Director of Philanthropy

A New Era of Philanthropic Partnership

Edgar Cayces A.R.E. stands at an extraordinary inflection point. After nearly a century of transforming lives through the wisdom of the Edgar Cayce readings we are entering a bold new chapterone that reimagines philanthropy not as transactional fundraising but as sacred partnership.

We seek a visionary Director of Philanthropy who understands that fundraising at its essence is ministry. Someone who recognizes that donors are not sources of funding but partners in purpose. Someone who sees their role not as extracting gifts but as facilitating the spiritual fulfillment of those called to advance this work.

This is not a traditional development position. This is a transformational leadership opportunity to build something enduring.

Who We Are

Founded by Edgar Cayce in 1931 A.R.E. is an $8M$10M nonprofit headquartered in Virginia Beach with Edgar Cayce Centers in 37 countries and members across more than 70. Our mission is to create opportunities for profound personal change in body mind and spiritthrough holistic health dreams intuition meditation ancient mysteries personal spirituality and the timeless wisdom of the Cayce material. Affiliated entities include Atlantic University the Cayce/Reilly School of Massage and the A.R.E. Health Center & Spa.

The Opportunity

Under the leadership of a new CEO committed to stability engagement and long-term vision A.R.E. is building its philanthropy infrastructure from the ground up. The Director of Philanthropy will be the founding architect of a donor-centered culture that creates the conditions for philanthropy to flourish naturally.

You will have extraordinary autonomy executive support and cutting-edge resourcesincluding engagement fundraising technology and partnership with leading nonprofit consultants. The role carries significant responsibility for advancing A.R.E.s mission into its second century with potential capital campaign opportunities on the horizon.

Core Philosophy: Partnership Not Persuasion

Sustained fundraising success comes from creating the conditions that allow philanthropy to flower naturallynot from extracting gifts through pressure. The Director will embody this conviction:

Donor as Hero Fundraiser as Guide. Donors are not means to organizational ends. They are individuals advancing their own hero story through transformative giving. You are the trusted guide who helps them discover meaning and spiritual fulfillment.

Partnership Over Gift-Getting. Long-term relationships outweigh short-term wins. You will have organizational commitment to invest 69 months (or longer) in authentic engagement before solicitation.

Listening Before Asking. Through surveys conversations and genuine curiosity you will discover the animating passions of A.R.E.s community and align them with organizational priorities.

Ministry Not Manipulation. A.R.E.s work is spiritual in nature. You will approach this role with pastoral sensibilitynot the transactional mindset of someone making the ask.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Serve on the executive leadership team; help shape organizational strategy and long-range planning.

Develop and execute a comprehensive data-informed philanthropic strategy aligned with mission and values.

Lead the transformation from transactional fundraising to relationship-based partnership; establish metrics benchmarks and accountability systems.

Prepare for and potentially lead future capital campaign initiatives in partnership with the CEO and Board.

Team Building & Management

Recruit hire train and supervise a growing philanthropy team (building to 4 positions including Associate Philanthropy

Officer Legacy Giving Officer and Stewardship Officer).

Provide coaching mentorship and professional development; create a collaborative mission-driven culture.

Partner with a nonprofit consultant to ensure best practices and strategic guidance.

Donor Engagement & Portfolio Management

Personally manage a portfolio of 5075 major gift and legacy prospects.

Design engagement strategies using supporter connection surveys and data analytics.

Conduct meaningful qualification cultivation and stewardship through visits calls and correspondence.

Match donor passions with organizational needs; create opportunities for donors to experience A.R.E.s mission firsthand.

Program Development

Design and oversee annual giving mid-level major gifts and planned/legacy giving programs.

Develop and manage the Edgar Cayce Legacy Society and donor recognition programs.

Establish gift acceptance policies for complex assets; stay current on tax law and planned giving vehicles.

Continuously improve donor retention currently at 41%.

Cross-Organizational Collaboration & Systems

Partner with Marketing on aligned respectful donor communications; collaborate with program leaders to identify fundable priorities.

Work with Finance on gift processing acknowledgment and reporting.

Leverage the Aptify CRM and engagement fundraising technology to track cultivation and optimize donor experiences.

Train and equip staff Board and volunteers in their roles supporting philanthropic partnerships.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Bachelors degree required (business communications nonprofit management or related); Masters preferred.

Minimum 710 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience with a demonstrable track record.

Proven success in donor-centered relationship-based philanthropy (not transactional fundraising).

Deep expertise in major gifts and planned/legacy giving; experience leading high-performing teams.

Demonstrated success across annual giving capital campaigns foundation/corporate relations stewardship and database management.

Background in nonprofit leadership with executive-level responsibilities.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

Donor-Centered Philosophy. Deep commitment to ethical relationship-based philanthropy. Ability to resist pressure for short-term results in favor of sustainable growth. A pastoral approachabsorbing chaos projecting calm giving hope.

Relationship & Emotional Intelligence. Exceptional interpersonal skills; deep listening; high EQ maturity and self-awareness; natural curiosity about what matters most to others.

Strategic Thinking & Leadership. Visionary yet pragmatic; experience leading change and building programs from the ground up; strong analytical skills; entrepreneurial mindset.

Communication & Influence. Outstanding written and verbal communication; ability to craft compelling emotionally resonant cases for support; persuasive without being manipulative.

Technical Competency. Proficiency with donor databases (Aptify strongly preferred); openness to marketing automation; advanced Microsoft Office skills; data-driven mindset.

Mission Alignment. Knowledge of and appreciation for Edgar Cayces philosophy and the principles in the readings (kindness active patience service orientation). Understanding that A.R.E.s work is spiritual in natureakin to ministry.

Personal Qualities

Uncompromising integrity. Humility balanced with confidence. Resilience and grace under rejection. A solution-oriented attitude a commitment to lifelong learning and a good sense of humor.

Working Conditions

Flexible schedule including occasional evenings/weekends; travel approximately 2030%. Ability to navigate uneven ground and stairs in historical buildings lift up to 25 lbs. and sustain extended computer work. Valid drivers license required.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary $125000$150000 commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits including health insurance retirement plan paid time off professional development and access to A.R.E. programs and services.

To Apply

Please submit (1) a cover letter explaining your fundraising philosophy and why youre drawn to A.R.E.s mission (2) a resume highlighting relevant experience and (3) three professional references (only if advancing in process).

Submit to:

Application Deadline: Until Filled

Equal Employment Opportunity

Edgar Cayces A.R.E. evaluates all applicants without regard to sex race religion marital status sexual orientation age national origin color veteran status non-disqualifying disability genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Closing Thought

If you are called to help others discover their purpose through philanthropyand to build a new model of fundraising rooted in partnership dignity and spiritual fulfillmentwe invite you to explore this opportunity.