Strategic Philanthropy Advisor

At Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, we are dedicated to fostering equity and inclusion. Our organization thrives when every member of the community we serve is included in the conversations, helping us ensure that all our neighbors have sufficient access to food. We invite candidates from all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, gender, sexual orientation and abilities to join our team. 

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: External Affairs - Development

Reports to: Director of Major & Planned Giving

Date of Posting: 04/06/2026

How to Apply: Please fill out the attached application AND include a Resume & Cover Letter with your application. 

Job Summary:  

The Strategic Philanthropy Advisor is an exceptional facilitator and intellectually curious professional who builds authentic relationships between donors and the Food Bank and closes outright and deferred gifts in the $25K and above range. They operate in a team environment with a Donor Relations Manager and Donor Relations Specialist(s) under the Director of Major and Planned Giving as part of the Philanthropy Team within the External Affairs Department. The Strategic Philanthropy Advisor adheres to the highest ethical standards, espouses an empathetic disposition, and demonstrates perseverance and respect for neighbors whom we serve. 

The incumbent should demonstrate a passion for social good and philanthropic engagement, have a proven record of soliciting and securing major and planned gifts at a significant level, provide outstanding customer service, see fundraising as a collaborative effort, and be able to build positive relationships with internal and external customers. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Personally solicit meaningful outright and deferred gifts from individual and family foundation donors and prospects in the $25K and above range.
• Manage a portfolio of 100+ qualified and prospective major and principal gift donors.
• Work with assigned board members on their personal engagement with the Food Bank.
• Achieve annual fundraising and activity goals that result in long-term fundraising growth over time.
• Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle, including :

          - Gather data, research, and qualify prospects

          - Initiate contacts with potential major and planned giving prospects

          - Develop appropriate cultivation strategies involving programmatic staff, executive team, and board members that move   

             potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation

          - Plan and make compelling personal solicitations

          - Create and execute stewardship contacts with donors

• Offer prospect strategy counsel to the Executive Team, Philanthropy staff and others who are managing portfolios.
• Monitor all prospect contacts to ensure positive and purposeful donor relations.
• Utilize the CRM to track donor interactions, cultivation plans, and proposals and keep records up to date.
• Attend professional development activities that broaden knowledge and perspective of major and planned giving techniques.
• Lead relationship building efforts with affiliated professionals (CPAs, estate lawyers, and financial advisors) to deepen connections between their clients and the Food Bank.
• Collaborate with colleagues to design and execute a principal gift stewardship program.
• Take leadership role, as assigned, in External Affairs’ annual department workplan activities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, masters preferred; CFRE certification is a plus.
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience as a portfolio-based frontline fundraiser. Evidence of successfully building relationships that have led to major and principal level support over time.
• Track record of successfully closing major ($100K+) and planned gifts using strategic cultivation activities.
• Experience soliciting gifts using complex, blended and/or non-cash giving vehicles.
• Ability to independently create compelling proposals and accompanying gift agreements.
• Exceptional donor relations experience, with a track record of going above and beyond to inspire and delight high-level supporters.
• Ability to travel locally to meet with supporters and work outside typical hours as needed.
• Excellent interpersonal skills both in person, virtually and by phone, with high professionalism.
• Familiarity with and interest in staying up to date on advanced philanthropic vehicles such as gifts of non-cash assets and estate planning. Campaign experience a plus.
• Ability to complete assignments and achieve goals with little supervision. Fantastic customer service ethic and high expectations for quality.
• Persistent, thoughtful and ethical approach to relationship building.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing, proof reading skills, and speaking.
• Proficient using the latest versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, mail merges, donor database systems, email and web searches.
• Valid driver’s license
• Act 33 & 34 Clearances

Disclaimer: 

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all responsibilities, duties,