Vice President of Philanthropy

The James Beard Foundation Inc • New York, NY

22d • $170,000 - $190,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The James Beard Foundation(“JBF”) is a vital cultural institution with deep roots honoring and advancing the culinary arts industry. JBF’s mission is to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability. As a 501(c) (3) national non-profit organization, JBF brings its mission to life through the annual James Beard Awards, industry and community-focused initiatives and programs, advocacy, partnerships, and events across the country. The Vice President of Philanthropy is a highly visible senior leadership role responsible for driving JBF's comprehensive fundraising strategy. This position requires an experienced frontline fundraiser who will personally cultivate major gifts while managing a team of five and overseeing all philanthropic revenue streams, including major gifts, institutional giving, annual giving, fundraising events, and membership. Reporting to the Chief Growth Officer, this role collaborates closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership to achieve ambitious financial goals and advance organizational priorities in a fast-paced environment. The VP will represent JBF externally at a wide variety of events across the country.

Requirements

• Minimum 12 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, including at least 5 years in leadership roles
• Proven track record personally securing 6- and 7-figure gifts
• Experience managing or playing a leadership role in a capital or comprehensive campaign
• Demonstrated success building and managing high-performing development teams
• Proficiency with CRM databases, particularly Salesforce
• Strong budget development and financial management skills
• Genuine passion for JBF's mission and the independent food and beverage industry
• Integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment
• Resilient and solutions-oriented under pressure
• Flexibility to attend frequent evening events and travel 1-2 times per month (typically 1-2 nights per trip)

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an annual strategic fundraising plan to achieve current budget of $8M, with a goal of building sustainable renewable support to $10-12M within 3-5 years
• Serve on and collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team, fostering a culture of philanthropy across all departments
• Design and lead a capital campaign to raise between $5-10M for the historic James Beard House on West 12th Street, in partnership with Executive Leadership, the Board, and consultants to be retained
• Develop and manage an annual departmental budget and regularly present financial performance to the CGO, CEO, and Board
• Build the Major Gifts program and personally manage a portfolio of prospects and donors at the 5-, 6-, and 7-figure level through strategic identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Ensure rigorous donor research and moves management systems to secure new and renewed major gifts
• Partner with the CGO, CEO, and Board to maximize their effectiveness as organizational ambassadors and fundraisers
• Expand JBF's foundation and corporate funding pipeline through relationship cultivation; oversee the Director of Institutional Giving in developing compelling proposals and impact reports
• Ensure grant compliance and timely reporting to institutional funders
• Staff and drive agenda for the Board’s Development Committee, including fundraising strategy, trustee giving and engagement, campaign updates, and quarterly reporting
• Coach and support trustees in their individual fundraising efforts
• Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of 5 development professionals, with a commitment to ensuring best practices in fundraising
• Establish departmental systems, policies, and metrics to track progress toward strategic goals
• Foster a collaborative, accountable team culture with emphasis on professional growth

Benefits

• JBF offers its employees a dynamic work environment with benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents; life insurance; flexible spending account; commuter benefits; retirement savings; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement/ professional development; and generous paid time off.
• We also offer fertility planning support and up to 18 weeks (about 4 months) of paid parental leave. Additional perks include staff events, tickets to events at Platform by JBF (Pier 57), and much more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed