Director of Philanthropy

ADVENTIST DEVELOPMENT & RELIEF AGEN•Silver Spring, MD

2d•$90,608 - $107,170•Onsite

About The Position

Under the guidance of the Sr. Director of Growth Marketing and Philanthropy, the Director of Philanthropy will oversee the development and management of ADRA International’s philanthropy strategy, including donor relations, major giving, legacy and planned giving, and family foundation engagement. This role is responsible for the cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention of transformational donors and philanthropic partners that support ADRA’s global mission and long-term sustainability. This position will provide leadership, strategic vision, and direction to a team of philanthropy professionals and serves as a key leader in advancing organizational revenue goals, donor engagement, and philanthropic growth.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, Communications, Philanthropy, Sales, International Development, or related field required (Master's Degree preferred.)
7-10 years progressive fundraising, philanthropy, business development, sales, or customer service experience, including at least 3 years leading teams and managing budgets.
Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure gifts, strategic partnerships, or comparable revenue-generating relationships.
Experience leading teams, including responsibility for strategy, personnel, and fiscal management.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic fundraising or sales plans using both quantitative and qualitative insights.
Proven success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity donors, family foundations, philanthropic partners, or business relationships.
Strong partnership-oriented and collaborative working style with excellent interpersonal, listening, and influencing skills.
Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities that expand organizational relevance and deepen donor engagement.
Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to solve complex problems, define goals, and assess fundraising effectiveness.
Strategic fundraiser, relationship builder, and servant leader with a proven ability to drive revenue growth.
Knowledge of major gifts, donor relations, planned giving, family foundations, and relationship-based fundraising/revenue generation.
Experience managing donor portfolios, sales pipelines, or comparable relationship-management systems.
Proficiency with CRM platforms, donor analytics, prospect research, and fundraising technology.
Ability to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward high-value donors, partners, or prospects.
Skilled at translating organizational priorities into compelling funding and investment opportunities.
Strong business development, negotiation, presentation, and consultative relationship-management skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage pipelines, forecast results, and achieve revenue goals.
Excellent judgment, emotional intelligence, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and relationships in a fast-paced environment.
Commitment to ethical fundraising, donor-centered practices, and organizational values.
Experience developing and leading high-performing fundraising, sales, or relationship-management teams.
Helps create a work environment that embraces and appreciates diversity and inclusion.
Must be able to work in a fast-paced and customer service-oriented environment; to perform duties under pressure and meet deadlines in a timely manner; to work as part of a team as well as to complete assignments independently; to take instructions from supervisors; to exercise problem-solving skills; and to interact with Marketing and Public Relations staff, Pastors, church staff, church attendees and volunteers, school principals, teachers, and students, as well as the public in a professional and pleasant manner.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of international relief and development issues, challenges, and trends.
Experience in a faith-based organization or international NGO.
Experience working within complex, matrixed, or networked organizations.
Familiarity with planned giving vehicles, estate planning, and family foundation fundraising.

Responsibilities

Manage donor relations, major giving, legacy giving, and family foundation teams, as well as contractors and consultants as needed.
Responsible for staff performance and development goals, establishing staff priorities, and conducting annual performance appraisals.
Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and donor-centered service.
Translate philanthropy vision, strategy, and priorities to advance ADRA’s mission and revenue goals.
Lead the development and implementation of major gifts, legacy giving, family foundation, and transformational donor strategies.
Manage philanthropy budget, fundraising investments, and revenue performance.
Own high-value donor growth, retention, fundraising performance, and revenue generation.
Develop and oversee high-value donor journeys from cultivation through stewardship and legacy commitment.
Establish and monitor KPIs for high-value donor acquisition, retention, revenue growth, portfolio performance, and engagement.
Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, family foundations, and strategic philanthropic partners.
Provide strategic oversight of donor relations, stewardship, donor experience, and gift processing functions.
Lead ADRA’s planned giving, legacy giving, and family foundation fundraising programs.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure donor-centered, compliant fundraising practices and strategic alignment.
Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development for philanthropy staff while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Leverage CRM systems, donor analytics, prospect research, and fundraising technology to inform strategy and improve results.
Maintain strong relationships with key donors, foundations, church leaders, and strategic partners.
Represent ADRA at donor meetings, conferences, church events, and professional gatherings.
Serve as an ambassador for ADRA’s mission, values, and philanthropic priorities.