Director, Philanthropic Operations

Trust For the National Mall•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Director, Philanthropic Operations provides leadership and strategic direction for the operational aspects of the Philanthropy team, developing and implementing effective strategies to achieve short- and long-term fundraising goals. The Director reports to the Chief Revenue & Growth Officer (CRGO), serves on the Philanthropy leadership team, and collaborates with Communications, Operations, Programs, and Projects teams to advance organizational goals and initiatives. The role leads philanthropy operations, project management, team development, financial management and forecasting, donor relations and stewardship, and strategic oversight. It oversees fundraising systems and data integrity, team performance reporting, budgets, gift recording and reconciliation, donor engagement, and cross-functional initiatives. The Trust for the National Mall is the nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) philanthropic partner of the National Park Service. It raises private funding and provides project expertise and in-kind support to restore, enrich, and preserve the National Mall. The organization leads capital restoration projects, mobilizes volunteers, and provides educational experiences. It describes its environment as collaborative, fast-paced, and dynamic, and offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and generous time-off policies.

Requirements

At least 8 years of experience in nonprofit philanthropy and/or operations management, with a successful track record of increasing responsibility.
Demonstrated experience in database management, budget management, and fundraising strategy development.
Demonstrated experience in a nonprofit operations role, including managing budgets, financial modeling, and revenue forecasting.
Advanced expertise in database systems administration and data architecture.
Proficiency with modern CRM platforms; Salesforce is preferred.
Knowledge of standard accounting principles as applied to gift administration.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and address challenges and leverage opportunities.
Project management skills.
Strong verbal and written communication and storytelling skills, internally and externally.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
People management and staff development ability.
Proactive collaboration, anticipation of needs, and flexibility.
Initiative and adaptability, with a can-do attitude.
Passion for and commitment to the Trust's mission and values.
Bachelor's degree or commensurate experience.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience working on a capital campaign.

Responsibilities

Oversee the development, maintenance, and implementation of Philanthropy team policies, procedures, templates, and documentation.
Identify operational bottlenecks, simplify workflows, and standardize hand-offs among gift officers, operations, Finance, and Communications.
Manage cross-functional Philanthropy projects and initiatives, including scope, timelines, ownership, and status reporting.
Optimize fundraising systems and licensed resources; drive enhancements and integrations; and evaluate new tools, including AI-assisted tools.
Promote data integrity and security across donor management systems in compliance with organizational practices, industry standards, and government regulations.
Lead, mentor, and develop the Philanthropy Operations team across prospect research and pipeline development, gift processing and records management, stewardship and donor relations, and systems administration and reporting.
Supervise direct reports covering data and systems, prospect development, the two-person donor engagement team, and the Philanthropy team assistant.
Set team roles, priorities, and performance goals, and ensure coverage and cross-training across key functions.
Recruit and onboard permanent or contingent positions as needed, and secure and oversee auxiliary resources that provide specialized expertise or capacity.
Lead preparation and management of the Philanthropy Team budget and allocate resources to support fundraising goals and operating revenue targets.
In consultation with the CRGO and Chief Operating Officer, analyze monthly financial statements and provide quarterly fundraising performance updates for Board reporting.
Ensure accurate and efficient recording of gifts and opportunities in the CRM and timely gift reporting and reconciliation with Finance.
Manage regular team performance reporting on pipeline, revenue, and OKR progress for leadership.
Develop revenue forecasting models and projections, and create scenario-based models to assess fundraising strategies, donor pipelines, and campaign outcomes.
Establish and implement prospect management, targeted engagement, and tiered stewardship strategies across donor levels.
Oversee donor relations support for gift officers and stewardship activities, including tours, mailings, and presentations, ensuring consistent standards and timely follow-through.
Coordinate with Events and other Trust teams to incorporate donor and prospect engagement into event planning and track it systematically.
Partner with Communications, gift officers, and external partners to develop donor engagement content that reflects the Trust's identity, mission, and priorities.
Provide operational leadership and administrative oversight for Philanthropy team functions, operations, planning, implementation, improvement, and resources.
Collaborate with the CRGO, Vice President of Philanthropy, Managing Director of Corporate Engagement, and other Trust leaders to align fundraising activity with organizational goals, project priorities, and financial targets.
Support the CRGO in leading team projects and organizational initiatives, including OKRs, by translating goals into plans, owners, and milestones.
Build a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement that reflects the Trust's values.
Participate in building a culture of philanthropy within the organization, Philanthropy Team, and external stakeholder community.