Head of Product Strategy & Donor Value Proposition

FOUNDATION FOR THE CAROLINAS•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

The Head of Product Strategy & Donor Value Proposition is a newly created leadership role responsible for shaping and advancing the strategic direction of the Foundation’s donor-facing offerings. This leader will ensure our solutions reflect the evolving needs, values, and aspirations of individuals, families, and advisors—strengthening our ability to inspire philanthropy and deliver remarkable impact across our region. This role will lead the development of a compelling and differentiated donor value proposition, grounded in deep market insight and a strong understanding of community needs. The Head will oversee competitive intelligence to inform strategy, design and manage a thoughtful and forward-looking portfolio of offerings, and guide pricing strategy and financial stewardship across donor product lines. In partnership with colleagues across the organization, this leader will also shape a cohesive technology and experience strategy that enhances engagement, accessibility, and ease of giving. This is a rare opportunity to build a new function from the ground up within a mission-driven organization at the forefront of philanthropic innovation. The individual will bring the discipline and rigor of product strategy to a rapidly evolving landscape—helping Foundation For The Carolinas strengthen its role as a trusted philanthropic partner, inspire generosity, and deliver remarkable impact throughout our region. The Foundation seeks a leader who pairs the analytical rigor of financial services with a deep commitment to our philanthropic mission. The ideal candidate is energized by building in ambiguous environments, comfortable operating without the infrastructure of a large corporate product organization, and motivated by the belief that stronger product strategy can help unlock greater generosity and drive remarkable impact in the communities we serve.

Requirements

3+ years of progressive experience in financial services product management, investment product strategy, or a closely related field
Demonstrated P&L ownership experience — has managed fee structures, product economics, and business cases independently
Deep familiarity with the DAF competitive landscape and/or philanthropic services sector
Track record of translating strategy into executed product outcomes — not just analytical deliverables
Strong executive presence and communication skills; comfortable presenting to Boards and major donors
Experience with HNW or UHNW client segments in a financial or philanthropic context

Nice To Haves

Experience at or working closely with a national DAF sponsor (Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, NPT, Vanguard Charitable) or large community foundation
Background in asset management product management — fund launches, investment menu design, fee structure development
Familiarity with complex asset acceptance (closely-held stock, real estate, private equity, cryptocurrency)
Technology product sensibility — experience working with or managing vendor relationships for donor-facing platforms
Exposure to impact investing, ESG mandates, or mission-aligned investment product design

Responsibilities

Own ongoing competitive analysis of the DAF and philanthropic services landscape — including national sponsors (Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, NPT), peer community foundations, and emerging fintech entrants
Monitor pricing trends, product features, technology capabilities, and donor experience across competitors; translate findings into actionable strategic recommendations
Identify whitespace opportunities where the Foundation can differentiate and win HNW and UHNW donor relationships
Define, own, and drive the product roadmap for the Foundation's donor-facing offerings — DAF accounts, investment pools, planned giving vehicles, complex asset acceptance, and donor services
Develop and articulate a compelling, differentiated value proposition for high net worth and emerging affluent donors, clearly positioning the Foundation against national and regional competitors
Lead annual and multi-year planning for product development priorities, sequencing initiatives by impact and feasibility
Own the P&L for donor product lines — including fee structures, investment menu economics, and operating cost inputs
Design and maintain a competitive, sustainable fee framework across DAF account tiers, investment options, and ancillary services
Analyze margin implications of product decisions and present business cases to senior leadership and the Board
In conjunction with the Chief Technology Officer - lead the Foundation's donor-facing technology strategy — grant-making portals, digital onboarding, account reporting, servicing and mobile experience
Work with internal teams and external vendors to translate product requirements into delivered capabilities
Define and track key experience metrics (NPS, digital engagement, onboarding completion rates) and drive continuous improvement
Collaborate closely with Development, Finance, Investments, and Communications teams to align product strategy with donor acquisition and retention goals
Develop and maintain donor segmentation frameworks to tailor offerings and outreach to HNW, UHNW, and institutional donor profiles
Build relationships with peer community foundations and industry groups (CF Leads, Council on Foundations) to stay current on sector best practices