Founding Executive Director & Chief Philanthropy Officer

JPG Enterprises Consulting • Los Angeles, CA

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The JPGE Leadership Institute for Strategic Growth is being built as an expansive platform for developing the next generation of strategic business leaders and policymakers while advancing solutions to critical socioeconomic challenges globally. We are seeking a Founding Executive Director and Chief Philanthropy Officer to lead The Institute’s funding strategy, institutional development, and governance structure during its accelerated growth phase. This senior leadership role is responsible for securing philanthropic funding, cultivating major donor relationships, and building the foundation needed to support The Institute’s long-term impact—including its global flagship Strategic Leadership & Business Growth Fellowship. Working closely with the Founder & CEO of JPG Enterprises and its Global Capital & Development Group, this leader will help position The Institute as a respected platform for leadership development, strategic philanthropy, and global engagement.

Requirements

• 7–10+ years of experience in philanthropic fundraising, strategic partnerships, capital strategy, or investment-related business development
• Demonstrated success securing high-value funding partnerships, major donor relationships, or institutional capital
• Experience launching, scaling, or leading strategic initiatives, programs, or organizations
• Ability to lead small teams, consultants, or cross-functional collaborators
• Comfort in a high-visibility external role with donors, foundations, corporate partners, and institutional stakeholders
• Strong strategic communication, writing, and relationship-building skills
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build partnerships, generate opportunities, and close funding relationships independently

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, JD, or related field) a plus
• Experience operating within high-level donor, social, political, and philanthropic networks
• Proven ability to cultivate and secure major funding relationships
• Experience operating in politically or institutionally complex environments
• Strong governance instincts and organizational leadership ability
• Comfort engaging with high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic leaders
• Executive presence and strategic communication skills
• Backgrounds in nonprofit leadership, political fundraising, institutional advancement, or philanthropic strategy are especially encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Lead The Institute’s funding strategy, including cultivating relationships with high-net-worth donors, foundations, and philanthropic investors, securing major gifts, grants, and institutional partnerships, developing capital campaigns and funding initiatives, building long-term donor pipelines and partnership networks, and representing The Institute in philanthropic and leadership circles.
• Build The Institute’s governance and institutional framework, including supporting the structuring of The Institute’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, establishing governance and advisory board structures, recruiting and cultivating an influential advisory network, and ensuring transparency, accountability, and strong organizational oversight.
• Support the development of the Strategic Leadership & Business Growth Fellowship, including ensuring funding pathways exist to support fellowship programming, recruiting and overseeing a Fellowship Enrollment Manager, supporting the hiring of a Fellowship Program Director, building scholarship and fellowship sponsorship pathways, and developing relationships with universities and leadership networks.
• Position The Institute as a respected platform for leadership dialogue and cross-sector collaboration, including cultivating partnerships with universities, policy institutions, and leadership organizations, representing The Institute at national leadership and philanthropic events, and helping shape The Institute’s reputation as a trusted platform for strategic dialogue and leadership development.
• Provide high-level guidance to emerging fundraising and program support structures, including co-establishing and supervising key roles such as a Fellowship Enrollment Manager and, as funding allows, supporting the recruitment of a Fellowship Program Director.
• Collaborate with JPGE leadership, communications, finance, and strategic capital teams to align philanthropic partnerships, institutional growth, and program execution.

Benefits

• Lucrative commission structure + tiered performance bonuses
• Direct collaboration with the CEO + executive visibility
• Founding leadership role with influence over long-term capital strategy and institutional growth
• Flexible hybrid work environment with autonomy to build and lead
• Strategic exposure to high-level events, donors, and philanthropic networks
• Pathway to full benefits after successful initial performance period (typically within 6 months)

What This Job Offers

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