Director of Philanthropy

Director of Philanthropy
 Where mission meets generosity—and you help make it possible.

Are you a passionate fundraising professional looking for a role where your work directly transforms the lives of older adults? At Sayre Christian Village, we believe philanthropy is ministry in action. When you connect donors to our mission, you help create hope, dignity, and purpose for the seniors we serve. If you’re energized by relationship-building, storytelling, and creating meaningful giving opportunities, we invite you to apply.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

Supportive & Mission-Driven Environment – Join a team that values compassion, collaboration, and service.
Room to Grow – Expand your skills with ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.
Work-Life Balance – Enjoy generous PTO and additional holidays.
Competitive Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, retirement, and more.
Award-Winning Workplace – Voted Lexington’s Best Retirement Community 9 years running!

Your Role & Responsibilities:

As Director of Philanthropy, you’ll lead the strategy and execution of fundraising efforts that fuel our mission. You’ll cultivate meaningful relationships, develop impactful campaigns, and champion the stories that inspire giving.

You will:

• Research and pursue grant opportunities, collaborating with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) on submissions and funding strategy.
• Deeply understand and authentically communicate Sayre Christian Village’s mission, vision, and values to donors, partners, and the community.
• Create annual fundraising budgets and forecasts using historical trends and campaign data.
• Lead planning and strategy for major fundraising events, including the annual events, annual days of giving, memorial giving, and pop-up campaigns.
• Analyze fundraising outcomes to guide and improve future efforts.
• Partner with the COO on donor-focused communication across print, digital, and advertising channels.
• Manage event logistics, including swag, sponsorships, and silent auction contributions.
• Foster relationships with current donors while identifying new sources of philanthropic support through businesses, sponsors, churches, and community partners.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of donor engagement through personal visits, calls, meetings, and events—with a focus on securing transformational gifts.
• Track progress and provide regular reporting to the COO.
• Engage SCV staff and volunteers in internal fundraising efforts to strengthen culture and mission connection.
• Coordinate volunteer relationships with the Life Enrichment Director when those partnerships overlap with donor cultivation.
• Maintain accurate data and reporting systems, recommending improvements as needed.

What You Bring to the Team:

A storyteller’s heart – You know how to connect mission with generosity in ways that move people to give.
A relationship-builder – You thrive on meeting new people and nurturing meaningful donor relationships.
A bias for action – You’re proactive, self-motivated, and always looking for ways to grow support for our mission.
A strategic mindset – You plan thoughtfully, analyze outcomes, and build for long-term impact.
A passion for serving seniors – You believe in the power of faith-based nonprofit work and want to make a difference.

Qualifications & Skills:

• BS/BA preferred with at least 3 years of fundraising or philanthropy experience.
• Proven success in building and managing partnerships that drive revenue.
• Experience researching and applying for grants (local, state, and federal).
• Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• High proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Office, and Canva.
• Experience planning and executing large-scale events.
• Outstanding communication skills.
• Self-starter who identifies opportunities and brings forward solutions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Join us during an exciting season of growth at Sayre Christian Village as we strengthen and expand our Lexington campus through major renovations and new development. Your work will help build a lasting legacy for the seniors we serve.

Recognized for Excellence

Sayre Christian Village is honored as the Herald-Leader’s Best Retirement Community for nine consecutive years—and we’re consistently recognized for Best Assisted Living, Best Rehabilitation, Best Independent Living, Best Apartment Complex, Best Physical Therapy, and Best Nonprofit.

Join Our Family Today!

Ready to use your gifts to make a profound impact? Apply now and be part of a community that cares deeply—for its residents, its team, and its mission.