Director, Philanthropy

American Cancer Society • San Diego, CA

4d • $110,000 - $117,000

About The Position

At the American Cancer Society, we're working to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Our employees and 1.3 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We are a culture comprised of diverse backgrounds and experience, to better serve our communities. The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled. Drives revenue growth by cultivating relationships and soliciting significant gifts from individuals and foundations to advance ACS mission priorities. Collaborates across internal teams and departments to align efforts, maximize value, and ensure cohesive execution of philanthropic strategies. Applies a strategic moves management-oriented mindset to identify, cultivate, and secure high-value relationships and contributions. Accountable for a minimum of $750,000 in annual revenue. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Develops and executes strategies to secure donations that align with organizational goals and individual donor and foundation interests, driving six-figure gifts across multiple years and mission focus areas. 25% Builds and maintains long-term relationships with donors through personalized cultivation, engagement, recognition, and stewardship. Ensures donor satisfaction and retention through consistent follow-up and impact reporting. 25% Demonstrates deep understanding of the American Cancer Society's mission, programs, and strategic priorities, including ACS CAN, Patient Support, Discovery, BrightEdge, All In Against Cancer Campaign and Hope Lodge. Serves as a passionate ambassador, translating mission knowledge into meaningful donor engagement. Crafts compelling narratives and presentations that inspire action and convey the mission and impact of the organization. 20% Qualifies donors and executes upon a moves management plan for each qualified donor in portfolio, engaging an account team of appropriate stakeholders for the donor and opportunities. 10% Serves as a connector and facilitator to ensure seamless execution of donor engagement strategies, collaborating with the development team to align volunteer and individual giving opportunities, primarily through c-suite personal giving, distinguished events, and leadership volunteer roles. 10% Serves as a member of the Area leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, goal setting, and execution to advance organizational objectives. 10%

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and a 5+ year proven track record of securing $100,000+ gifts or equivalent experience.
• Inquisitive about donor motivations, market trends, and emerging opportunities in philanthropic development
• Communicates effectively with diverse audiences, including major donors, ACS partners, board members, and community stakeholders.
• Continuously seeks ways to innovate and improve fundraising strategies and donor experiences.
• Ability to drive lead generation for individual and foundation major giving opportunities.
• Navigates complex conversations with empathy and confidence to drive outcomes
• Use data, storytelling, and strategic insight to influence stakeholders toward philanthropic investment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Successful track record of securing 5, 6 & 7 figure gifts from individuals and foundations.
• Strong working knowledge of relationship management and campaign experience
• Established ability to build and cultivate relationships with individuals and foundations.
• Ability to establish collegial, effective working relationships and partner with staff and volunteers.
• Strong financial acumen.
• The ability to be an ambassador for the American Cancer Society.
• Ability to understand work within a complex organizational structure.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes strategies to secure donations that align with organizational goals and individual donor and foundation interests, driving six-figure gifts across multiple years and mission focus areas.
• Builds and maintains long-term relationships with donors through personalized cultivation, engagement, recognition, and stewardship. Ensures donor satisfaction and retention through consistent follow-up and impact reporting.
• Demonstrates deep understanding of the American Cancer Society's mission, programs, and strategic priorities, including ACS CAN, Patient Support, Discovery, BrightEdge, All In Against Cancer Campaign and Hope Lodge. Serves as a passionate ambassador, translating mission knowledge into meaningful donor engagement. Crafts compelling narratives and presentations that inspire action and convey the mission and impact of the organization.
• Qualifies donors and executes upon a moves management plan for each qualified donor in portfolio, engaging an account team of appropriate stakeholders for the donor and opportunities.
• Serves as a connector and facilitator to ensure seamless execution of donor engagement strategies, collaborating with the development team to align volunteer and individual giving opportunities, primarily through c-suite personal giving, distinguished events, and leadership volunteer roles.
• Serves as a member of the Area leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, goal setting, and execution to advance organizational objectives.

Benefits

• ACS provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills.
• Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits.
• We are a proud equal opportunity employer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees