Director of Philanthropy, Donor Groups

The Director of Philanthropy, Donor Groups will lead efforts to build and strengthen relationships with council members and major donors who support the Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) and its Woman to Woman Conference. This externally focused position will be responsible for cultivating, managing, and engaging high-net-worth individuals and corporate sponsors through the annual fundraising event. The Director will work collaboratively with internal teams to develop donor-specific materials, including proposals, event communications, and impact reports, to ensure continued donor engagement and retention.

The Director will drive the fundraising strategy to raise $1 million and attract 250-300+ high-net-worth attendees for the annual fundraiser, working with the WLN Executive Council. They’ll manage a Coordinator for event logistics and donor communications. This position requires a decisive leader, strong relationship management, and effective communication skills. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a similar field of study, or equivalent work experience. Certifications preferred: Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE). Project Management Professional (PMP or PMI).
• 5+ Years of Fundraising Experience with proven success in securing major gifts, managing donor relationships, and leading successful fundraising campaigns. 
• Experience working with major donors, particularly those making single gifts of over $10,000.
• Experience Working with Executives and Major Donors providing personalized attention and cultivating long-term relationships.
• Event Planning Experience (250-300+ Attendees)
• Extensive experience planning, executing, and managing large-scale annual fundraising events with 250-300 or more attendees.
• Strong experience managing and tracking event budgets of up to $250K, ensuring financial goals are met and expenses are properly monitored.
• Supervisory Experience (3+ Years) with proven experience managing direct reports, conducting performance reviews, overseeing workflow, timesheet management, and holding regular coaching meetings to monitor project status and performance.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Teams, and Excel. 
• Expertise in utilizing event planning tools, event registration tools, and run-of-show management. 
• Experience with Customer Relationship Management tools for data entry, reporting, and task management. 
• Raiser’s Edge and Salesforce experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills with particular attention to detail, grammar, spelling, and adherence to AP style guide for all communications. Ensure brand compliance across all materials.
• Must have reliable transportation for local travel to meet with donors, sponsors, and visit event venues.
• This is a hybrid work position: Three days a week in person is the minimum required, with two days a week offering the option for remote work-when possible, based on job responsibilities. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Relationship Building with Executive Council Members and Major Donors
• Collaboration for Donor-Specific Material Development
• Fundraising Strategy and Execution
• Executive Council Management and Engagement
• Corporate Sponsorships, Partnerships and Donor Stewardship
• Event Planning and Leadership
• Financial Oversight and Reporting
• Data Management and Analytics
• Supervision of Coordinator, Donor Groups
• Meet Critical Performance Metrics.

KEY PERSONAL TRAITS

• A proactive problem solver, strategic thinker, self-starter, and strong at follow-up.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team to drive results.
• Must have reliable transportation for local travel to meet with donors, sponsors, and visit event venues.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs; Ability to sit and stand for up to one hour at a time; Standing for extended periods is required, especially during event; Must be able to walk frequently between different locations within the building and at event venues; Ability to assist with physical set-up of events, including moving materials, loading and unloading event supplies, and adjusting seating arrangements; Frequent use of a computer for data entry, report generation, and communication. An employee must meet the physical demands described above to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made.

ABOUT JVS SOCAL

Founded in 1931, JVS-SoCal is a nonprofit, non-sectarian social service agency providing job training, education, career services, mentoring, and placement assistance to diverse and multicultural populations, transforming lives and empowering individuals to achieve sustainable employment and financial independence. JVS SoCal currently serves over 30,000 clients annually at over 20 locations throughout Southern California. As JVS SoCal continues to grow, we continue to look for qualified, dedicated staff to join us and play a role in transforming lives and bettering our communities throughout SoCal and beyond!

The JVS SoCal Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) is dedicated to empowering women through career transition, moving them to economic independence. WLN produces the Woman to Woman Conference, which raises awareness and critical funding to support programs aimed at helping women build lucrative, sustainable careers. This conference is the organization’s annual signature fundraising event. In addition, the WLN hosts woman-focused programs twice throughout the year and provides impact grants to women in the programs to help them overcome financial barriers in their career.