VP Engagement and Philanthropy

CHATTANOOGA GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INC • Chattanooga, TN

2d • $1 - $1 • Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President of Engagement & Philanthropy provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area’s engagement ecosystem—including marketing, communications, branding, public relations, advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement. This role ensures that all internal and external touchpoints reflect a consistent, compelling, and mission-aligned narrative that strengthens brand awareness, deepens community relationships, increases donor investment, and enhances organizational culture. Serving as a key member of the leadership team, the VP translates organizational priorities into integrated engagement and philanthropy strategies that connect retail performance, mission outcomes, and community impact into a unified story that inspires support and drives measurable results.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Policy, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in marketing, communications, or related field, with at least 5 years in senior leadership.
• Demonstrated experience leading marketing, communications, and/or fund development functions.
• Experience in fundraising, donor engagement, or philanthropic strategies preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License and Car Insurance Verification, required.
• Must pass MVR check and maintain a good driving record.
• Expertise in public relations, media relations, branding, and communication strategy development.
• Strong leadership and team management capability, including coaching and performance development.
• Advanced strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with ability to deliver measurable outcomes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and executive messaging.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and influence diverse stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support Chattanooga Goodwill’s Mission, Vision, and Values through words and actions; furthermore, actions and decisions will align with organizational guiding principles.
• Maintain agency, employee, and participants confidentiality. Violation of confidentiality may be cause for termination.
• Champion and model Goodwill’s Mission, Vision, and Values in all engagement strategies and communications.
• Ensure all messaging and experiences reinforce the organization’s purpose: transforming potential into opportunity.
• Promote stewardship, transparency, and service excellence across all engagement activities.
• Ensure messaging and stakeholder experiences reinforce the organization’s purpose.
• Provide leadership and oversight for marketing, communications, branding, public relations, advocacy, and fund development functions.
• Partner with the President & CEO and executive leadership to align engagement strategies with organizational priorities.
• Serve as a strategic advisor on brand strategy, stakeholder engagement, and philanthropic growth.
• Develop short- and long-range strategies aligned with mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Oversee development and execution of integrated marketing and communications strategies.
• Serve as chief brand steward, ensuring brand integrity and alignment with mission and values.
• Lead messaging strategy across digital, social, print, and internal platforms.
• Drive storytelling efforts that connect retail operations to mission outcomes (“story behind the store”).
• Partner with the Donor Engagement & Experience Manager in the development and advancement of strategies that strengthen donor acquisition (donors of household goods), engagement, and retention strategies.
• Develop and lead a comprehensive fund development program including fundraising, grant development, sponsorships, and donor engagement (monetary).
• Create and execute strategies for donor acquisition, retention, and relationship development.
• Develop compelling cases for support tied to program outcomes and community impact.
• Partner with leadership and the Board to strengthen philanthropic investment, community relationships, and long-term sustainability.
• Lead public relations strategy, including media relations, reputation management, and advocacy initiatives.
• Develop partnerships with community leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to advance mission visibility.
• Represent the organization at community, business, and civic events to increase awareness and engagement.
• Drive advocacy efforts that support public policy and community impact initiatives.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships that expand mission reach, community impact, and organizational sustainability.
• Oversee planning and execution of organizational events, including fundraising, relationship-building, community engagement events, and internal celebrations.
• Ensure events align with strategic goals and deliver measurable engagement and fundraising outcomes.
• Strengthen stakeholder experience through meaningful, mission-driven engagement opportunities.
• Develop internal communication strategies that drive employee engagement and alignment.
• Ensure leadership messaging is clear, consistent, and mission focused.
• Support recognition, storytelling, and culture-building initiatives.
• Establish KPIs to measure engagement effectiveness (brand awareness, donor growth, campaign ROI, etc.).
• Analyze data to refine strategies and improve results.
• Lead continuous improvement across all engagement and philanthropy functions.
• Serve as a connector across departments to ensure alignment of messaging and engagement strategies.
• Translate operational and programmatic outcomes into meaningful external and internal communications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employee discount
• 401K and Roth retirement plans with matching contribution after eligibility
• Dental and vision insurance Company Paid for employee
• Basic life insurance 1.5 times salary, Company Paid for employee
• Primary Care through TextCare- Company Paid for household
• Voluntary Benefits such as Term life Insurance, Disability Insurances, and ID Theft Medical Insurance and Health Savings Account
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program, Potential of up to three weeks during the first year

What This Job Offers

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