Vice President of Philanthropy

Unbound • Kansas City, KS

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

Unbound is an international nonprofit based in Kansas City, KS, founded by lay Catholics and grounded in the call to put the needs of the marginalized and vulnerable first. We build relationships of mutual respect that bridge cultural, religious, and economic divides, working alongside people of diverse faith traditions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to challenge poverty in innovative ways. Through our unique model, supporters form personal connections with children, families, and communities, walking with them on their self-directed paths out of poverty. Our Mission is to support families and communities worldwide on their self-directed path out of poverty, and our vision is a world where all people have the opportunity, dignity, and resources to thrive.
We’re seeking a Vice President of Philanthropy to lead and expand transformational giving strategies that deepen donor relationships and accelerate Unbound’s global impact. Ideally suited for a dynamic and visionary fundraising executive, this role is responsible for shaping and executing a bold, comprehensive philanthropy strategy that inspires generosity, builds enduring partnerships, and fuels sustainable revenue growth across major gifts, planned gifts, and institutional funding.
How You’ll Make an Impact
Reporting to the Chief Growth Officer, the Vice President of Philanthropy will play a central role in advancing Unbound’s first multi-year, comprehensive fundraising campaign by building a high-performing, donor-centered fundraising ecosystem. The VP will align strategy, systems, and teams to cultivate meaningful donor relationships and translate generosity into lasting impact.
This leader will inspire and develop a collaborative, results-driven team while strengthening a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence. By leveraging data, insights, and trends in philanthropy, the VP will enhance revenue performance, influence organizational strategy, and expand Unbound’s reach among high-capacity donors and partners.
With a focus on long-term growth and mission alignment, this role will champion bold ideas, elevate donor engagement, and ensure every philanthropic partnership reflects Unbound’s values of dignity, trust, and mutual respect.

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in philanthropy, fundraising, or related fields, with demonstrated success leading large-scale, multi-year campaigns.
• Proven track record of closing major and transformational gifts and growing revenue across diverse fundraising channels.
• Experience working in nonprofit or donor-driven organizations; background in international development or global nonprofit work strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of major gifts, planned giving, grants, and donor engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and steward relationships with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth donors.
• Strategic thinker with a data-informed, results-driven approach to fundraising and donor development.
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience building, mentoring, and inspiring high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and the use of analytics to inform strategy and performance.
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, or related field; advanced degree or certifications preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 25%; primarily domestic, with occasional international travel.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English or other relevant languages a plus.
• Passion, integrity, and a mission-driven leadership style aligned with Unbound’s values.

Nice To Haves

• Background in international development or global nonprofit work
• Advanced degree or certifications
• Bilingual in Spanish/English or other relevant languages

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, multi-year philanthropy strategy aligned with Unbound’s mission and growth goals.
• Champion a transformative fundraising campaign that expands support across major, planned, and institutional giving.
• Design and implement strategies to grow and diversify revenue streams while deepening donor engagement.
• Establish clear goals, metrics, and accountability systems to measure and optimize fundraising performance.
• Drive significant revenue growth across all non-sponsorship fundraising channels, including major gifts, planned gifts, grants, and matching gifts.
• Develop and execute long-term strategies to expand donor pipelines and increase donor lifetime value.
• Leverage data, analytics, and reporting tools to inform decision-making and improve fundraising effectiveness.
• Inspire, mentor, and lead a high-performing team with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Foster a culture of accountability, professional growth, and mission-driven performance.
• Partner closely with Marketing, Communications, Donor Experience, Product, and International Programs to ensure cohesive donor journeys and compelling engagement strategies.
• Contribute as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, shaping organizational strategy and growth.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth donors, personally managing a portfolio of key supporters.
• Represent Unbound externally, building trust and inspiring investment from donors, foundations, and partners.
• Guide the development of compelling proposals, impact reports, and donor communications that reflect Unbound’s mission and values.
• Identify and expand opportunities for strategic partnerships that enhance philanthropic impact.
• Strengthen fundraising systems, processes, and technologies to support scalable growth and effective donor management.
• Stay current on philanthropy trends and apply innovative approaches to donor engagement and revenue growth.
• Ensure the ethical and effective use of data to personalize donor experiences and build long-term relationships.

Benefits

• Generous healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision with your choice of two plans.
• Hybrid work policy and flexibility that offers work/life balance with the ability to work from home 2-3 days/week.
• 12 paid holidays and one floating holiday to use on a date of your choosing.
• 1 volunteer day.
• 20 days paid time off with additional days for tenure.
• Generous parental leave policy.
• 403b plan that contributes 6% of gross income towards your retirement account that is automatically vested.

What This Job Offers

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