Chief Development and Philanthropy Officer
Williamsburg, VA - USA
Job Summary
JOB SUMMARY
The Chief Development & Philanthropy Officer guides the strategic vision and day-to-day execution of Williamsburg Landings comprehensive fundraising initiatives. Reporting directly to the President/Chief Executive Officer this position will plan and coordinate all community-wide fundraising programs provide professional strategic support to the Development Committee of the Board of Directors and actively participate in the solicitation of major gifts and contributions. This role is central to identifying building and nurturing authentic long-term relationships with key donors prospects and institutional funding sources to advance the organizations mission.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team this position will work collaboratively with the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer the Chairman of the Development Committee of the Board of Directors and the President of the Residents Council.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Strategic Fundraising & Leadership
- Annual Strategy & Planning: Design recommend and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plancomplete with strategic objectives financial goals and action plansaligned with Williamsburg Landing policies for approval by the CEO and Development Committee.
- Campaign Execution: Identify and recommend innovative fundraising activities to the CEO and spearhead their operational execution.
- Industry Best Practices: Stay abreast of philanthropic trends and successful development models at benchmark institutions to ensure Williamsburg Landing offers cutting-edge compliant giving opportunities.
- Budgetary Oversight: Formulate the annual department budget and maintain strict fiscal management throughout the year.
Donor Cultivation & Community Engagement
- Major Gift Solicitation: Participate in high-level fundraising initiatives and strategically support the CEO and key volunteers in soliciting major contributions.
- Prospect Research: Design and execute a sophisticated prospect identification research and evaluation program to build a robust pipeline.
- Donor Relations & Stewardship: Establish a comprehensive donor relations program to sustain meaningful long-term contact with past current and prospective donors.
- Community Advocacy: Maintain an active visible presence within the greater Williamsburg community by attending and participating in civic and service organizations events to elevate the profile of Williamsburg Landing.
Financial Management Compliance & Governance
- Financial Controls: Partner closely with the Chief Financial Officer and the Finance & Accounting team to establish and maintain rigorous financial controls.
- Gift Accounting & Gift Acceptance: Coordinate with Finance & Accounting on the receipt and proper allocation of all philanthropic gifts. Establish comprehensive giving policies including clear guidelines on the acceptance/rejection of complex gifts.
- Restricted Fund Stewardship: Ensure restricted gifts are utilized strictly in accordance with donor intent and proactively communicate impact to instances where a restriction cannot be met negotiate alternative uses.
- Tax Compliance: Oversee the preparation and issuance of accurate tax acknowledgement letters for all forms of giving (cash property bequests charitable gift annuities and other sophisticated financial instruments).
- Reporting & Advisory: Provide regular comprehensive progress reports to keep the CEO Development Committee and key stakeholders fully informed of fundraising performance and milestones.
Communications Events & Volunteer Management
- Marketing & Collateral: Plan and oversee the creation and distribution of compelling informational development and promotional materials.
- Educational Programming: Host annual educational events at Williamsburg Landing to inform stakeholders about philanthropic opportunities as well as the legal and financial aspects of planned giving.
- Volunteer Mobilization: Activate and organize specialized fundraising task forces from Williamsburg Landings volunteer groups; lead recruitment efforts and maintain effective communication to support development initiatives.
Counsel & Administration
- External Counsel Management: Evaluate the organizations need for independent fundraising counsel and in partnership with the CEO negotiate contracts and oversee their work.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelors degree in Business Administration Nonprofit Management Communications or a related field preferred
- Five or more (5) years of progressive leadership experience in development and fundraising roles with a strong preference for candidates from the senior living healthcare or higher education sectors
- Proven track record of success in major gift cultivation with specialized expertise in planned giving deferred giving and capital campaigns
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- In-depth knowledge of modern development and philanthropy best practices institutional funding sources and the complex tax and legal implications of various gift vehicles
- Strategic thinker capable of exercising sound professional judgment translating high-level vision into actionable campaign plans and delivering measurable results
- Advanced proficiency with donor databases/fundraising management software (e.g. PG Calc Crescendo etc.) Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
- Exceptional ability to build authentic high-trust relationships; anticipate the needs of executive leadership and Board members; and serve as an articulate ambassador to residents and community partners
- Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to design write and format high-impact campaign materials with meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to work as a team or independently and be self-motivated and goal oriented maintaining shared accountability for operational excellence financial performance and resident satisfaction with donor programs
- Exceptional administrative and time-management skills with a proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
- Absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional integrity ethical fundraising codes and strict donor confidentiality
- Proven ability to motivate mentor train and evaluate a high-performing team
- Ability to perform occasional physical tasks throughout the day including standing walking and lifting up to 10 lbs. and to move about the community as required to provide operational oversight of events attend meetings visit residents and host participate in or present at activities as needed.
Required Experience:
Chief
About Company
Williamsburg Landing, the area's premier Life Plan community, offers a vibrant, maintenance-free lifestyle and guaranteed access to higher levels of healthcare so you can enjoy your independence to its fullest.