attend events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 5 to 7 years of fundraising experience with foundations, corporations, and/or major individual donors.
• Proven record of meeting or exceeding annual and multi-year revenue goals, including grants and individual giving.
• Demonstrated experience strategically positioning philanthropic programs to achieve broader organizational goals.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills, including the ability to develop and motivate staff and work effectively as both a leader and a team member.
• Ability to build strong relationships with potential funders and key stakeholders.
• Confidence reporting to executive leadership and a Board.
• Excellent written and oral communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with fundraising databases and systems.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and explain program and organizational budgets and financial statements.
• Familiarity with lending and financial services terms and legal language, or ability to learn them quickly.
• Ability to initiate and manage multiple projects, work independently, and act quickly on urgent, unplanned opportunities or needs.
• Strong commitment to CRL’s mission of creating economic opportunity for traditionally underserved communities and to working as part of a diverse organization.
• Ability to demonstrate Self-Help’s Core Values: Mission Before Self; Service With Excellence; Embracing & Promoting Change; Results Not Credit; Diversity as a Strength; and Financial Sustainability for Mission Impact.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree preferred.
• Experience in marketing, investor relations, community economic development, or financial services is a plus.
• Preference for working in organizations that prioritize teamwork and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Own CRL’s annual and multi-year revenue goals across grants and individual giving, and develop and execute fundraising plans covering foundation, major individual, and corporate giving and endowment growth.
• Align fundraising with CRL’s research, policy, advocacy, and broader organizational priorities.
• Manage the fundraising calendar and staff roles, coordinating with colleagues to meet goals and deadlines.
• Identify new funders and grow the number of supporting foundations and individual donors.
• Lead meetings with current and prospective funders and represent CRL at conferences and other events.
• Involve CRL Board and Advisory Board members in building support when appropriate.
• Write or guide the writing of proposals, reports, and stewardship communications that communicate the impact of funders’ support.
• Track solicitations, expected gifts, pledges, and income.
• Provide executive leadership and the Board with monthly fundraising updates, including progress toward goals and projected versus actual revenue and expenses.
• Coordinate grant tracking and reporting with CRL staff, Self-Help’s resource development team, and accounting staff.
• Lead and coach the Philanthropy Manager, supporting their professional development and performance.
• Advise and coach CRL leaders, Board members, and staff on fundraising.
• Take on other duties as needed to help CRL meet its goals.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents, with 80% to 100% of premiums paid by Self-Help depending on selected coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program access.
• Vacation accrued at 15 days per year and sick time accrued at 12 days per year.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave of 12–16 weeks, prorated for staff with less than one year of service.
• 401(k) match: 3% company contribution, plus an additional dollar-for-dollar match on the first 6% contributed by the employee.
• CRL-paid life insurance of $50,000, long-term disability coverage, and accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employment with CRL may provide an opportunity for student loan forgiveness, subject to the applicable loan provisions.

What This Job Offers

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